Dublin, California, publishes a City permit-fee waiver for certain accessory dwelling unit applications. Its page describes eligible building-permit applications made from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2026 and estimates savings of about US$2,500–$6,000 depending on project valuation. The stated end date is close, so check directly with the City whether it is still accepting applications and which current form applies.
Check the unit-size and affordability conditions
The City page describes a waiver for an ADU smaller than 750 square feet. For an ADU of 750 square feet or more, it describes a waiver when the unit is deed-restricted for lower-income households for 55 years. Confirm the City’s current definition of lower-income, the deed-restriction form, and any recording steps before relying on the larger-unit route.
The page separately summarizes California impact-fee rules: impact fees are exempt for units below 750 square feet, while units at or above that size are subject to proportionate impact fees. This state-law treatment of impact fees is distinct from Dublin’s City permit-fee waiver. A waiver of the City’s permit fees does not imply that all impact fees, utility costs, or other project expenses are waived.
Submit with the building-permit application
The published route is to submit the City’s fee-waiver form with the building-permit application. Confirm which valuation the City will use to estimate the savings, what documents it needs for a qualifying affordability restriction, and how the waiver appears in the fee calculation. If the application is filed near the published December 31, 2026 end date, ask the City whether receipt or completeness by that date controls.
Budget for remaining approvals and costs
The estimated savings are not a parcel quote. Project valuation, unit size, affordability status, and the current City schedule can change the result. Keep building, impact, school, utility, connection, and private construction costs as separate budget lines, and ask the City to identify which fee categories the waiver covers.
A fee waiver is not planning approval, a building permit, confirmation of utility capacity, or occupancy authorization. For other local support examples, see the ADU fee-waiver and assistance guide and the development and utility charge guide.