ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Mountain View, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Mountain View, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
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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
$10,565 – $14,963
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
$12,822
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$408
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$2,115 – $3,006
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$3,254 – $4,625
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$2,500 – $3,100
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$1,500 – $2,700
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$788 – $1,124
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.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation-based building permit | Set by City formula | Formula | Building Permit FeesLocation: Building Permit Fees, Building and Fire Permit Fee tableConfirms: The City supplies the valuation bands and links the current ICC minimum-valuation document used to set the valuation floor. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit plan check review | 65% formula | Formula | Building Permit FeesLocation: Building Permit Fees, Plan Check Review tableConfirms: The City lists Building Permit Plan Check Review at 65% of the building permit. |
| ADU planning staff review | $408 | Flat fee | Building Permit FeesLocation: Building Permit Fees, Planning Staff Review tableConfirms: The City lists $408 for Planning Staff Review of single-family residential, duplex, and ADU additions or new construction. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit technology fee | 5% formula | Formula | Building Permit FeesLocation: Building Permit Fees, Technology Fee sectionConfirms: The City applies a 5% fee to the total cost of each building and fire permit and explains its collection timing. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Use Document Fee | 0.24% formula | Formula | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, Other Fees tableConfirms: The City lists a Land Use Document Fee of 0.24% of construction valuation, collected on all projects at building permit. |
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 Mountain View before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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