ADU Impact Fees: Carson vs Glendale
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Carson, CA and Glendale, CA?
Carson and Glendale 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 →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay a Parks and Libraries development impact fee of approximately $4,700 per ADU and other fees proportional to the principal dwelling's gross floor area. School fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through Glendale Community Development.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Under 750 sq ft | - | All impact fees waived |
| 750+ sq ft Parks/Libraries Fee | - | Approx. $4,700 per ADU |
| Other Fees | - | Proportional to principal dwelling |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) |
| School Fees | - | Proportional under SB 13 |
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.
Glendale FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Glendale?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local development impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay Glendale's Parks and Libraries fee (about $4,700) plus other fees proportional to the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Glendale?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and any new utility service fees from Glendale Water & Power if a separate meter is requested. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage.
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