San Jose's checklist says impact fees do not apply to ADUs of 750 sq ft or less. The City publishes base building permit charges and neighborhood parkland rates, while the actual school charge depends on the district.
Last verified 2026-10-18. Rules change; the City of San Jose ADU Ally team has the final word (408-793-5302).
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Bulletin 210 says impact fees do not apply to ADUs of 750 sq ft or less. It lists school and parkland impact fees from 751 sq ft, due before the building permit is issued. Its school-fee line is checklist guidance, not a district-specific charge; confirm the 500-750 sq ft range with the school district.
San Jose ADU Universal Checklist (Bulletin 210), question 17Government Code 66311.5(c)(3) treats an ADU under 500 sq ft of interior livable space as not adding 500 sq ft of assessable space under Education Code 17620. Confirm any school fee for a larger unit with the district; the City's checklist is not a district assessment.
California Government Code 66311.5(c)(3)The City's parkland map lists a different published ADU rate by neighborhood. The map is a starting estimate for an ADU over 750 sq ft, not a confirmed charge for a particular address.
City of San Jose, Parkland Impact Fees for Accessory Dwelling Units mapAsk the City of San Jose ADU Ally team before you rely on these.
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For an initial fee estimate, the City's FY 2026-27 Building Division Fee Schedule lists base fees before taxes: $3,291 for an ADU up to 750 sq ft and $5,103 for 751-1,200 sq ft. The published base amount is not a final permit total.
San Jose Bulletin 210 says school and parkland fees apply at 751 sq ft or larger. Government Code 66311.5(c)(3) treats an ADU below 500 sq ft as not adding school-assessable space. Because those sources use different thresholds, confirm the school district's charge for the proposed unit.
No. The City's Parkland Impact Fees map lists published rates from $1,700 to $8,900 per ADU over 750 sq ft by neighborhood. A charge for your property is only an estimate until confirmed; Government Code 66311.5(c)(1) makes impact fees on larger ADUs proportional to the main home's area.
Neither. It is a screening from public records, not professional advice, and not a survey, soils report, appraisal, loan offer or permit; every number is an estimate. A licensed designer confirms the final plan, and your city or county gives final approval.