Visalia, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee-free threshold
- ADUs under 750 sq ft: no impact fees
- Proportional fee applies
- ADUs 750 sq ft or larger
- School fees
- Also waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft
- Fee formula
- (ADU sq ft ÷ primary dwelling sq ft) × standard new-dwelling fee
- Example
- 800 sq ft ADU / 1,500 sq ft home = ~$369 on a $692 standard fee
Summary
ADUs under 750 square feet pay no impact fees at all in Visalia. Larger ADUs pay fees proportional to their size relative to the primary dwelling.
Impact Fees. No impact fees (including school fees) shall be charged to an accessory dwelling unit that is less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in size. Any impact fee charged to an accessory dwelling unit seven hundred fifty (750) square feet or larger in size, including accessory dwelling units converting existing space, shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling.
1. Single Family Residential. For purposes of calculating the fees for an accessory dwelling unit on a lot with a single-family dwelling, the proportionality shall be based on the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (e.g. the floor area of the accessory dwelling unit, divided by the floor area of the primary dwelling unit, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
No impact fees, including school fees, apply to ADUs smaller than 750 square feet, even when converting existing space. For ADUs 750 sq ft or larger, impact fees are calculated proportionally: the ADU square footage divided by the primary dwelling square footage, times the standard fee for a new dwelling. As an example the code gives, a 1,500 sq ft primary home with an 800 sq ft ADU would owe about $369 on a $692 standard fee. Actual fee amounts are set by the city's development fee schedule and may change.
Violations & Fines
Fees are due at permit application. Unpaid fees would likely result in permit denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I build a 600 sq ft ADU, do I owe any impact fees?
How are impact fees calculated for an 800 sq ft ADU on a 1,500 sq ft home?
Are converting existing garages also fee-exempt if under 750 sq ft?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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