ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Oakland, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Oakland, 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
$7,600 – $13,915
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
$10,609
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 – $1,000
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$2,194 – $3,275
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$450 – $850
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$550 – $1,150
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,800 – $3,000
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$300 – $900
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$1,656 – $2,472
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$150 – $1,268
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
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| R3 new-construction plan review | From $336 | Formula | Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building section O-3, Building Construction Permits row D.1Confirms: The FY 2025-26 adopted schedule records the valuation rate and minimum for R3 new-construction plan review; it is historical evidence pending current City confirmation. |
| R3 repair, addition, or alteration plan review | From $336 | Formula | Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building section O-3, Building Construction Permits row D.3Confirms: The FY 2025-26 adopted schedule records the valuation rate and minimum for R3 repair, addition, or alteration plan review; it is historical evidence pending current City confirmation. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| R3 new-construction inspection | From $336 | Formula | Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building section O-3, Building Construction Permits row D.2Confirms: The FY 2025-26 adopted schedule records the valuation rate and minimum for R3 new-construction inspection; it is historical evidence pending current City confirmation. |
| R3 repair, addition, or alteration inspection | From $336 | Formula | Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building section O-3, Building Construction Permits row D.4Confirms: The FY 2025-26 adopted schedule records the valuation rate and minimum for R3 repair, addition, or alteration inspection; it is historical evidence pending current City confirmation. |
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 Oakland before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Oakland · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates