How Much Does a Building Permit Cost? [2024 Data]

Building Permit Cost Factors

Much like the cost to build a house, the cost to obtain a building permit depends on a few factors. Here are some of the main things to consider to estimate the cost of a building permit for your project.

Angi Tip

Completing a project without a permit could result in major fines or having to tear it down and start over. A reputable contractor can pull the necessary permits for you prior to starting a project.

Caroline Gilbert

Director, Content & Editorial, Angi

Size of the Property

In some cases, especially with new construction or a remodel, your local building department might charge you based on the square footage you’re building. In most cases, the cost will increase incrementally rather than have a fee per square foot, meaning that your price can go up as your project size increases.

Type of Permit

Depending on the specific type of permit you need, the cost will vary. Here are some of the main types of permits, and how they vary in cost.

Fee Structure

Some authorities will only charge a flat rate for permits. For example, pulling any kind of plumbing permit for repairs could total $150, regardless of how expensive the actual repair is. Others may charge the flat fee in addition to charging a percentage of the total cost of the project budget or contractor's quoted price.

Location

Your local building department is usually the authority that handles permitting, including coming up with a fee schedule for all of the permits they issue. Building permit costs vary by municipality based on the fee structure. In most cases, building permits cost more in major metropolitan areas than they do in rural areas, but that’s not always the case. Some authorities also require permit applications for types of work that others don’t, so all-in costs can vary based on the permits that are required.

Residential vs. Commercial Permits

Residential building permits are necessary for projects involving single family homes, duplexes, and multi-family residences. On the other hand, commercial permits are used for non-residential buildings like office buildings and retail shops. Most residential building permits cost less than commercial ones.

Historic or Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Building permits are primarily meant to ensure that projects move forward according to building code. In some cases, they’re required to ensure that renovations on historical buildings or in areas where the impact on the environment could be substantial are carried out properly. 

Historical building permits and permits related to environmental safety often cost more because the price includes additional inspection fees your local governing agency will need to charge to ensure proper completion.

The added fees for these types of permits will vary widely based on your state and local municipality.

Expedited Building Permits

Some municipalities allow you to file for expedited building permits to speed up the process of getting approval. These can be useful for completing your project based on your preferred timeline, but municipalities often charge more for expedited services.

In areas where expedited permits aren’t available, you might be able to hire an expeditor to speed things along, but this can add between $200 and $1,000 to your permit total, depending on the size of the project. If you find an architect who has relationships with department officials, they may be able to expedite your permits for a lower fee.

Some municipalities offer expedited permits for specific projects at no additional cost to provide easier access to things like solar equipment.

Additional Fees

While this may not factor into the total building permit cost for every project, some will require additional application or approval fees depending on the project itself or the state you live in. These will vary based on your location and the specific project you’re completing.

How Much Does a Building Permit Cost by Type?

Photo: Joe Schmelzer / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

There are many types of permits, and you may need to apply for more than one depending on the project you’re undertaking—for example, permit costs for a remodel versus renovation can be drastically different. Be aware that the average prices outlined in the examples below are a useful guide, but every local authority has its own pricing structure. Always do further research to get accurate fees for populating your project budget spreadsheets. Your contractor may be able to help you, or you can visit your local building department’s website or call their office.

Construction Permit Costs

For major renovations or a new home construction project, you’ll need a main building permit. This includes things like removing or building interior walls and property extensions. If you’re changing the size or layout of your kitchen or bathroom, for example, you’ll need to apply for this type of permit—and possibly plumbing and electrical permits, too.

On average, these cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000, but for large-scale projects, the cost could be higher. Some local authorities charge a percentage of the total project budget, some a price per square foot, and others will have a flat rate. When you hire a pro for this job, they'll often include permits in your total cost to build a house or your home addition cost.

Roofing Permit Costs

When you’re re-roofing your home as part of a wider renovation project, a general building permit will often cover the work. If you’re upgrading your roof as a one-off job, you’ll need a roofing permit before work can proceed. On average, these permits cost between $250 and $500. Sometimes, there are additional charges for roofs that are over 1,000 square feet.

Garage or Basement Conversion Permit Costs

You’ll need a permit if you’re adding or converting a garage or basement. The average price is around $1,200 to $2,000 for a permit to finish a basement or garage. This is because, along with the main building permit, additional permit fees will apply for things like plumbing, electrical wiring and outlets, and HVAC installation. You may even need to run a sewer line from your basement and consider extensive waterproofing, and these also require permits. If you aren’t adding lots of additional features, the permit fees will be more reasonable and range anywhere from $50 to $500.

Electrical Permit Costs

If you need to rewire or add new wiring, circuits, or outlets, you’ll probably need to apply for an electrical permit. These aren’t as expensive, but you can still expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $500.

Plumbing Permit Costs

For kitchen remodels or bathroom remodels that require new piping or drain installation, chances are you’ll need a plumbing permit. On average, this can cost between $50 and $500. Prices can be higher if you need permits for making changes to your water main or main sewer line. You’ll pay the highest costs for things like installing or making changes to your septic system, as these often involve environmental concerns that demand additional inspection fees.

Window Permit Costs

You’ll need a permit if you’re replacing the windows in your home—and sometimes even if you’re just making repairs. This is to ensure that the replacements meet current safety and energy efficiency standards. Typically, these permits are easier to access than others, and you can buy them on a per-window basis. These cost around $50 per window, but it usually works out to be less expensive when you replace several windows at once.

HVAC Permit Costs

Installing or moving air ducts and vents in the home is another job that requires a permit. This means you’ll need one if you’re having heating or air conditioning installed or upgraded. Although the permits cost between $250 and $400 on average, if you have already applied for a main building permit, HVAC work may be included in the initial fee.

Demolition Permit Costs

If you have an outbuilding with foundations in your garden that you want to get rid of, or you’re knocking down your home to build new construction, you’ll have to apply for a permit before you proceed. Demolition services or building contractors will often include the cost for this in their quote, but always check, as there are hefty fines if you don’t comply.

Expect to pay around $200 for a demolition permit, but keep in mind you’ll also need construction permits if you plan on building a new structure after knocking down the existing one.

Outdoor Projects Permit Costs

Even something as seemingly unremarkable as erecting a fence can sometimes require a permit, particularly if it’s over 6 feet tall. Thankfully, this one won’t break the bank and typically costs between $100 and $200.

Building a patio or a deck is another project that requires a permit before work can begin. Fees usually range from $100 to $500. Note that you often won’t need permits for paver patios, as these don’t require a foundation and aren’t considered permanent land improvements.

You’ll also need one if you’re building a shed with foundations, electrics, or plumbing, and built-in swimming pools need one too. A simple shed permit might cost as little as $150, but a larger project like installing an in-ground pool could cost an average of $1,250.

Hiring a Pro vs. Pulling a Permit Yourself

While pulling a permit yourself could save you some money, it might be worth hiring a pro to ensure that you get the proper permits for your particular project. Consider reaching out to a general contractor near you to avoid having to pull additional permits and pay more fees down the road.

It’s also important to note that many municipalities will only allow licensed professionals to pull permits. For example, if you need electrical or plumbing work done, and you don’t have an electrical or plumbing license, you might legally have to hire a professional to pull the permits for you.

How to Save Money on Building Permit Costs

Unfortunately, building permit costs are often unavoidable and aren’t negotiable, so there are just a few things you can do to save on the cost of a building permit.

• Pull permits yourself: If your building department allows, you can save money on building permit costs by pulling it yourself, as opposed to having a contractor do it for you. Contractors may charge added fees for the application process if they have to pull permits for you.

• Don’t rush the process: You can often get permits approved more quickly by hiring an expeditor or paying for expedited permits, but both of these will drive up the cost of your permits. Plan ahead for how long it takes to get a building permit in your area to avoid these fees.

• Know your timeline: Building permits last for six months, on average, unless the construction starts within that time frame. Once construction starts, the permit is often good for one to two years, depending on the specific project and your location.

• Don’t try to avoid permits: While forgoing the permitting process might seem like a good way to save money, you’ll often end up paying more in the long run. You could be subject to building code violations if your municipality finds out about illegal construction, and these often total more than the initial permit cost.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.