ADU permits

ADU permit fees, timelines, and rules — by city.

Real 2026 permit data for the U.S. cities where ADU activity is highest. Each city page shows all-in permit cost ranges, typical approval timelines, setback rules, parking and owner-occupancy requirements, and what's distinctive about that jurisdiction.

By state

California

7 cities with sourced data

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Massachusetts

1 city with sourced data

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Oregon

1 city with sourced data

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Washington

1 city with sourced data

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All cities

City	State	Fees (all-in)	Timeline
Berkeley	CA	$10,000 – $22,000	~12 wks
Los Angeles	CA	$15,000 – $25,000	~10 wks
Oakland	CA	$8,000 – $18,000	~11 wks
Sacramento	CA	$1,200 – $2,000	~9 wks
San Diego	CA	$6,500 – $21,000	~10 wks
San Francisco	CA	$33,000 – $57,000	~14 wks
San Jose	CA	$12,000 – $25,000	~7 wks
Boston	MA	$8,000 – $18,000	~18 wks
Portland	OR	$7,000 – $14,000	~14 wks
Seattle	WA	$8,000 – $15,000	~16 wks

FAQ

How much do ADU permits cost in 2026?: Total California ADU permit costs range from $12,000 to $77,000 (Andalusia Drafting 2026) depending on city and ADU size. Inland Empire cities sit at the low end; San Francisco — at 6–9% of construction cost — sits at the top. Outside California, expect 30–60% lower fees because state-level Title 24 and seismic engineering requirements don't apply.
How long does an ADU permit take?: California state law mandates 60-day approval for complete applications under AB 881. Actual timelines vary: San Jose runs 35–55 days, LADBS pre-approved plans 50–70 days, San Diego 50–75 days, SF 8–14 weeks. Non-California states typically run 14–18 weeks.
Are impact fees waived for small ADUs?: Yes in California. Under SB 13, ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees statewide. Above 750 sq ft, proportional impact fees apply — typically $10,000–$25,000 in major California metros.

Get sourced ADU permit updates monthly

Permit fees and state-law changes affect your budget. We re-validate against the city planning sites each quarter.

All cities

City	State	Fees (all-in)	Timeline
Berkeley	CA	$10,000 – $22,000	~12 wks
Los Angeles	CA	$15,000 – $25,000	~10 wks
Oakland	CA	$8,000 – $18,000	~11 wks
Sacramento	CA	$1,200 – $2,000	~9 wks
San Diego	CA	$6,500 – $21,000	~10 wks
San Francisco	CA	$33,000 – $57,000	~14 wks
San Jose	CA	$12,000 – $25,000	~7 wks
Boston	MA	$8,000 – $18,000	~18 wks
Portland	OR	$7,000 – $14,000	~14 wks
Seattle	WA	$8,000 – $15,000	~16 wks

FAQ

How much do ADU permits cost in 2026?

Total California ADU permit costs range from $12,000 to $77,000 (Andalusia Drafting 2026) depending on city and ADU size. Inland Empire cities sit at the low end; San Francisco — at 6–9% of construction cost — sits at the top. Outside California, expect 30–60% lower fees because state-level Title 24 and seismic engineering requirements don't apply.

How long does an ADU permit take?

California state law mandates 60-day approval for complete applications under AB 881. Actual timelines vary: San Jose runs 35–55 days, LADBS pre-approved plans 50–70 days, San Diego 50–75 days, SF 8–14 weeks. Non-California states typically run 14–18 weeks.

Are impact fees waived for small ADUs?

Yes in California. Under SB 13, ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees statewide. Above 750 sq ft, proportional impact fees apply — typically $10,000–$25,000 in major California metros.