ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in San Rafael, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in San Rafael, 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
$6,730 – $12,150
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
$9,320
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$420 – $640
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,365 – $2,080
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,100 – $3,200
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$450 – $950
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,000 – $3,600
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$100 – $850
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$210 – $635
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$85 – $195
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation-based building permit | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Building & Safety ServicesLocation: Building & Safety Services, page 1, Valuation-Based Building Permit FeesConfirms: The City publishes the valuation table but the ADU application needs its project total-cost valuation before a numeric permit amount can be selected. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural plan check | 65% formula | Formula | Building & Safety ServicesLocation: Building & Safety Services, page 1, Valuation-Based Plan Check FeesConfirms: The City lists Building/Structural plan check as 65% of the building permit fee. |
| Planning building-permit plan check | 20% formula | Formula | Planning Service FeesLocation: Planning Service Fees, Building Permit - Plan ChecksConfirms: The City planning schedule lists Building Permit - Plan Checks at 20% of permit fee. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU park and recreation impact fee | $1.25 / sq ft | Per square foot | 2026 Development Impact Fees and Affordable Housing In-Lieu FeesLocation: 2026 Development Impact Fees, Parkland and Recreation Facility Development Impact Fees for ADUsConfirms: The updated City handout lists $1.25 per square foot for the current 50% ADU rate and states the under-750-square-foot exemption. |
| ADU transportation mitigation fee | $2.03 / sq ft | Per square foot | 2026 Development Impact Fees and Affordable Housing In-Lieu FeesLocation: 2026 Development Impact Fees, Transportation Mitigation Fee — Effective August 14, 2026Confirms: The City table lists $2.03 per square foot for ADUs and expressly limits it to ADUs greater than 750 square feet. |
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 Rafael before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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