ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Orinda, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Orinda, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
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 – $16,800
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
$10,850
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$650 – $1,500
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,550 – $3,750
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,500 – $3,600
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$500 – $1,400
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,600 – $3,100
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$500 – $1,800
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$300 – $900
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$150 – $750
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa County Building Permit fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Building PermitsLocation: Building Permits, Building Permit Process, Contra Costa County — Building DepartmentConfirms: The City explicitly states it does not issue Building Permits and directs applicants to the County Building Department. |
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 (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, FeesConfirms: The live City page says no impact fees are assessed for ADUs smaller than 750 square feet. |
| ADU 750 sq ft or larger impact-fee rule | Set by City formula | Formula | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, FeesConfirms: The live City page provides the proportional method but no numerical 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 Orinda before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Orinda · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates