ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Scotts Valley, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Scotts Valley, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
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
$12,866 – $22,166
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
$17,257
Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.
Where the money goes
These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.
- Building plan check$3,368 – $3,928
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$5,124 – $5,924
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$1,980 – $2,640
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$1,400 – $8,000
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$994 – $1,674
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 Building Permit valuation formula | From $1,136 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule FY 2026-27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Building Department Fees — New Construction, Additions, RemodelsConfirms: The current City master schedule gives all Building Permit valuation brackets and states that the listed general row includes associated MEP work. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Building Plan Check and Processing deposit formula | From $861 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule FY 2026-27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Building Department Fees — Building Plan Check and Processing (deposit) |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU development impact-fee rule | From $0 | Formula | Schedule of Development Impact Fees 2026-2027Location: Schedule of Development Impact Fees 2026-2027, heading and administrative-fee note; ADU Manual page 8Confirms: The current City DIF schedule gives the under-750-square-foot exemption and current base fee tables, while the City ADU Manual confirms the JADU/ADU threshold; no unsupported ADU total is calculated. |
School district fees
Developer fees charged by the local school district.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU school-fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling Unit ManualLocation: ADU Manual pages 4 and 8, other-agency and FAQ sectionsConfirms: The official City manual establishes the threshold but does not provide a current numerical school-district amount. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU utility connection and meter lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling Unit ManualLocation: ADU Manual pages 4 and 8, other-agency and FAQ sectionsConfirms: The official City manual identifies the applicable utility providers and connection conditions but does not provide a current numerical connection or capacity amount. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Building Permit surcharge formulas | Set by City formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule FY 2026-27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Building Department Fees — General Plan Maintenance through Strong Motion Instrumentation ProgramConfirms: The City schedule states each City multiplier and the technology percentage directly. |
| ADU State Building Standards and SMIP surcharges | From $1 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule FY 2026-27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Building Department Fees — State Building Standards Fee and Strong Motion Instrumentation ProgramConfirms: The current City schedule provides the State surcharge multipliers and minimums directly. |
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 Scotts Valley before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Scotts Valley · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates