ADU Impact Fees: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do adu impact fees rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| 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.
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).
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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