ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in San Anselmo, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in San Anselmo, 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
$9,713 – $15,309
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
$12,481
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$150 – $500
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,864 – $2,530
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,868 – $3,893
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$1,291 – $1,752
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,400 – $3,060
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$850 – $2,800
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$180 – $520
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$110 – $254
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 | From $206 | Formula | Schedule of User FeesLocation: Schedule of User Fees, Building, Proposed FY26-27 Building Valuation TableConfirms: The current effective schedule supplies the FY2026-27 valuation formula and associated discipline fees. |
| Affordable ADU Building Permit fee waiver | $0 | Flat fee | Schedule of User FeesLocation: Schedule of User Fees, Building, CEQA Notice of Exemption noteConfirms: The effective Town schedule expressly waives the Building Permit fee for the specified 55-year affordable-ADU condition. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-check fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Schedule of User FeesLocation: Schedule of User Fees, Building, Fee for Building Permit Plan-CheckConfirms: The effective FY2026-27 schedule gives the standard plan-check percentage. |
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 | Ordinance No. 1188, ADU and JADU ApprovalsLocation: Ordinance No. 1188, 10-6.103(g)(1), Impact FeesConfirms: The Town ordinance expressly prohibits impact fees for ADUs under 750 square feet. |
| Larger-ADU impact-fee rule | Set by City formula | Formula | Ordinance No. 1188, ADU and JADU ApprovalsLocation: Ordinance No. 1188, 10-6.103(g)(1), Impact FeesConfirms: The ordinance sets a proportional method but not a single project-independent amount. |
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 San Anselmo before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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