Building permit costs are calculated based on the value of the construction. This is determined by factors like the type of structure and the materials being used. Once the value of construction is determined, the Building Division uses a building fee schedule, which is available online, to figure out permit costs.
For example, the cost of a permit for a two-car garage would be determined by multiplying the standard garage assessment ($20.41 per square foot) by the total square footage (24x24 = 576 square feet), equaling a construction value of $11,756. This would correspond to the $11,001-$12,000 range on the building fee schedule, resulting in a $209.99 permit. These fees cover the cost of Building Division staff and inspection time. To keep them at a reasonable cost, the division has not raised fees since 2011.
Penalty fees
If work is started before a permit is issued, the following penalty fees apply:
- If the total permit fee is less than $100, the penalty fee will equal the amount of the permit fee, plus an administrative fee of $30.
Example: If the total permit cost is $80, then the penalty fee for starting work without a permit will be $110.
- If the total permit fee is $100 or more, the penalty fee will be $100 plus the following percentages of the permit fee:
- If the permit is issued before or at the time of the foundation inspection, an additional 30% will be added to the penalty fee
- If the permit is issued before or at the time of the framing inspection, an additional 60% will be added to the penalty fee
- If the permit is issued before or at the time of the drywall inspection, an additional 75% will be added to the penalty fee
- If the permit is issued before or at the time of the final inspection, the penalty fee will double (100% added to the penalty fee).
Example: If the total permit fee is $300, and a permit was not issued until the drywall inspection, the total penalty fee would be $525.
