Community Development Department
Reference: 2026 Fee Amendment Waiving Certain Fees for Accessory Dwelling Units
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Shawn Weiman, Affordable Housing Coordinator
Date Prepared: November 18, 2025
PURPOSE
To present an amendment to the 2026 fee schedule indicating that certain fees are not charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
BACKGROUND
Promoting ADUs as an effective strategy for increasing housing supply has been identified in recent state legislation and the City's Housing Needs Assessment. Funds from the Proposition 123 Local Planning Capacity grant program have been secured for studying the impact of ADUs as well as how to decrease the cost of adding ADUs. Most City impact fees charged for ADUs are currently the same amounts charged for principal dwellings.
Gruen Gruen + Associates (GG+A) was engaged to perform research regarding the impact fees charged for ADUs and made recommendations to City Council at the October 14, 2025, study session. It was demonstrated that approximately five to ten new ADUs are expected to be permitted over the next ten years in Brighton, and that ADUs have minimal impact on city infrastructure. GG+A's research revealed that lower build costs correlate with increased ADU construction.
STAFF ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS
ADUs provide efficient housing solutions for young adults forming their first households, as well as for senior residents looking to down-size. Many of the potential ADUs are expected to house family members of the principal dwelling owner. Also, for-rent ADUs would add to housing inventory at price points affordable to 80% and lower area median income work-force residents.
The park related, transportation, and general services impact fees that would be charged for ADUs in 2026 total $8,860. In addition, permit and plan review fees, and use tax are charged for ADUs based on the project valuation....
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