ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in San Diego, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in San Diego, 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
$20,463 – $25,863
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
$22,963
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$737
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$8,085
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$8,402
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$0 – $1,000
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,675 – $3,105
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$300 – $2,000
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$233 – $2,503
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$31
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
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU plan-check schedule — detached over 500 sq ft or attached/JADU over 1,100 sq ft | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Table 501A, Res-SDU/DUP row, Plan Check columnsConfirms: The City publishes this base-and-increment plan-check schedule for detached Group R-3 ADUs over 500 square feet and attached ADUs/JADUs over 1,100 square feet. |
| ADU plan-check schedule — detached up to 500 sq ft or attached up to 1,100 sq ft | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Table 501A, Res-SDU/DUP Add/Remodel row, Plan Check columnsConfirms: The City publishes a separate base-and-increment plan-check schedule for smaller detached and qualifying attached ADUs/JADUs. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU inspection schedule — detached over 500 sq ft or attached/JADU over 1,100 sq ft | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Table 501A, Res-SDU/DUP row, Inspection columnsConfirms: The City publishes this base-and-increment inspection schedule for detached Group R-3 ADUs over 500 square feet and attached ADUs/JADUs over 1,100 square feet. |
| ADU inspection schedule — detached up to 500 sq ft or attached up to 1,100 sq ft | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Table 501A, Res-SDU/DUP Add/Remodel row, Inspection columnsConfirms: The City publishes a separate base-and-increment inspection schedule for smaller detached and qualifying attached ADUs/JADUs. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mapping Fee | $12 | Flat fee | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Section II.2, Mapping Fee tableConfirms: The official table lists a $12.16 Mapping Fee. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan Maintenance Fee | $737 | Flat fee | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Section II.1, General Plan Maintenance Fee tableConfirms: The official table lists a $737.00 General Plan Maintenance Fee. |
| State/Seismic Fee — one- or two-story residential | Set by City formula | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Section III.5, State of California — State/Seismic FeeConfirms: The bulletin states the residential strong-motion fee formula but it remains a State fee rather than a City fee. |
| California Building Standards Fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits—StructuresLocation: Section III.5, State of California — Building Standards FeeConfirms: The bulletin publishes the State Building Standards fee formula and minimum. |
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 Diego before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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