Building Permit
Fee Calculator

How are building permit fees calculated?

Most US cities charge a base administrative fee plus a valuation-based fee tied to your project's total construction value — commonly around $5-8 per $1,000 of value for residential work. Some jurisdictions use tiered flat fees by value bracket instead. Either way, the bigger the project value, the bigger the permit fee.

Why is this an estimate and not exact?

Every jurisdiction sets its own fee schedule, and many add line items this calculator can't predict — plan review surcharges, technology fees, state training fund fees, impact fees on new construction. The calculator gives you a realistic planning range; your building department's fee schedule gives you the exact number.

Do permit fees vary by city?

Yes, significantly. Two cities in the same state can charge very different fees for the identical project — larger metros generally run higher fee schedules, and some cities layer on plan review or zoning fees that others don't. That's why the calculator asks for your city and shows a range rather than a single number.

What's included in a permit fee?

Typically: plan review, permit issuance, and the required inspections for that scope of work. Watch for extras that are often billed separately — trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) on a larger job, re-inspection fees if an inspection fails, and contractor registration fees if you're not yet registered in that jurisdiction.

How can I find my exact permit fee?

Check your city building department's published fee schedule (usually a PDF on the permits page of the city website) or call the permit counter with your project valuation. Many cities will quote the fee before you apply. When you do pull the permit, ClearedNo can track its status automatically so you never have to check the portal.