ADU Impact Fees: El Cajon vs Escondido
How do adu impact fees rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Escondido, CA?
El Cajon and Escondido have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon waives all local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Community Development Department fee schedule, and school district fees follow SB 13 proportional rules.
View full El Cajon rules →Escondido, CA
San Diego County
Escondido 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 impact fees proportionate to the principal dwelling's square footage. School district fees follow SB 13 (2019). Standard permit, plan-check, and connection fees still apply through the Escondido Planning and Building Department. Typical total fees for 750+ sq ft ADUs range $9,000-$12,000.
View full Escondido rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All local impact fees waived | All impact fees waived |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional to primary dwelling | Proportional to principal dwelling |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | Gov. Code §65852.2(f); SB 13 |
| School Fees | Proportional (SB 13) | - |
| Water Service | Helix Water District / Otay Water | - |
| School Fees Under 500 sq ft | - | Waived (Ed. Code §17620) |
| Typical Total (750+) | - | $9,000-$12,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in El Cajon?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft. California Gov. Code §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 El Cajon?
Standard building permit fees (construction-valuation based), plan-check fees, and water and sewer capacity charges from Helix Water District or Otay Water District if a new connection is required. Property taxes will reassess on the added improvement value.
Escondido FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Escondido?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). 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?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and Escondido Utilities service fees if a new water or sewer connection is needed. School district fees apply for units 500 sq ft and larger. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage.
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