ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Santa Rosa, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Santa Rosa, 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
$3,050 – $5,986
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
$4,234
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$250 – $550
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,080 – $1,350
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$564 – $750
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$250 – $600
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$400 – $1,500
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$200 – $550
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$50 – $250
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$256 – $436
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-3 single-family new plan-review fee | $1.80 / sq ft | Per square foot | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Pages 36 and 41, Sections 6.02 and 6.08, Fee 33 R-3 Single-Family New, Plan Check columnConfirms: The R-3 Single-Family New row lists $1.80 per square foot for plan check and the table footnote sets a $130.79 minimum. |
| R-3 single-family addition/alteration plan-review fee | $2.13 / sq ft | Per square foot | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Page 41, Section 6.08, Fee 35 R-3 Single-Family Residential — Addition/Alteration, Plan Check columnConfirms: The R-3 addition/alteration row lists a $2.13 per-square-foot plan-check rate and the table's plan-review minimum applies. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-3 single-family new inspection/permit fee | $0.94 / sq ft | Per square foot | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Pages 37 and 41, Sections 6.03 and 6.08, Fee 33 R-3 Single-Family New, Inspection columnConfirms: The R-3 Single-Family New row lists $0.94 per square foot for inspection and the table footnote sets a $105.88 minimum. |
| R-3 single-family addition/alteration inspection/permit fee | $0.94 / sq ft | Per square foot | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Page 41, Section 6.08, Fee 35 R-3 Single-Family Residential — Addition/Alteration, Inspection columnConfirms: The R-3 addition/alteration row lists a $0.94 per-square-foot inspection rate and the table's inspection minimum applies. |
| Reinspection fee | From $100 | Formula | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Page 37, Section 6.03, ReinspectionConfirms: The schedule publishes the reinspection rate by half-hour and states when it must be paid. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Surcharge | 5.69% formula | Formula | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Pages 1 and 39, Sections 1.03a and 6.05Confirms: The current schedule publishes a 5.69% technology surcharge capped at $2,500 per permit. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Planning Surcharge | 12.26% formula | Formula | City of Santa Rosa Fee Schedule — Version V2Location: Pages 1 and 39, Sections 1.03b and 6.05Confirms: The current schedule publishes a 12.26% advance-planning surcharge capped at $5,000 per permit. |
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 Rosa before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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