ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Santa Clara, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Santa Clara, 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
$4,410 – $12,610
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
$8,610
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$0 – $250
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,903
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,911
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$0 – $700
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$0 – $4,200
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$0 – $2,000
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$0 – $350
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$596 – $1,296
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU residential scaled building permit | Set by City formula | Formula | FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule, page 22, Single-Family / Duplex / Additional Dwelling Unit Residential Scaled Plan Review and Permit Fee, Permit Fee tableConfirms: The adopted schedule states the four current area bands and increments for the residential ADU permit fee. |
| Building permit issuance fee | $101 | Flat fee | FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule, CMD 1094-2, Permit Issuance FeeConfirms: The adopted City schedule lists a $101 building permit issuance fee. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU residential scaled plan review | Set by City formula | Formula | FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule, page 21, Single-Family / Duplex / Additional Dwelling Unit Residential Scaled Plan Review and Permit Fee, Plan Review tableConfirms: The adopted schedule states the four current area bands and increments for residential ADU plan review. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building technology fee | 3.37% formula | Formula | FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule, CMD 1094-3, Technology FeeConfirms: The adopted schedule defines the 3.37% Technology Fee and identifies its Building Division fee bases. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan / Advanced Planning surcharge | 12.39% formula | Formula | FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule, CMD 1094-3, General Plan / Advanced Planning SurchargeConfirms: The adopted schedule states the surcharge is 12.39% of Building Permit and Plan Check Fees. |
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 Santa Clara before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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