ADU Impact Fees: Carlsbad vs Chula Vista
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and Chula Vista, CA?
Carlsbad and Chula Vista have similar restriction levels.
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego County
Under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) and CMC 21.10.030, Carlsbad 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 square footage. Standard ADU permit and plan-check fees still apply.
View full Carlsbad rules βChula Vista, CA
San Diego County
Chula Vista waives all local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft per California Government Code Β§65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling square footage. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Development Services Department fee schedule. School district fees follow SB 13 (2019) proportional rules.
View full Chula Vista rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carlsbad | Chula Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Gov. Code 65852.2(f)(3) | - |
| Sub-750 sq ft ADU | Exempt from all city impact fees | - |
| 750+ sq ft ADU | Proportional impact fees | - |
| Permit/Plan Check | ~$2,000-$4,000 (any size) | - |
| School Fees | Carlsbad USD ~$4.79/sq ft (state law) | Proportional (SB 13) |
| Under 750 sq ft | - | All impact fees waived |
| 750+ sq ft | - | Proportional to primary dwelling |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code Β§65852.2(f) |
| Water Service | - | Sweetwater Authority / Otay Water |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carlsbad FAQ
Are Carlsbad ADUs charged impact fees?
ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all city impact fees under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay impact fees proportional to the ratio between the ADU floor area and the primary dwelling, per state law.
What does a Carlsbad ADU permit cost?
Per the Carlsbad Master Fee Schedule, permit and plan-check fees typically run $2,000-$4,000. Impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. Larger ADUs add proportional impact fees and Carlsbad USD school fees of about $4.79/sq ft.
Does Carlsbad charge sewer connection fees for an ADU?
Not for ADUs under 750 sq ft - Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) waives all city capacity and connection charges. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportional sewer capacity fees based on size relative to the primary dwelling.
Chula Vista FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Chula Vista?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft. California Gov. Code Β§65852.2(f)(3) preempts all local impact fees on small ADUs. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Chula Vista?
Standard building permit fees (based on construction valuation), plan-check fees, and water/sewer connection fees from Sweetwater Authority or Otay Water District if a new connection is needed. Property taxes will reassess on the added improvement value.
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