What Are California Impact Fees?
California development impact fees are governed by the Mitigation Fee Act (Gov. Code § 66000 et seq.), which requires a reasonable relationship (nexus) between each fee and the development paying it. School facility fees are separately authorized and capped by state law, and many agencies publish annual fee reports.
California's fees are among the highest in the nation, and totals routinely exceed six figures per unit in some coastal markets. Figures on impactfees.org combine published schedules and model estimates for early feasibility — always confirm current adopted schedules with each agency.
California figures are illustrative estimates from our statewide cost model — calibrated to local construction costs and community size — rather than sourced fee schedules. Use them for early budgeting and site comparison, and see our methodology for how estimates are built.
Counties Covered
Our calculator covers all 58 California counties:
Click any county to open the calculator pre-loaded with that jurisdiction.
Major California Markets
Click any market to open the calculator pre-loaded with that city.
Los Angeles / Los Angeles
Sewer, transportation, and affordable-housing linkage fees are significant.
San Diego / San Diego
Water, sewer capacity, and DIFs vary by community plan area.
San Francisco / San Francisco
Among the highest fees in the state, including TIDF and inclusionary housing.
San Jose / Santa Clara
Traffic, parks, and construction tax are major cost drivers.
Sacramento / Sacramento
Water, sewer, and SAFCA fees apply to most new residential.
Oakland / Alameda
Capital improvements and affordable-housing impact fees apply.
Fresno / Fresno
Water, sewer, and UGM fees fund growth-related infrastructure.
Irvine / Orange
Traffic, parks, and school fees are substantial for new neighborhoods.
How the Calculator Works
- Pick your development type — Single-family, multifamily, commercial, industrial, or office.
- Search or pin your site — Enter an address or drop a pin anywhere in California.
- We identify the jurisdiction — City, county, and state are resolved automatically.
- Get an instant breakdown — Water, sewer, road, park, school, and fire fees by category — sourced where researched, clearly-labeled estimates where not.