Building Permit Cost Estimator
Estimate your building permit fees based on project type, total construction value, and regional cost factors. Results are approximations; always verify with your local building department.
Formula
Base Permit Fee — ICC/IBC sliding-scale tiered schedule:
- Construction value ≤ $2,000 → flat $50
- $2,001 – $25,000 → $50 + $15 per $1,000 over $2,000
- $25,001 – $50,000 → $395 + $10 per $1,000 over $25,000
- $50,001 – $100,000 → $645 + $7 per $1,000 over $50,000
- $100,001 – $500,000 → $995 + $5 per $1,000 over $100,000
- > $500,000 → $2,995 + $3 per $1,000 over $500,000
Adjusted Permit Fee = Base Fee × Type Multiplier × Regional Cost Index × Stories Surcharge
Plan Review Fee = Adjusted Permit Fee × 0.65 (if selected)
State Surcharge = Adjusted Permit Fee × 0.10
Inspection Fee = Square Footage × $0.10 × Regional Cost Index
Total = Adjusted Permit Fee + Plan Review Fee + State Surcharge + Inspection Fee
Type Multipliers: Residential New 1.00 · Addition 0.85 · Commercial New 1.35 · Tenant Improvement 0.90 · Accessory 0.70 · Demolition 0.40 · MEP 0.60
Stories Surcharge: 1 + (stories − 2) × 0.05 for buildings over 2 stories
Assumptions & References
- Base fee schedule follows the International Building Code (IBC) / ICC model fee ordinance, widely adopted across U.S. jurisdictions.
- Plan review fee of 65% of the permit fee is the ICC-recommended standard (ICC Building Valuation Data).
- State surcharge of 10% reflects common state-level building standards program fees (e.g., California BSAS, Washington State surcharge).
- Inspection fee of $0.10/sq ft is a national average baseline; actual rates range from $0.05 to $0.25/sq ft.
- Regional cost indices are derived from RSMeans Construction Cost Data city cost indexes.
- Stories surcharge of 5% per story above 2 reflects increased inspection complexity per ASCE 7 and local amendments.
- Demolition permits are typically assessed at 40% of equivalent new-construction permit value (ICC model ordinance).
- MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) permits are typically separate from the building permit and assessed at ~60% of the base rate.
- These estimates do not include impact fees, school fees, utility connection fees, or environmental review fees, which can significantly increase total costs.
- Always verify fees with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before budgeting.