If you’ve been on the fence about building a "granny flat" or a backyard cottage, the City of San Marino just handed you a major incentive. In a move to boost local housing and meet state-mandated goals, the City Council recently voted to
waive application fees for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
The San Marino City Council voted to waive the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) application fees in
mid-2025.
The decision was part of the city’s broader strategy to meet state-mandated housing goals and was officially documented during the public hearing for
Resolution R-25-13.
Key Timeline & Details
- Effective Date: The waiver went into effect following the council's vote in
July 2025.
- Duration: The waiver is currently set for a
one-year pilot period, intended to incentivize homeowners to submit plans sooner rather than later.
- Previous Policy: Before this change, San Marino only waived application fees for ADUs
under 800 square feet.
- The New Policy: The fee is now waived for
all ADU applications, including those exceeding 800 square feet. This occurred despite a city study recommending that the application fee be increased from $45 to $70.
Why Now?
The timing was specifically chosen to help the city comply with its
6th Cycle Housing Element, which was amended and adopted in late 2024 and early 2025. By removing the financial barrier of the initial application fee, the city hopes to streamline the process for residents and increase the local housing stock without altering the residential character of the neighborhood. At
San Gabriel Valley ADU Construction Contractors we can help from initial inquiry through to final walk-through.
Whether you’re looking to house a family member, create a home office, or generate rental income, this fee waiver is a clear "green light" from the city. Here’s everything you need to know about the new policy and how it affects your next project.
The Details: What’s Being Waived?
The city’s decision specifically targets the financial barriers that often stall projects before they even hit the ground.
- Fee Waiver for All Sizes: Previously, San Marino only waived application fees for ADUs under 800 square feet. Now, the City Council has extended this waiver to
all proposed ADUs, including those exceeding 800 square feet.
- The Savings: While the base application fee was historically $45, a recent study suggested raising it to $70. By waiving it entirely, the city is streamlining the entry point for homeowners.
- Duration: This waiver is currently set for a
one-year period (following the mid-2025 resolution), aimed at kickstarting construction immediately.
Why Is San Marino Doing This?
It’s no secret that California is in a housing crunch. San Marino recently achieved certification for its state-required
Housing Element, a plan that outlines how the city will accommodate new housing units.
ADUs are a vital part of this plan because they allow for increased density without changing the "Estate Residential" character that makes San Marino unique. By removing fees, the city is essentially making it easier for residents to help the community meet its state housing quotas while increasing their own property value.
3 Reasons to Start Your ADU in 2026
- Increased Property Value: On average, adding a high-quality ADU in Southern California can increase property value by
20–30%.
- Favorable State Laws: New 2026 California laws (like AB 434) now require cities to offer
pre-approved ADU plans, which can drastically reduce your architectural costs and permit wait times.
- Rental Flexibility: Recent state updates have removed many "owner-occupancy" requirements, meaning you can potentially rent out both your primary home and your ADU for maximum flexibility.
Ready to get started on your ADU project?
The "one-year clock" on this fee waiver is ticking. If you want to take advantage of the savings, your first step should be to
contact us to discuss your lot's specific potential.
