The Amnesty Law That
Changes Everything
California Assembly Bill 2533 gives pre-2020 unpermitted ADUs a penalty-free path to legalization — assessed only against HSC §17920.3 health and safety standards.
What AB 2533 Prohibits Cities From Doing
"A local agency shall not deny a permit for an unpermitted pre-2020 ADU solely because it violates current building standards or doesn't comply with local ordinances. The city's only authority is the HSC §17920.3 health-and-safety checklist."
PUSH-BACK AMMO
- Gov. Code §65852.26 — AB 2533 amnesty authority
- HSC §17920.3 — only applies to life-safety hazards
- Gov. Code §66332 — legalization framework
- SB 543 (eff. Jan 1, 2026) — 15-day completeness clock
- HCD IB 25-004 — HCD clarifications to local agencies
- Jan 2026 ADU cleanup laws — city interpretation overrides
WHAT CITIES CANNOT DO
- Charge impact/connection fees for pre-2020 ADUs
- Deny permit for non-safety code violations (pre-2020)
- Exceed 15 days to issue completeness determination
- Add new objections after resubmission
- Require current-code seismic upgrade for AB 2533
- Interpret §17920.3 beyond HCD guidance
PERMIT FEE TRANSPARENCY
Know Your Fees Before You Start
City permit fees vary significantly by jurisdiction. As the homeowner, you are responsible for your city's permitting fees — but you'll never be caught off guard when you work with Neev. We explain exactly what to expect during your initial consultation so you can budget with confidence.
Important: What You're Responsible For
Permit fees are set by each city or county and are paid directly to the jurisdiction — not to Neev. These fees vary widely. Our job is to make sure you understand what your specific city charges so you can make an informed decision and budget accordingly. We never surprise you.
| Fee Type | AB 2533 (Pre-2020) | New Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | $2,500–$8,000 (varies by city) | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Impact Fees | ✓ WAIVED under AB 2533 | Varies (deferred to final inspection) |
| Connection/Capacity Charges | ✓ WAIVED (no new utilities needed) | Varies by utility district |
| School Impact Fee | ✓ WAIVED under AB 2533 | ✓ WAIVED if < 500 sqft (SB 543) |
| Plan Check Fee | Included in permit or separate | Included in permit or separate |
| Penalties / Fines | ✓ WAIVED under AB 2533 | N/A (new construction) |
*Fee ranges are typical for California jurisdictions. Your city may differ. We provide a jurisdiction-specific fee estimate at your initial consultation.
Our Fee Transparency Promise
Initial Consultation
We review your ADU, research your specific jurisdiction's fee schedule, and walk you through every cost you should expect — city fees and ours.
Written Fee Estimate
Before you commit to anything, you receive a written estimate of all anticipated fees — broken down by category so you know exactly where every dollar goes.
Fee Waiver Maximization
We proactively identify every fee waiver you qualify for and ensure the city applies them. Under AB 2533, most homeowners save $15,000–$40,000 in waived impact fees alone.
No Hidden Surprises
If a city attempts to charge a fee that violates state law, we dispute it on your behalf — and we have the legal citations to back it up.
Know Your Rights. Know the Laws.
Understanding the state laws that protect you builds confidence and helps you decide which direction to take. These are the most important references in the California ADU legal landscape.
HCD Official Guide: HCD 2025 ADU Handbook
The California Department of Housing & Community Development's official guide for homeowners and local agencies. The definitive reference for all ADU laws.
State Law: AB 2533 Full Bill Text
The complete text of Assembly Bill 2533 — the ADU amnesty law for unpermitted units built before January 1, 2020. Gov. Code §65852.26.
HCD Bulletin: HCD IB 2025-04 — AB 2533 Guidance
HCD's official bulletin introducing AB 2533 to local jurisdictions. If your city staff seems confused about the law, this is the document to hand them.
Health & Safety Code: HSC §17920.3 — Substandard Housing
The exact legal definition of a 'substandard building' — what cities can and cannot require under AB 2533. Cities love to creatively interpret vague items. Knowing the law protects you.
2026 Update: January 2026 ADU Cleanup Laws
Cities were interpreting ADU laws in 'all kinds of creative ways.' The 2026 cleanup legislation — SB 543, AB 1154, AB 462 — closes loopholes and restores clarity statewide.
From First Call to Legal ADU
Free Consultation
We learn about your ADU, your goals, and your jurisdiction. We explain all expected fees and the ideal path forward.
Free Consultation
We learn about your ADU, your goals, and your jurisdiction. We explain all expected fees and the ideal path forward.
Confidential Inspection
Our licensed PE visits your property privately. You get the full picture before anything is filed.
Confidential Inspection
Our licensed PE visits your property privately. You get the full picture before anything is filed.
Engineering Package
We prepare stamped structural calculations, observation letter, and all required documentation.
Engineering Package
We prepare stamped structural calculations, observation letter, and all required documentation.
Permit Application
We submit, track, and actively advocate. When cities push back beyond their authority, we respond with the law.
Permit Application
We submit, track, and actively advocate. When cities push back beyond their authority, we respond with the law.
Legal ADU
Permit issued. Your ADU is legal, insurable, and rentable. Property value protected and increased.
Legal ADU
Permit issued. Your ADU is legal, insurable, and rentable. Property value protected and increased.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about the AB 2533 amnesty process.
Ready to Legalize Your ADU?
Start with a free consultation. We'll review your situation, explain your options, outline all expected fees, and give you a clear roadmap — no obligation, no pressure.