ADU Impact Fees: Tulare vs Visalia
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Per Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)(3), Tulare cannot charge impact fees on any ADU under 750 sq ft. For ADUs 750 sq ft and larger, impact fees must be 'proportional in size' to the primary dwelling — typically computed as ADU sq ft divided by primary dwelling sq ft, then multiplied by the standard SFR impact fee. Standard building permit, plan check, school facility fees, and utility connection fees still apply.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Visalia cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which preempts local fee schedules. For ADUs 750 sf and larger, impact fees must be charged proportionally to the size of the primary dwelling. Visalia's standard impact fees fund streets, parks, fire, and public facilities and are collected at building permit issuance.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| ADUs under 750 sq ft | Zero impact fees (Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)(3)) | - |
| ADUs 750+ sq ft | Proportional to primary dwelling sq ft | - |
| School impact fee | Only on ADUs ≥ 500 sq ft, proportional (Ed. Code § 17620) | - |
| Building permit fees | Still apply (not 'impact' fees) | - |
| Utility connection | Actual reasonable cost only | - |
| Fee protest window | 90 days from payment (Gov. Code § 66020) | - |
| Sub-750 sf Waiver | - | All impact fees waived (state law) |
| Statute | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) |
| 750+ sf ADUs | - | Proportional to primary dwelling |
| Utility Connection | - | No new connection for conversions |
| School Fees | - | Collected by Visalia USD (Ed Code §17620) |
| Building Permit Fees | - | Cost recovery — not waived |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
What impact fees will Tulare charge for my ADU?
If your ADU is under 750 sq ft, zero impact fees (Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)(3)). For 750+ sq ft, fees must be proportional — e.g., a 1,000 sq ft ADU on a 2,500 sq ft primary dwelling pays 40% of the standard SFR impact fee.
Do I still pay building permit and plan check fees?
Yes. Building permit, plan check, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees under TMC Title 15 are not 'impact fees' and apply normally. Get the current Tulare master fee schedule from the Building Division.
What if Tulare charges me an impact fee on a 600 sq ft ADU?
Pay under protest in writing (Gov. Code § 66020), then file a refund claim within 90 days. The charge is invalid under Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)(3).
Visalia FAQ
Will I pay impact fees on a 600 sf ADU in Visalia?
No. California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) prohibits any city impact fee on an ADU under 750 sf, including parks, fire, transportation, and capital facility fees.
What about building permit and plan check fees?
Those are cost-recovery fees, not impact fees, and may still be charged by Visalia Building Safety. Only capital facility impact fees are waived for sub-750 sf ADUs.
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