ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Pleasanton, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Pleasanton, 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
$13,919 – $21,107
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
$16,560
Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.
Where the money goes
These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.
- Building plan check$1,684 – $3,054
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,245 – $3,054
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$2,620 – $3,100
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$7,182 – $11,500
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$112 – $153
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$76 – $246
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 | Set by City formula | Formula | Building Permit and Plan Review FeesLocation: Building Permit and Plan Review Fees, p. 3, Building Permit Fee TableConfirms: The January 1, 2026 City table supplies the permit-fee valuation formula used for permit types not billed at fixed fees. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Plan Review fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Building Permit and Plan Review FeesLocation: Building Permit and Plan Review Fees, pp. 1–2, Plan Review FeesConfirms: The January 1, 2026 City schedule sets the standard and Life/Safety/Egress plan-review formulas and conditions. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU/JADU Capital Facilities Fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, p. 3, Capital Facilities Fee, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling UnitsConfirms: The revised February 1, 2026 City schedule states the ADU/JADU threshold, housing-type rates, and required lesser-of calculation. |
| ADU/JADU Transportation Development Fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, p. 4, Transportation Development Fee, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling UnitsConfirms: The revised February 1, 2026 City schedule states the current ADU/JADU transportation threshold, housing-type rates, and lesser-of formula. |
| Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee for ADU | $0 | Flat fee | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, p. 5, Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee, ResidentialConfirms: The City’s February 2026 handout lists the ADU category at $0.00 for the third-party Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU sewer connection fee | $2.22 / sq ft | Per square foot | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, p. 6, Sewer Connection Fees, Typical Wastewater Characteristic Factors & Unit Connection FeesConfirms: The City’s current handout separates the City $2.22/sq-ft ADU sewer connection component from the regional DSRSD component. |
| DSRSD ADU sewer connection fee | $9.75 / sq ft | Per square foot | Development FeesLocation: Development Fees, p. 6, Sewer Connection Fees, Typical Wastewater Characteristic Factors & Unit Connection FeesConfirms: The February 2026 City handout lists the separately collected DSRSD ADU sewer connection component at $9.75 per square foot. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Technology Fee | 5% formula | Formula | Building Permit and Plan Review FeesLocation: Building Permit and Plan Review Fees, p. 4, Technology FeeConfirms: The City January 2026 schedule lists a 5% Technology Fee on total permit fees. |
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 Pleasanton before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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