Palmdale, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- JADU impact fees
- None, regardless of size
- ADU impact fee waiver threshold
- Under 750 square feet
- Larger new-construction ADUs
- Owe normal connection fee/capacity charge
- Existing-structure ADUs
- No separate utility connection required
- Septic connections
- Need County Public Health Dept. approval
Summary
Palmdale charges zero impact fees on any junior accessory dwelling unit and on any accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet; larger ADUs still owe a full new-dwelling utility connection fee if built alongside a new single-family home.
Utilities Required. All accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units must be properly connected to public utilities, including water, electric, and sewer (or septic) services. ... Impact Fees. No impact fees shall be imposed on a junior accessory dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit less than 750 square feet in size. Separate Connections. If an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit and the utility and payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a new dwelling shall be required.
Full Breakdown
010(F)(3). The waiver sits within a broader utilities framework: subsection (E)(6)(a) requires every ADU and JADU to connect to public water, electric, and sewer or septic service, with septic connections needing County of Los Angeles Public Health Department approval. Subsection (E)(6)(c) then draws the line for larger units: if an ADU or JADU is built alongside a new single-family home, it needs its own separate utility connection and must pay the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a new dwelling; but if it is instead built within an existing single-family structure, the City cannot require a separate utility connection at all.
So the fee outcome turns on both size and construction context: a sub-750-square-foot unit or any JADU pays no impact fee outright, while a larger detached ADU built with new construction still faces standard connection and capacity charges.
Violations & Fines
Because the fee waiver is self-executing under § 17.91.010(E)(6)(b), the City cannot lawfully impose an impact fee on a qualifying unit; a property owner improperly billed for impact fees on a sub-750-square-foot ADU or a JADU can challenge the charge through the Planning Division's permit review process for the underlying zoning clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Palmdale charge impact fees on ADUs?
What if my ADU is larger than 750 square feet?
Do I need a separate utility meter for my ADU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palmdale
California rules heatmap·Compare Palmdale to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Impact Fees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle adu impact fees.