Santa Monica, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Affordable housing fee (Ch. 9.64)
- Exempt
- Child care linkage fee (Ch. 9.65)
- Exempt
- Transportation impact fee (Ch. 9.66)
- Exempt
- Parks & recreation fee (Ch. 9.67)
- Exempt
Summary
ADUs and JADUs in Santa Monica are fully exempt from development impact fees, including affordable housing, child care linkage, transportation, and parks and recreation fees.
O. Development Impact Fees. ADUs and JADUs established pursuant to this Section shall be exempt from the impact fees specified in Chapter 9.64, Affordable Housing Production Program, Chapter 9.65, Child care Linkage Program, Chapter 9.66, Transportation Impact Fee Program, and Chapter 9.67, Parks and Recreation Development Impact Fee Program.
Full Breakdown
Section 9.31.025(O) explicitly exempts all ADUs and JADUs from four categories of development impact fees: the Affordable Housing Production Program (Chapter 9.64), the Child Care Linkage Program (Chapter 9.65), the Transportation Impact Fee Program (Chapter 9.66), and the Parks and Recreation Development Impact Fee Program (Chapter 9.67). This exemption applies regardless of the ADU's size or type, as long as it is established under Section 9.31.025. Standard building permit fees still apply.
Violations & Fines
If an ADU does not qualify under Section 9.31.025 standards, the exemption would not apply and normal impact fees would be assessed prior to permit issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I owe impact fees when I build an ADU?
Are there any fees at all for an ADU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica 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.