ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in San Francisco, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in San Francisco, 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
$7,673 – $11,652
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
$9,660
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$600 – $900
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$3,130 – $4,304
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,146 – $1,495
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$1,050 – $1,700
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$600 – $1,200
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$425 – $710
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$375 – $550
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$347 – $793
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-issuance fee by total valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Table 1A-A: Building Permit FeesLocation: Table 1A-A, pages 1–2, Permit Issuance Fee columnConfirms: The current table uses a graduated valuation formula for permit issuance and defines the full building permit fee as plan review plus permit issuance. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-review fee by total valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Table 1A-A: Building Permit FeesLocation: Table 1A-A, pages 1–2, Plan Review Fee columnConfirms: The current table uses a graduated valuation formula for plan review rather than a flat ADU amount. |
| Plan review not covered by Table 1A-A | From $602 | Formula | Table 1A-B: Other Building Permit and Plan Review FeesLocation: Table 1A-B, page 1, Plan Review Fees Not Covered in Table 1A-A rowConfirms: DBI publishes a $602 hourly plan-review rate with a one-hour minimum for work outside Table 1A-A. |
| Back-check fee | From $602 | Formula | Table 1A-B: Other Building Permit and Plan Review FeesLocation: Table 1A-B, page 1, Back Check Fee row and footnote 1Confirms: DBI defines back-check work and publishes a $602 hourly fee with a one-hour minimum. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1979 R-3 lead-safe-work surcharge | $5 | Flat fee | Table 1A-A: Building Permit FeesLocation: Table 1A-A, page 3, Note 2Confirms: The table adds a $5 surcharge to qualifying pre-1979 R-3 alteration permits for interior lead-safe work practices. |
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 Francisco before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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