ADU Impact Fees: Fremont vs San Leandro
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Fremont, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Fremont and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) and FMC 18.190.005, Fremont ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from all city impact fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's size. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply at any size.
View full Fremont rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Effective July 21, 2025, San Leandro City Council Resolutions 2025-106 and 2025-107 waive Park Impact Fees and Development Fees for Street Improvements (DFSI) for all ADUs; ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all impact fees by state law.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fremont | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Gov. Code 65852.2(f)(3) | - |
| Sub-750 sq ft ADU | Exempt from all city impact fees | - |
| 750+ sq ft ADU | Proportional impact fees | - |
| Permit/Plan Check | ~$4,000-$9,000 (any size) | - |
| School Fees | Waived under 750 sq ft | - |
| Park Impact Fee (ADU) | - | Waived (Res. 2025-106) |
| DFSI Street Fee (ADU) | - | Waived (Res. 2025-107) |
| Effective date | - | July 21, 2025 |
| State exemption | - | ADUs <750 sq ft: no impact fees (Gov. Code §66323) |
| School fees | - | Exempt under 500 sq ft (Gov. Code §65852.2) |
| Still applicable | - | Building permit, plan check, utility connection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fremont FAQ
Are Fremont ADUs charged impact fees?
ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all city impact fees under California Government Code 65852.2(f)(3). This includes Capital Facilities, Park, Traffic Impact, and Fremont Unified School District fees. ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay proportional fees based on size relative to the primary dwelling.
What does a Fremont ADU cost to permit?
Permit and plan-check fees typically run $4,000-$9,000 for a detached ADU, based on valuation per Fremont's Master Fee Schedule. Sub-750 sq ft ADUs are exempt from impact fees but still pay these permit fees plus utility connections.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I pay park or traffic impact fees on my San Leandro ADU?
No. City Council Resolutions 2025-106 and 2025-107 waived Park Impact Fees and the Development Fee for Street Improvements (DFSI) for ADUs effective July 21, 2025.
What about school district fees?
ADUs under 500 sq ft are exempt from school impact fees under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and Ed. Code §17620. Larger ADUs may owe district fees proportional to square footage.
Are any fees still owed?
Yes - standard building permit fees, plan-check fees, and utility connection charges per the City's Adopted Master Fee Schedule (FY 2025-2026) still apply.
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