ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Woodside, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Woodside, 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
$3,300 – $6,950
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
$4,900
Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.
Where the money goes
These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.
- School district fees$2,200 – $3,400
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$500 – $1,550
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$250 – $650
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$350 – $1,350
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New ADU/JADU Building Permit fee waiver | $0 | Flat fee | Resolution 2026-7819, Schedule of Fees and ChargesLocation: Resolution 2026-7819, Building Fees, Section B, note [a]Confirms: The effective July 1, 2026 schedule waives the Town Building Permit fee for new ADUs/JADUs and legalization of existing unpermitted units, subject to the stated exclusions. |
| Existing permitted ADU/JADU remodel, alteration, or addition fee path | Set by City formula | Formula | Resolution 2026-7819, Schedule of Fees and ChargesLocation: Resolution 2026-7819, Building Fees, Determination of Valuation and Section B permit-fee tableConfirms: The current schedule gives the general valuation table and explicitly excludes remodels, alterations, and additions to existing permitted ADUs/JADUs from the waiver. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New ADU/JADU Town plan-review fee waiver | $0 | Flat fee | Resolution 2026-7819, Schedule of Fees and ChargesLocation: Resolution 2026-7819, Building Plan Review Fees, note [b]Confirms: The effective Town schedule waives Building, Planning, and Engineering plan-review fees for the qualifying ADU/JADU paths, with explicit exclusions for revisions and existing permitted-unit work. |
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 Woodside before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Woodside · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates