2025 Building Permit Costs And Fees: Everything You Need To Know

When planning a new project, building permits probably aren’t at the top of your mind. Creatively drafting ideas, brainstorming elements of the building, and getting artistic with interior and exterior design are all far more interesting and fun than worrying about getting your hands on the correct documents.

Unfortunately, though, it’s not all fun and games. Your site plan will need to be reflective of what you’re going to build so that you can submit it for a building permit. Without a proper site plan, your project could go up in smoke before you’re ever able to break ground.

Although site permits are a real pain, they’re also a necessary part of starting a building project. In this blog, our team of experienced site professionals at My Site Plan will explore the ins and outs of permits, how to obtain one, and the permit fees you can expect for just about any building project  you’re planning.

A building or renovation permit is a government-sanctioned document that builders are required to obtain before beginning any construction, renovation, or additions on a particular site or property.

Every jurisdiction in the United States (including states, counties, and cities) has varying requirements for issuing permits. Every jurisdiction also has different building codes and costs associated with issuing permits as well.

Essentially, an area’s zoning board will determine what a permit covers once the site owner or building company submits the site plan. Then, the proper costs and fees need to be paid before the permit is issued. Once paid and issued, construction can begin.

Unfortunately, the building permit process doesn’t end once the permit is issued. After construction is completed, a government inspector will visit the construction site in order to conduct a full inspection. This is done to ensure the building or renovation passes the relevant codes. To note here, this inspection will cost you a further fee, so make sure to check this fee in advance and factor it into your costs.

What types of projects require a building permit?

Whether you're picturing a trendy kitchen remodel or dreaming up a full-blown home addition, you might wonder: which projects actually require a building permit? The answer usually comes down to your local building codes and zoning regulations—and they're typically pretty clear on this.

In general, most projects that involve:

• Constructing a new building or structure
• Making additions or major alterations to an existing property
• Remodeling spaces (including kitchens, bathrooms, or basements)
• Installing or updating electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
• Adding elements like decks, garages, fences, or sheds (often above a certain size)
• Demolition of part or all of a structure

...will require you to obtain a building permit before any work begins. While some cosmetic updates (like painting or simple repairs) may fly under the radar, any work affecting a structure’s safety, footprint, or major systems falls squarely in the “get a permit first” camp. Always check with your local permitting office—they’ll help you decipher the fine print.

If you plan on starting a full-structure project or remodeling your home, obtaining the correct permits is crucial. They are designated by state and local governments to ensure the safe building of the structure.

The costs of a building permit will depend on a wide range of factors, including:

• The size of the job 

• The type of work involved 

• The total construction cost 

• Where you live 

• And more… 

Generally, permits for smaller tasks like electrical and plumbing work are on the lower end in terms of price and will typically set you back $50 to $300 according to HomeAdvisor. When it comes to the permits needed for construction projects, building houses, and remodeling, the costs can run much higher and are typically $500 to $2,000. 

A building permit for any single structure can range from $300 to $2,000, on average. This often equates to between 0.5% to 2% of the total average construction costs. While it’s not a cheap process it is a necessary one. 

The costs below include the average cost range for the permits needed for specific jobs. Depending on what area of the United States you live in, your costs may vary. Let’s explore some of the most common building permit costs in 2025, according to our friends over at HomeGuide.

• Building a New House: $1,000 to $3,000

• Building a New Garage: $150 to $500

• Garage Conversion: $800 to $1,500

• Room Addition: $200 to $600

• Bathroom Remodel: Bathroom remodel permit costs generally range between $200 and $1,000, depending on the scale of your project and local requirements. For simple updates—like swapping out fixtures or repainting—you may not need a permit at all. However, if your remodel involves plumbing, electrical, or HVAC changes, expect to pay on the higher end of the range for the necessary permits. The size and complexity of your renovation will play a big role in determining your final permit cost.

• Deck: $50 to $150 (In some areas, deck renovation won’t require a permit if the renovation is relatively minimal.)

• Shed: $50 to $145 (In some areas, shed renovation won’t require a permit if the renovation is relatively minimal.)

• Pergola: $60 to $150 (In some areas, pergola renovation won’t require a permit if the renovation is relatively minimal.)

• Building Inspection: $100 to $500

• Basement Finishing: $200 to $1,000

• Electrical: $50 to $350

• Roofing: $150 to $500

• Fence: $40 to $150

• Plumbing:  $ 30 to $500, this covers the average fee range for a plumbing permit. You’ll typically need a permit for projects such as installing or replacing a water heater, swapping out old pipes or drains, upgrading sewers, or adding entirely new plumbing fixtures. Always check with your local building department, as requirements may vary depending on the scope of your work.

• HVAC: $50 to $1,500

• General Construction: $500 to $2,000

• Window: $50 to $200

• Demolition: $100 to $450

Related content:

Figuring out what your total permit costs are going to be can be tricky. Luckily, there are a ton of excellent tools out there for  calculating a more accurate number for your permit fees. One of our favorite tools is ImproveNet.

This tool involves simply entering your ZIP code in order to see the national average, minimum cost, maximum cost, and average range of your specific county for different types of projects.

Before we continue, let's briefly cover some other key factors you'll want to consider regarding overall permit costs. 

• Most construction companies typically include the costs and fees of building permits in their original estimates. This means you probably won't have to deal with paying extra for permits when working with a credible construction company.

• How long it takes to receive a permit depends on several factors but primarily on the project’s size. You can sometimes get a permit in only a day or two for small projects, whereas it can take as long as two weeks to get one for a more extensive project.

• If a homeowner acquires an owner-builder permit, they automatically assume all financial liability, insurance risks, and responsibility for adhering to building and zoning codes. 

• People can work with permit service providers, who will handle all of the paperwork, legalities, and inspections needed for permit acquisition. Their services may be costly, but they can help streamline the permit process.

• According to law, any construction or renovation projects that don't require an official permit still need to follow all local zoning and building codes.

Has your building department requested a non-certified site plan so you can acquire all of the permits required to get your project started? Our team of highly-trained drafters from My Site Plan is here to help, so consider contacting us today to learn more! 

What to Expect with Retroactive Permits

If you’ve completed a project without first securing the proper permit, you'll need what's known as a retroactive permit—and unfortunately, these come with a steeper price tag.

• Typical retroactive permit fees can range anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the nature and scope of the work. Why the additional cost? The process is more involved than a standard permit.
• Before approval, your city’s building department usually conducts a thorough inspection to verify that the completed work complies with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Inspectors might request that you open up finished walls, expose electrical or plumbing systems, or, in some cases, remove sections that don’t meet code—each of which can add both time and expense to the process.

Being proactive with permits not only keeps costs in check but can also save you from unexpected headaches down the line!

What happens if you built without a permit? Understanding retroactive permits

Sometimes, homeowners finish a project only to realize afterward that a permit was required all along. In these cases, you’ll need to obtain what’s called a retroactive permit (also known as an “as-built permit”), and there are a few important things to know before you dive in:

• Significantly higher costs: Expect retroactive permits to come with a steeper price tag than standard permits—often ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on scope and local regulations.
• Mandatory inspections: Local authorities will need to inspect the completed work to ensure everything meets current building codes. This process is often more stringent than if you had gotten the permit from the start.
• Possible demolition or corrections: Inspectors might require you to open up finished walls, ceilings, or floors—sometimes even removing completed sections—to verify the quality and safety of the work.
• Delays and added paperwork: Retroactive permitting typically means extra paperwork, longer review times, and coordination with city building officials. Be prepared for the process to take longer than a standard permit application.

In short, while it’s possible to legalize unpermitted work, it’s invariably more expensive and time-consuming—and there’s no guarantee inspectors won’t require significant modifications or partial demolition to bring everything up to code.

It’s important to understand the distinction between a residential project and a commercial project before submitting the necessary paperwork.

Commercial buildings usually represent businesses. The requirements and permit approval processes are significantly stricter for commercial buildings as they are typically open to the public. The fees for getting a permit and inspections are also more expensive.

Residential buildings refer to homes or living spaces for families, residents, and individual members of the public. Usually, permit requirements and the approval process for permits are significantly less strict and generally operate on an individual basis. The required fees will depend heavily on individual county regulations, the location of the building, and the type of renovation or construction that will take place.

Residential and commercial permits are very different. For example, commercial buildings will need to apply for the same building permits as residential spaces for any type of new construction or remodeling plan. Additional evaluation and inspection are also required and will apply to the total cost, along with the general building permit fee.

This fee is typically around 5% of the contract's total value in addition to building permit fees. Commercial buildings are subject to very rigorous inspection fees to comply with government regulations for safety. Residential buildings, on the other hand, are only required to pay county rates.

The best way to find an exact price for these fees would be to contact your local government during the site planning process. However, there are various ranges you can keep in mind for average permit fees regarding both property types.

According to HomeGuide, residential construction for family homes and condos typically involves building fees ranging from $0 to $400 for more minor repairs and projects, while significant structural work, remodeling, and new construction average between $600 and $3,600. However, after-the-fact or as-built homes can require permits that cost as much as $2,000 to $8,000. 

Unlike residential building permits, which typically involve a wide range of factors for permits- including fencing, foundation, HVAC, and much more, commercial building permits are often based on total building size. Generally, permits for commercial buildings cost between $0.15 and $0.84 per square foot of space, which equates to around 1% to 5% of the project’s total value. However, permit fees are also impacted by construction type and occupancy classification, such as healthcare, industrial, business, or high hazard.

For example the permit cost for a:

• 5,000-square-foot building would range from $750 to $4,200

• 10,000-square-foot building would range from $1,500 to $8,400

• 25,000-square-foot building would range from $3,700 to $21,000

• 50,000-square-foot building would range from $7,500 to $42,000

Although we’ve been exploring building permits, it is important to keep the idea of demolition permits and costs in mind when planning your next project .  After all, many construction and remodeling projects require demolition before building can occur and you usually need a permit even to knock down a single wall! A project may also have to undergo some demolition if any significant errors occur during the construction process. 

Like building permits, a demolition permit’s overall costs and fees depend on various factors, such as what’s being demolished and how much material is involved. On average, a demolition permit will cost anywhere between $100 and $450, though some cities automatically include demolition permits as part of a building permit, saving people money.

Additional demolition permits may be required if you are:

• Demolishing a historic landmark (between $300 and $10,000)

• Relocating or capping lines (between $100 and $150 each)

• Removing trees (especially older, larger, healthy, or rare trees)

• Closing a public right-of-way

• Dust control

• Altering city zoning regulations

Related content:

During the permit granting process, builders and contractors will often need to provide their local government with a site plan in order to gain approval. But as we’ve discussed in this article, ensuring you have the right documents in place can be complicated and time-consuming. That’s where MySitePlan can help!

MySitePlan offers a variety of non-certified site plans that include buildings, lot lines, landscapes, and more.  We use public data and send the plan to the client to verify dimensions and mark any changes on the plan, which we update free of charge.

Drafting a site plan has never been easier, so contact us today to learn more about how we can help! And if you’d like to access even more essential know-how on site plans, permits, construction, and more, please don’t hesitate to also explore our wide selection of other educational resources.