ADU Permit Fee Waivers in California

ADU Permit Free Waivers

What Are ADU Permit Fee Waivers?

ADU permit fee waivers are reductions or eliminations of local government fees associated with building an accessory dwelling unit. These may include:
- Building permit fees
- Impact fees
- School district fees
- Utility hookup fees
- Planning or zoning fees

🎯 Why Is California Waiving ADU Fees?

California’s housing laws now require cities and counties to incentivize ADU construction as a solution to the affordable housing crisis. Fee waivers help:

  • Reduce barriers to entry for homeowners

  • Promote housing equity and affordability

  • Encourage the development of smaller, lower-impact ADUs

đź’° What Fees Can Be Waived for ADUs in California?

âś… 1. Development Impact Fees

Under California Government Code Section 65852.2, impact fees cannot be charged for ADUs under 750 square feet.

If your ADU is over 750 sq ft, impact fees must be proportional to the primary residence’s size.

âś… 2. School Facility Fees

Per Education Code Section 17620, ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from school district fees. For larger ADUs, school fees may apply based on square footage.

âś… 3. Utility Connection Fees

Many jurisdictions must waive or reduce utility fees—especially for conversion ADUs (e.g., garage or basement conversions). Some cities also waive fees for detached ADUs under specific size thresholds.

âś… 4. Permit Processing Fees

Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and Oakland offer partial or full fee waivers for ADUs built as affordable housing, rental units, or part of a housing equity program.

đź“Ť Cities Offering ADU Fee Waivers or Reductions

City Waiver/Incentive Details
Los Angeles Fee reductions for detached ADUs under 750 sq ft
San Diego Full impact fee waivers for small ADUs and garage conversions
 San Jose Pre-approved ADU plans + utility fee waivers for certain lots
Oakland Waives impact fees for ADUs used as affordable rentals
SacramentoReduces school and utility fees for ADUs under 800 sq ft

đź“ť How to Apply for an ADU Permit Fee Waiver in California

Step 1: Check Local ADU Ordinances

Start by reviewing your city or county’s ADU regulations. Look for policies related to “ADU fee waivers,” “impact fee exemptions,” or “incentive programs.”

Step 2: Submit Your ADU Plans

You must submit complete plans with your permit application. Indicate the size, type (attached, detached, conversion), and purpose (e.g., rental, family use).

Step 3: Request a Fee Waiver Form

Ask your local building or planning department if a separate form or waiver application is required. Some cities include this during the online permit process.

Step 4: Provide Supporting Documentation

For certain waivers (like affordable housing incentives), you may need to show:

  • Rental restrictions (e.g., rent below market rate)

  • Owner-occupancy status

  • Property deed or zoning compliance

Step 5: Await Confirmation

After review, the city will confirm which fees are waived or reduced before issuing the final permit.

FAQ

Are ADU permit fees waived in all of California?

Not all fees are waived automatically, but state law mandates that impact and school fees be waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. Local jurisdictions may offer additional waivers.

How do I know if my city offers ADU fee waivers?

Visit your city’s planning or building department website, or call them directly. Search for terms like “ADU incentive program”, “impact fee waiver”, or “ADU permitting guide.”

What’s the biggest fee I can save on?

Development impact fees, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000+, are the largest savings opportunity—especially in urban areas.

Do I need to be the property owner to qualify for a waiver?

Yes, in most cases. Owner-occupancy is a common condition, especially if the waiver is tied to affordability or rental use.
Can I get a fee waiver for a rental ADU?

Yes. Many cities incentivize rental ADUs—particularly long-term or affordable rentals—with fee waivers or tax benefits.

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