ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Vacaville, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Vacaville, 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
$4,209 – $9,662
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
$6,867
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$400 – $850
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$971 – $1,311
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,295 – $1,748
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$500 – $1,100
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$480 – $1,620
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$0 – $1,200
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$313 – $933
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$250 – $900
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 valuation formula | From $48 | Formula | Service and Facility Rental Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27 — Extracted SectionLocation: FY2026-27 Service and Facility Rental Fees, Development Services — Construction PermitsConfirms: The current City fee schedule supplies the complete valuation-tier Building Permit formula, while the live page confirms a dedicated ADU/JADU estimate route. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Building plan-check fee | 75% formula | Formula | Service and Facility Rental Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27 — Extracted SectionLocation: FY2026-27 Service and Facility Rental Fees, Plan Check — Residential Building Plan Check |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU impact and connection-fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Building FeesLocation: 2026 Connection & Development Impact Fees — Residential, Notes 5–8; Building Fees estimator instructions |
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 Vacaville before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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