ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Saratoga, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Saratoga, 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
$8,680 – $13,910
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
$11,090
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$300 – $600
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,780 – $2,770
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,700 – $4,200
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$280 – $520
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,640 – $3,960
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$600 – $1,300
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$270 – $370
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$110 – $190
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 | Set by City formula | Formula | Adopted Fee Schedule, Effective July 1, 2026Location: Adopted Fee Schedule 2026, page 15, Building Permits FeesConfirms: The City current schedule supplies the valuation table and treats deed-restricted ADUs separately. |
| Deed-restricted ADU planning and building fee waiver | $0 | Flat fee | ADU and JADU InformationLocation: Adopted Fee Schedule 2026, Chapter 4 building-fee heading and Appendix 1 reference; ADU handout, deed-restricted ADU sectionConfirms: The City ADU handout states planning and building permit fees are waived for qualifying deed-restricted ADUs. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan check | 66% formula | Formula | Adopted Fee Schedule, Effective July 1, 2026Location: Adopted Fee Schedule 2026, page 15, Plan Check FeeConfirms: The City schedule lists plan check at 66% of building permit fee. |
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 Saratoga before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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