ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in San Bernardino, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in San Bernardino, 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
$5,600 – $11,750
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
$8,150
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$250 – $500
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$612 – $979
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,200 – $1,800
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$450 – $1,050
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,800 – $3,300
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$400 – $1,400
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$300 – $671
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$588 – $2,050
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family addition with a bath or kitchen | $1.92 / sq ft | Per square foot | Schedule of Fees - Building & Safety DivisionLocation: PDF page 2, B.1.a Single-Family Residential Construction - AdditionsConfirms: The 07/2020 schedule records the per-square-foot rate, minimum, and maximum for additions with a bath or kitchen; current-rate status is unconfirmed. |
| New in-fill or custom home up to 1,200 square feet | Verify on the City’s official website | Flat fee | Schedule of Fees - Building & Safety DivisionLocation: PDF page 4, Table 1B Building Permit Fees (In-Fill Homes), to 1,200 square feet rowConfirms: The 07/2020 Table 1B records $1,461 for an in-fill/custom home up to 1,200 square feet, excluding plan review and other charges; current-rate status is unconfirmed. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| One- and two-family residential plan-review hourly rate | Set by City formula | Formula | Schedule of Fees - Building & Safety DivisionLocation: PDF page 1, A.3 Hourly Plan Review RateConfirms: The linked City schedule prints a $122.37 in-house hourly input as of 07/2020; it is not a flat charge, and current-rate status is unconfirmed. |
| New one- or two-family dwelling plan review | Set by City formula | Formula | Schedule of Fees - Building & Safety DivisionLocation: PDF page 1, A.4 One and Two-Family Residential Construction - Plan ReviewConfirms: The July 2020 schedule specifies five hours and a $122.37 hourly input; City confirmation is required before treating the resulting amount as current. |
| One- or two-family dwelling addition plan review | Set by City formula | Formula | Schedule of Fees - Building & Safety DivisionLocation: PDF page 1, A.4 One and Two-Family Residential Construction - Plan ReviewConfirms: The July 2020 schedule specifies three hours and a $122.37 hourly input; City confirmation is required before treating the resulting amount as current. |
School district fees
Developer fees charged by the local school district.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| School-district fee review for an ADU of 501 square feet or more | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: ADU page, General Information, School FeesConfirms: The official City ADU page identifies the 501-square-foot school-fee-letter threshold and names the possible districts, while reserving the actual fee determination to the district. |
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 Bernardino before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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