Ballpark the building permit cost for a project. Enter the project value and type, plus any trade permits, for a rough estimate.
Estimated Permit Cost
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Rough total; confirm with your AHJ.Usage Tip
Call your local building department early with your project value — they will tell you what permits you need and the exact fees, often over the phone. Some minor repairs need no permit at all.
THE MATH
Building permit ≈ base fee + (project value ÷ 1000) × rate
Plan review ≈ a share of the permit fee (larger for additions)
Total = building permit + plan review + trade permits
Plan review ≈ a share of the permit fee (larger for additions)
Total = building permit + plan review + trade permits
Most building departments base the permit fee on the project valuation (declared cost), often via a published fee schedule, plus separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Fees, formulas, and what needs a permit vary a lot by jurisdiction — this is only a rough national-style estimate.
Fees, formulas, and what needs a permit vary a lot by jurisdiction — this is only a rough national-style estimate.
Permit fees are set locally and differ widely — always confirm with your city or county building department.
Skipping permits can mean fines, forced removal, failed inspections, insurance problems, and trouble at resale; pulling them is cheaper than the alternative.
Many areas also charge plan review, impact, school, and other fees on larger projects, which this does not include.
Skipping permits can mean fines, forced removal, failed inspections, insurance problems, and trouble at resale; pulling them is cheaper than the alternative.
Many areas also charge plan review, impact, school, and other fees on larger projects, which this does not include.