How Much Does a Building Permit Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $457 - $2,859
The typical cost for a building permit ranges from $457 to $2,859, with the national average being $1,658.
Applying for a permit may seem like a bureaucratic hassle when you’re managing complex renovations. Despite it being another cost to add to a project that may already be over budget, it isn’t something you should neglect. For simple plumbing or rewiring permits, you may pay around $457, and for large, complex projects that require multiple permits, you could end up paying over $2,859.
Not all renovation work needs a permit. For those that do, permits are there to ensure that the work done is safe, legal, and appropriate. Permits can vary in price, depending on where you live and which type you need for your project. Learn more about how much a building permit could cost for your home renovations.
- Average
- $1,658
- Low end
- $140
- high end
- $8,500
Building Permit Cost Factors
Much like the cost to build a house, the cost to obtain a building permit is determined by different contributing factors. Here are some of the main factors relevant to the total cost of a building permit.
Size of the Property
Some authorities will charge higher fees for building permits required for larger homes or those with many installations.
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.
| Type of Permit | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Construction | $150–$2,000 |
| Roofing | $250–$500 |
| Garage and Basement Conversion | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Electrical | $10–$500 |
| Plumbing | $50–$500 |
| Window | $50 per window |
| HVAC | $250– $400 |
| Demolition | $200 |
Fee Structure
Some authorities will only charge a flat rate for permits, and others have the fee and charge a percentage of the total cost of the project budget or contractor's quoted price.
Location
Big cities often charge more for their permits than smaller rural authorities. Some authorities also require permit applications for types of work that others don’t.
| City | Average Building Permit Cost |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $400–$1,800 |
| Portland, OR | $500–$2,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Boise, ID | $700–$2,000 |
Residential vs. Commercial Permits
Residential building permits are used for projects such as 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. Typically, residential building permits cost less than commercial.
Approval 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. Some of these fees may be for things like a Certificate of Occupancy, investigation, and revisions.
How Much Does a Building Permit Cost by Type?
There are many types of permits, and you may need to apply for more than one depending on the project you’re undertaking—a remodel vs. renovation will be 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 council 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. So 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.
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.
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 cheaper 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 on average $250 to $400, if you have already applied for a main building permit, often HVAC work is permissible under this.
Demolition Permit Costs
If you have an outbuilding with foundations in your garden that you want to get rid of, you’ll have to apply for a permit before you proceed. Often demolition services or building contractors will 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 this 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 $20 and $60.
Building a patio or a deck is another one that can need a permit before work can begin. Fees usually range from $225 to $500.
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 not cost more than $250, but a major building project could cost up to $2,000.
How to Save Money on Building Permit Costs
You can save money on building permit costs by pulling the permit yourself, as opposed to having a contractor do it for you. The main caveat is that when you pull a permit yourself you are responsible for ensuring that the building is up to code–which can be a time-consuming task to take on yourself. Any building code violation would be your responsibility to fix, and you may have to pay a fine.
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 avoid any liability down the road if things go wrong. Consider reaching out to a general contractor near you to help you.
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 [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be tempting to just plough ahead with a project without a permit, but it isn’t worth the risk. Not only are they there to ensure everything is done safely and in accordance with the proper codes and regulations, but you could end up with a nasty fine, stop-work order, or even have trouble selling your house without them. Plus, it can invalidate your insurance, and you may need to redo the work to the proper standards.
Straightforward permits, like those for electrical and plumbing work, can gain approval immediately. Permits relating to structural work usually take at least a month to come through. Sometimes issuing the permit won’t happen until after there has been an inspection of the final work.
Permit applications can be complex and highly specific. By hiring an experienced contractor familiar with the application process, this will reduce the risk of approval denial. If you do your research and are aware of expectations, even if your application is initially denied, with some tweaks it is often possible to reapply within 12 months of the original application. It’s also possible to appeal a decision, although this is not always successful, and it can be several months before an outcome will be reached.
Applications are always submitted to city or municipal councils. Information on the application process is often found on their websites, or you can call their planning department for clarification.