Complete 2026 cost breakdown: construction, permits, financing, and expected rental ROI.
Calculate your Upland ADU cost →Building an ADU in Upland costs between $175,000-$350,000 for new construction, with per-square-foot costs averaging $180-$350. These figures include design, permitting, site preparation, and construction. The most affordable option is a garage conversion at $75,000-$150,000, while prefab/modular ADUs fall in between at $120,000-$250,000.
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Architectural Plans | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Permits & Fees | ADU permit fee set by Council resolution (§ 17.37.040(B)); the city's April 2023 guidebook listed $810, plus building permit/plan check typically $3,000-$4,000 and a $189 county fire letter. 2026 amounts not published online; confirm with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110. |
| Impact Fees | None for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less of interior livable space (Gov. Code 66311.5; § 17.37.070(A)); at 750 sq ft and above they are charged in proportion to the primary home's floor area (city guidebook: $30,532 for a full-fee ADU in 2023). Conversions on single-family lots pay no water/sewer connection or capacity charge; new-construction ADUs pay a proportionate one (§ 17.37.070(B)). School fees apply from 500 sq ft (Upland USD; $4.08/sq ft in 2023). |
| Site Prep & Foundation | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Framing & Structure | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| Plumbing | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Electrical | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| HVAC | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Interior Finishes | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Quotes for the same ADU commonly vary 20–40% between builders. We pass your request to up to 5 local builders serving Upland, where we have them — free, no obligation.
Get Upland builder quotes →Permit fees in Upland are ADU permit fee set by Council resolution (§ 17.37.040(B)); the city's April 2023 guidebook listed $810, plus building permit/plan check typically $3,000-$4,000 and a $189 county fire letter. 2026 amounts not published online; confirm with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110.. The review timeline is 60 days from a complete application, deemed approved if the city does not act (§ 17.37.040(C)); the city's 2023 guidebook adds 15-21 working days for the San Bernardino County Fire residential fire letter. No current published averages., with plan check: Planning checks Chapter 17.37 (zoning, size, setbacks, design); Building & Safety checks the California Building/Residential Codes as amended by Ordinance 2004 (Nov 24, 2025); San Bernardino County Fire issues a residential fire letter ($189 in 2023). Sprinklers only if the main house has them (§ 17.37.050(C)). Applications go through the city's CSS online portal.. Impact fees are None for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less of interior livable space (Gov. Code 66311.5; § 17.37.070(A)); at 750 sq ft and above they are charged in proportion to the primary home's floor area (city guidebook: $30,532 for a full-fee ADU in 2023). Conversions on single-family lots pay no water/sewer connection or capacity charge; new-construction ADUs pay a proportionate one (§ 17.37.070(B)). School fees apply from 500 sq ft (Upland USD; $4.08/sq ft in 2023).. Pre-approved plans: The city's Building & Safety Division publishes a Pre-approved ADU Plans page (last read July 2026); the number of plans, sizes and any plan fee could not be re-verified on Sept 20, 2026 because the city website was unreachable. A site-specific plot plan is still required. Confirm current availability with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110..
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,900-$2,250/month |
| 2-Bedroom Rent | $2,250-$2,750/month |
| Annual Rental Income (est.) | $24,900/year |
| Payback Period (est.) | 10.5 years |
| Short-Term Rental | No. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term shorter than 30 days, regardless of when it was built (§ 17.37.050(D)); the city regulates other short-term rentals separately through its Planning Division. |
| Overall ROI Estimate | 7-12% gross rental yield (annual rent divided by build cost, before vacancy, taxes and financing) |
A typical ADU in Upland generates approximately $24,900 per year in rental income based on average 1-bedroom rents. At an average construction cost of $262,500, the estimated payback period is 10.5 years — before accounting for the resale value the ADU adds, which an appraiser determines from comparable sales in Upland and varies by market (often less than build cost).
1. Garage conversions save 40-60% vs new construction since the shell already exists. Average cost in Upland: $75,000-$150,000.
2. Prefab/modular ADUs offer predictable pricing and faster timelines. Average: $120,000-$250,000.
3. Pre-approved plans — available in Upland, which can save $3,000-$10,000 in design costs and 2-3 months in review time. See which cities offer pre-approved ADU plans.
4. State grants — California's CalHFA ADU grant (up to $40K) is currently paused; check calhfa.ca.gov/adu for status and your state for active programs.
5. Get multiple bids — ADU contractor pricing varies 20-40% for the same project. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes.
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