ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Novato, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Novato, 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
$8,306 – $11,728
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
$9,986
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$400 – $650
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$2,396 – $3,236
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,995 – $4,045
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$898 – $1,214
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,077 – $1,833
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$300 – $450
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$120 – $150
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$120 – $150
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 valuation | From $188 | Formula | Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026-27 Master Fee Schedule, Building Fees, Permit Fee for New BuildingsConfirms: The current City schedule gives the valuation brackets and MEP additions. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-review fee | From $79 | Formula | Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026-27 Master Fee Schedule, Building Plan Review FeesConfirms: The current schedule supplies the standard plan-review percentage and minimum. |
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 Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: ADU page, Utilities and Special CircumstancesConfirms: The live City page says development impact fees are required only for ADUs 750 square feet or larger. |
| Larger-ADU development impact-fee rule | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: ADU page, Utilities and Special Circumstances; FY2026-27 Development Impact FeesConfirms: The City establishes the ADU threshold but the correct development-impact category depends on project classification. |
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 Novato before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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