ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Newark, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Newark, 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
$6,260 – $12,280
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
$8,995
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$350 – $700
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,050 – $1,800
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,460 – $1,930
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$400 – $750
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,500 – $3,700
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$250 – $2,900
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$200 – $400
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$50 – $100
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Permit fee by total valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, pp. 31–33, Building Inspection, Building PermitsConfirms: The current City schedule gives the valuation brackets and directs staff to charge the higher resulting method for small projects. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-check fee | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, p. 30, Building Inspection, Plan CheckConfirms: The current City schedule identifies the valuation-based plan-check table and the scope it includes, but project classification is required to select the exact branch. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU under 750 sq ft impact-fee exemption | $0 | Flat fee | Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: Accessory Dwelling Units page, Impact FeesConfirms: The current City ADU page says impact fees do not apply to ADUs under 750 square feet. |
| ADU 750 sq ft or larger impact-fee calculation rule | Set by City formula | Formula | Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: Accessory Dwelling Units page, Impact FeesConfirms: The live City page provides the current threshold and proportional rule; its available numerical handout predates the current fiscal year and is not used as a current rate. |
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 Newark before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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