Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ—οΈ Accessory Structures/ADU Impact Fees

ADU Impact Fees: Berkeley vs Fremont

How do adu impact fees rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Fremont, CA?

Fremont has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.

Berkeley, CA

Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) and BMC 23.304, Berkeley ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from all city impact fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling. Berkeley's permit fees themselves remain among the highest in the East Bay.

View full Berkeley rules β†’

Fremont, CA

Alameda County

Few Restrictions

Under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) and FMC 18.190.005, Fremont ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from all city impact fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's size. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply at any size.

View full Fremont rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBerkeleyFremont
AuthorityGov. Code 65852.2(f)(3)Gov. Code 65852.2(f)(3)
Sub-750 sq ft ADUExempt from all city impact feesExempt from all city impact fees
750+ sq ft ADUProportional impact feesProportional impact fees
Permit/Plan Check~$4,000-$8,000 (any size)~$4,000-$9,000 (any size)
Housing Trust Fund FeeWaived under 750 sq ft-
School Fees-Waived under 750 sq ft

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Berkeley FAQ

Are Berkeley ADUs charged impact fees?

ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all city impact fees under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3). This includes Berkeley's Housing Trust Fund Fee, Affordable Housing Mitigation Fee, and BUSD school fees. ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay proportional fees.

What does a Berkeley ADU cost to permit?

Permit and plan-check fees typically run $4,000-$8,000 - among the highest in the East Bay due to Berkeley's detailed review including seismic, energy, accessibility, and historic resource review. ADUs under 750 sq ft skip all impact fees under state law.

Does Berkeley charge BUSD school fees on an ADU?

Only on ADUs 750 sq ft or larger, and even then proportional to the primary dwelling's size. Berkeley Unified School District's current rate is approximately $5.17/sq ft of residential. The state ADU fee exemption preempts collection on sub-750 sq ft units.

Fremont FAQ

Are Fremont ADUs charged impact fees?

ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all city impact fees under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3). This includes Capital Facilities, Park, Traffic Impact, and Fremont Unified School District fees. ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay proportional fees based on size relative to the primary dwelling.

What does a Fremont ADU cost to permit?

Permit and plan-check fees typically run $4,000-$9,000 for a detached ADU, based on valuation per Fremont's Master Fee Schedule. Sub-750 sq ft ADUs are exempt from impact fees but still pay these permit fees plus utility connections.

Compare other topics

See how Berkeley and Fremont compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool