Permits and Fees for ADU garage conversion in LA, CA

[Shane Bunda]

I am looking to convert my detached 360 sqft garage into an ADU. I have a single family home in the coastal area of San Pedro, CA. Because we are within the coastal area, my architect is saying that I need to pay an $18,000 application fee to the coastal commission and the waiting time to be approved is 6-9 months. I am also being advised that I should expect to pay between $25,000 - $30,000 in total for permits and fees including the $18K referenced above. I have budgeted about $100,000 for the entire project. Since my garage is built on the property line, I am not changing anything about the size so I don't have to set it back 4 feet from the other property. I am only making changes to the interior and adding new windows and doors.

Does $25K - $30K in permits and fees sound correct for an ADU in a coastal area? Will a $100K budget even work in light of the $30K in permits and fees?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Shane