How much are ADU permit fees in Santa Rosa, California?

Hello,

Congratulations on taking the first steps toward adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property in Santa Rosa! Navigating the permitting process can be daunting, but with the right information, you can approach it confidently. Let’s dive into the specific fees, timelines, and regulations you'll encounter in Santa Rosa.

### Permit Fees Breakdown

In Santa Rosa, the permit fees for an ADU project typically include several components. As of 2023, here’s what you can expect:

1. **Plan Check Fees**: These fees cover the costs of reviewing your ADU plans to ensure they meet local building codes and standards. For Santa Rosa, plan check fees can range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the complexity and size of your project.

2. **Building Permit Fees**: These are based on the valuation of the construction project. For a budget of $200,000, you might expect building permit fees in the range of $2,000 to $4,500.

3. **Impact Fees**: The good news is that under SB-13 and AB-68, ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees. If your ADU exceeds this size, fees could be about $4,000 to $8,000, though it varies based on specific municipal assessments.

4. **Utility Connection Fees**: If your ADU requires new utility connections, there may be additional fees. However, per state law (SB-13), impact fees are limited, and utility fees can be waived or reduced if the ADU is built within the existing space or is less than 750 square feet.

### Exemptions and Reductions

For ADUs under 750 square feet, you are exempt from impact fees, which is a significant saving. This provision is in line with California’s state laws aimed at encouraging the construction of smaller, more affordable housing options. Additionally, Santa Rosa may offer fee deferrals or reductions for affordable housing projects, but this would typically require demonstrating that the unit will be rented at below-market rates.

### Timelines

The permitting process in Santa Rosa can take 2 to 4 months, depending on how complete and accurate your application is and city workload. Here’s a rough timeline:

- **Pre-application**: 1-2 weeks – Gathering necessary documents and initial consultations.
- **Plan Review**: 4-8 weeks – City reviews your plans and provides feedback.
- **Permit Issuance**: 1-2 weeks – Once all requirements are met, permits are issued.

### Payment Options

Regarding the payment of fees, some jurisdictions offer installment plans, but this is less common for smaller projects like ADUs. I recommend contacting the Santa Rosa Building Division directly to inquire about any available payment arrangements.

### Practical Tips

1. **Plan Thoroughly**: Before submitting your plans, ensure they are as complete and detailed as possible to avoid delays. Hiring an experienced designer or architect familiar with Santa Rosa’s ADU requirements can be invaluable.

2. **Consult Early**: Engage with the Santa Rosa Planning and Economic Development Department early in the process. They can provide guidance specific to your lot’s zoning and any unique neighborhood considerations.

3. **Stay Informed on State Laws**: Familiarize yourself with recent state laws like SB-9 and SB-13, which can affect ADU regulations, including setbacks, height limits, and parking requirements.

4. **Consider Pre-approved Plans**: Santa Rosa offers pre-approved ADU plans, which can save time and money during the plan check process.

### Next Steps

1. **Contact the City**: Reach out to the Santa Rosa Building Division for a preliminary meeting. This will help clarify any unique aspects of your property and get tailored advice.

2. **Hire Professionals**: Consider hiring an architect or ADU consultant who knows the local codes and can manage the project through the permitting and construction phases.

3. **Research Financing**: Look into local incentives or financing options specifically for ADU projects, which can ease the upfront financial burden.

4. **Community Resources**: Engage with local forums or workshops on ADU construction. The city often hosts informational sessions, which can be a great resource.

By understanding the specific requirements and fees in Santa Rosa, you’re well on your way to a successful ADU project. Remember, careful planning and leveraging local resources can greatly streamline the process. Good luck with your project, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

Best regards,

[Your Name]
ADU Consultant