ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Morgan Hill, California

GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Morgan Hill, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.

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1 fee line

ADU size

California prohibits development impact fees for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less, so the 749 / 750 / 751 steps are worth comparing.

Estimated total

GetYourPermit researched range at 750 sq ft

$6,750 – $15,150

This estimate combines our fee-schedule research and project-planning experience. Actual charges vary by parcel, plans, valuation, utilities, and outside agencies.

Typical planning amount

$10,500

Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.

Where the money goes

These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.

  • Separate planning / zoning fee$500 – $1,100

    Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.

  • Building plan check$1,850 – $4,150

    The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.

  • Building permit issuance$2,250 – $4,900

    The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.

  • Separate trade permits$650 – $1,350

    Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.

  • School district fees$600 – $1,600

    Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.

  • Utility fees$450 – $1,150

    Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.

  • Processing, inspection & records$300 – $600

    Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.

  • Surcharges, taxes & state fees$150 – $300

    Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.

The darker segment is the low end of the range; the full bar is the high end.

Published fee references

Building permit issuance

The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.

FeeAmountBasisSource
Current ADU building and plan-review feesVerify on the City’s official websiteVerify on the City’s official website
Fee SchedulesLocation: Fee Schedules page, Permit Fees and Plan Review Fees sections; ADU page, Planning confirmation sectionConfirms: Current fee-table amounts are not published with a current effective date in reviewed official material.

These are estimates, not official fees

Use these figures for early budgeting only. They are not a quote, not a government fee determination, and not legal advice. Actual fees depend on your parcel, your plans, your construction valuation, your utility provider, and the fee schedule in force on the day your permit is issued. Confirm every number with Morgan Hill before you commit money.

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