ADU Impact Fees: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson and Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Under California Government Code Section 65852.2(f) and LAMC 12.22 A.33, Los Angeles cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Code Section | - | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(f) |
| Under 750 sq ft | - | No impact fees |
| 750+ sq ft | - | Proportional fees only |
| Separate Meter | - | Optional, not required |
| Appeals | - | HCD ADU Ombudsperson |
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I pay impact fees on a Los Angeles ADU under 750 sq ft?
No. Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(f) prohibits local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Only LADBS plan check and inspection fees apply.
Do I need a separate water meter for my Los Angeles ADU?
No. LADWP cannot require a separate water or electric meter. A separate meter is optional and billed at the standard hookup rate if requested.
What if Los Angeles charges me illegal ADU fees?
Appeal to the LADBS Board of Building and Safety Commissioners and file a complaint with the California HCD ADU Ombudsperson, which enforces Cal. Gov Code 65852.2.
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