ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Santa Clarita, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Santa Clarita, 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
$6,925 – $11,186
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
$8,945
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$350 – $650
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,788 – $2,522
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,125 – $2,860
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$450 – $850
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,900 – $3,400
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$0 – $400
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$99 – $218
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$213 – $286
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 fee by total valuation | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Building & Safety Fee Brochure 2026-2027Location: Page 1, BUILDING PERMIT FEES, Total Valuation tableConfirms: The current brochure publishes a graduated valuation formula for the building-permit fee, beginning with a $95 first band. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan-check fee by total valuation | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Building & Safety Fee Brochure 2026-2027Location: Page 1, PLAN CHECK FEES, Total Valuation tableConfirms: The current brochure publishes a graduated valuation formula for plan check, beginning with a $146 first band. |
| Plan-check application processing | $47 | Flat fee | Building & Safety Fee Brochure 2026-2027Location: Page 1, Miscellaneous Fees, Plan Check Application Processing rowConfirms: The brochure lists $47 for each new plan-check application submittal. |
| Plan-check recheck fee | 15% formula | Formula | Building & Safety Fee Brochure 2026-2027Location: Page 1, Plan Check Fees, Recheck Fee rowConfirms: The brochure lists a 15% recheck charge for each third-or-later plan check. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record Maintenance Fee | 10% formula | Formula | Building & Safety Fee Brochure 2026-2027Location: Page 1, Miscellaneous Fees, Record Maintenance rowConfirms: The brochure lists record maintenance at 10% of all related permit 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 Clarita before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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