ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Piedmont, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Piedmont, 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
$8,865 – $16,465
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
$11,765
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$1,015
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,400 – $3,050
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,800 – $4,050
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$550 – $1,350
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,800 – $4,200
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$500 – $1,600
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$400 – $600
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$400 – $600
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 calculated in eTRAKiT | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Planning and Building Permit fees and paymentsLocation: Planning and Building Permit fees and payments, Building permit feesConfirms: The live City page confirms the components and eTRAKiT calculation method but does not expose the numerical valuation table in HTML. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU planning permit fee | $1,015 | Flat fee | Get permits for an accessory dwelling unitLocation: Get permits for an ADU, Need to know, CostsConfirms: The current City ADU page lists a $1,015 ADU permit fee and a stated pre-approved-plan waiver condition. |
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 Piedmont before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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