ADU Impact Fees: Carson vs El Monte
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Carson, CA and El Monte, CA?
Carson and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson cannot charge any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft, per Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A). ADUs 750 sq ft and larger may be charged impact fees only proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage. Standard building permit and plan check fees still apply.
View full Carson rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Under SB 13 (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)) and Cal. Education Code §17620, El Monte cannot charge any development impact fee on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Larger ADUs are charged proportionally to the primary dwelling.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| ADUs under 750 sq ft | NO impact fees allowed (state preemption) | - |
| ADUs 750+ sq ft | Impact fees proportional to main dwelling size | - |
| School fees | Only on ADUs 500+ sq ft (Ed. Code §17620) | - |
| Utility connection | Not required for ADUs in existing structures | - |
| Standard permit fees | Building/plan check fees still apply (based on construction cost) | - |
| Impact fees < 750 sq ft ADU | - | $0 (state-prohibited) |
| Impact fees ≥ 750 sq ft ADU | - | Proportional to primary |
| Shared water/sewer connection | - | No new connection fee |
| School fees (≤500 sq ft) | - | Exempt |
| Protest deadline | - | 90 days (§66020) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Will Carson charge me impact fees for a small ADU?
No. State law prohibits any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Standard building permit fees still apply.
Do I need a new water/sewer connection?
Not for ADUs converted from existing space (garage, basement, etc.). New detached ADUs may require connection fees proportional to size.
What if Carson charges me an illegal fee?
File a complaint with California HCD's ADU enforcement unit and dispute the fee through Carson's permit appeal process.
El Monte FAQ
Will El Monte charge me a park or traffic impact fee on a 600 sq ft ADU?
No. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) prohibits any local-agency impact fee on an ADU under 750 sq ft.
Do I still pay building permit fees?
Yes. Building permit and plan check fees on the City's FY25-26 Standard Permit Fee Schedule remain payable; SB 13 only bars 'impact fees' as defined in Cal. Gov. Code §66000(b).
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