South Gate, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- No fee threshold
- under 750 sq ft
- Larger ADU fee
- prorated to primary home's area
- Connection charges
- still allowed separately
- Governing citation
- Gov. Code § 66000
Summary
South Gate cannot charge an impact fee on an accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet; larger ADUs pay fees only in proportion to the primary home's square footage.
The city shall not impose any impact fee upon the development of an accessory dwelling unit less than seven hundred fifty square feet. Any impact fees charged for an accessory dwelling unit of seven hundred fifty square feet or more shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. As used herein, "impact fee" has the same meaning as the term "fee" as defined in subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 66000, except that it also includes fees specified in Government Code Section 66477. "Impact fee" does not include any connection fee or capacity charge charged by the city or any other local agency, special district, or water corporation. (Ord. 2021-01-CC § 3, 1-26-2021; Ord. 2025-01-CC § 1 (Exh. A), 10-14-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4847832; v1 updated 2026-05-12; through 05-12-2026).
Full Breakdown
South Gate's accessory dwelling unit ordinance implements the state fee cap set by Government Code Section 66000: the city cannot charge an impact fee on an ADU under seven hundred fifty square feet. Larger ADUs still get relief, the fee is prorated to the ADU's share of the primary dwelling's floor area rather than charged at the full new-construction rate. The exemption covers impact fees only; it does not reach connection or capacity charges for water, sewer, or other utilities, which the city may still collect once the accessory unit is built alongside a new primary residence.
Violations & Fines
An impact fee charged in violation of this section is not authorized and may be challenged; the exemption doesn't reach lawful water, sewer, or capacity connection charges the city still collects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Gate charge a fee to build an ADU?
What about water and sewer connection fees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Gate
California rules heatmap·Compare South Gate 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.