ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Pacific Grove, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Pacific Grove, 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
$3,450 – $10,150
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
$6,250
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 – $850
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,100 – $3,000
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,000 – $2,750
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$400 – $1,100
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$300 – $1,100
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$150 – $850
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$120 – $400
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$30 – $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 and plan-review fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Fee ScheduleLocation: City Fee Schedule page, FY26-27 effective-date notice; City Building Permits page, Fees and Plan Review ProcessConfirms: Official sources establish the fee path and a dated transition, but do not support a stable current numerical City building or plan-review amount on the access date. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU and JADU impact-fee rule | From $0 | Formula | Ordinance 23-011, Pacific Grove Municipal Code Chapter 23.80 — Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: Ordinance 23-011, PGMC 23.80.070(a), page 9 — Impact FeesConfirms: The City ordinance explicitly gives the zero threshold and proportionality rule while distinguishing impact fees from water and sewer connection/capacity charges. |
School district fees
Developer fees charged by the local school district.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| School fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Building Permits and InspectionsLocation: City Building Permits page, permit requirements and FeesConfirms: The City identifies the threshold for a possible school-fee path but supplies no school-district rate or classification. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water, sewer, and external-agency lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)Location: City ADU page; City Building Permits page, Additional permits/approvals; Ordinance 23-011, PGMC 23.80.070(b), page 9Confirms: Official City materials establish the conditional conversion rule and name the responsible external paths, but do not establish parcel-specific utility or outside-agency amounts. |
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 Pacific Grove before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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