How Much Does a Building Permit Cost? Fees and Timelines in 273 US Cities
Quick answer
Across 731 datapoints in 273 US cities, the median building permit fee for common backyard projects (decks, fences, sheds, patios, garages) is about $188, and most residential reviews take 1 to 4 weeks. Fees vary widely by city and project: the tables below give the range for your state and project type, with links to the full local guides.
Permit fees are public information that is strangely hard to compare: every city publishes its own schedule, in its own format, on its own website. This page aggregates the fee and review-time data we maintain across our state permit guides into one benchmark: 731 datapoints covering 273 cities in all 50 states, for the five most common homeowner projects. Download the full dataset (CSV) if you want to work with the numbers yourself.
Want it personalized? The Permit Cost Calculator answers for your exact project, state, and city in three clicks, from the same dataset.
The national picture
| Project | Middle 50% of tracked cities | Median review | Lowest tracked | Highest tracked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck | $175–$325 | 10.5 days | $75+ (Madison, Wisconsin) | $300–$1,000+ (San Francisco, California) |
| Fence | $38–$75 | Often no review needed | $5 (Idaho Falls, Idaho) | $42–$170 depending on project (Norman, Oklahoma) |
| Shed | $72–$138 | 10.5 days | $50 minimum (based on valuation) (Columbus, Georgia) | $552+ ($227 permit + $325 plan review) (San Jose, California) |
| Patio | $100–$250 | 14.0 days | $50–$250 (valuation-based) (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) | $300–$800+ (complex review process) (San Francisco, California) |
| Garage | $275–$475 | 10.5 days | $50–$200 (varies by project) (Rutland, Vermont) | $600–$2,000+ (valuation-based) (San Francisco, California) |
Deck permit fees by state
Across 84 tracked cities, the middle half of deck permit fees falls between $175 and $325, with a median around $250. Click a state for the full deck permit guide, including thresholds, exemptions, and how its cities differ. Ranges span the tracked cities in each state. Click column headers to sort.
| State (guide) | Typical fee range | Typical review | Tracked cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Based on project value | 2–14 days | Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa |
| Alaska | $100–$400 | 3–14 days | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Sitka |
| Arizona | $100–$400 | 7–21 days | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale |
| Arkansas | See state guide | 5–10 days | Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro |
| California | $100–$1,000 | 1–6 weeks | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno |
| Colorado | $200–$500 | 3–15 days | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood |
| Connecticut | $150–$400 | 7–21 days | Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury |
| Delaware | See state guide | 7–21 days | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Bear (New Castle Co.) |
| Florida | $45–$500 | 1–6 weeks | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg |
| Georgia | $100–$500 | 1–5 weeks | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Sandy Springs |
| Hawaii | $100–$400 | 2–6 weeks | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Kahului |
| Idaho | $50–$175 | 7–21 days | Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Caldwell |
| Illinois | $132–$602 | 7–21 days | Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford |
| Indiana | $75–$500 | 7–21 days | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel |
| Iowa | See state guide | 5–10 days | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City |
| Kansas | See state guide | 5–21 days | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, KS, Olathe, Topeka |
| Kentucky | $50–$125 | 7–21 days | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington |
| Louisiana | Based on project value | 7–21 days | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles |
| Maine | $50–$300 | 7–21 days | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Biddeford |
| Maryland | $75–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie |
| Massachusetts | $100–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell |
| Michigan | $100–$250 | 1–4 weeks | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor |
| Minnesota | Based on project value | 7–21 days | Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Duluth |
| Mississippi | See state guide | 5–21 days | Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi |
| Missouri | $50–$400 | 7–21 days | Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
| Montana | $50–$250 | 1–4 weeks | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena |
| Nebraska | $75–$200 | 7–21 days | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| Nevada | $100–$400 | 7–21 days | Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Sparks |
| New Hampshire | Based on project value | 7–14 days | Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Rochester |
| New Jersey | $100–$350 | 1–4 weeks | Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison |
| New Mexico | See state guide | 1–4 weeks | Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell |
| New York | $130–$500 | 1–12 weeks | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse |
| North Carolina | $100–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, Asheville |
| North Dakota | $50–$250 | 7–14 days | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo |
| Ohio | $100–$350 | 1–4 weeks | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron |
| Oklahoma | See state guide | 3–21 days | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond |
| Oregon | $150–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro |
| Pennsylvania | $75–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading, Scranton |
| Rhode Island | $75–$225 | 1–6 weeks | Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport |
| South Carolina | $400–$700 | 1–4 weeks | Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill |
| South Dakota | See state guide | 7–14 days | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
| Tennessee | $65–$200 | 1–8 weeks | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville |
| Texas | $100–$500 | 7–21 days | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth |
| Utah | See state guide | 7–14 days | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, St. George |
| Vermont | $152–$925 | 3–6 weeks | Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre, Montpelier |
| Virginia | $150–$500 | 7–21 days | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News |
| Washington | $150–$700 | 1–6 weeks | Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue |
| West Virginia | $50–$175 | 7–14 days | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling |
| Wisconsin | $35–$500 | 0–21 days | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine |
| Wyoming | $100–$500 | 7–21 days | Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Jackson |
Fence permit fees by state
Across 36 tracked cities, the middle half of fence permit fees falls between $38 and $75, with a median around $50. Click a state for the full fence permit guide, including thresholds, exemptions, and how its cities differ. Ranges span the tracked cities in each state. Click column headers to sort. Many cities require no fence permit at all below their height limit, which is why the second column shows the height limits our research tracks instead of review queues; the state guides carry the per-city detail.
| State (guide) | Typical fee range | Height limits (front / side & rear) | Tracked cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Often none; $40 where required | 2.5–4 ft / 6–8 ft | Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Madison |
| Alaska | See state guide | 4 ft / 8 ft | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Palmer |
| Arizona | Often no permit needed | 3–4 ft / 6–7 ft | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler |
| Arkansas | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Bentonville |
| California | Often no permit needed | 3–3.5 ft / 6–7 ft | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento |
| Colorado | See state guide | 4 ft / 6 ft | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder |
| Connecticut | $25–$150 | 4 ft / 6 ft | Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Norwalk |
| Delaware | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6 ft | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna |
| Florida | Based on project value | 3–4 ft / 6 ft | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg |
| Georgia | $75 | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Sandy Springs |
| Hawaii | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6–7 ft | Honolulu, Pearl City, Kahului, Hilo, Kailua |
| Idaho | $5 | 3.5–4 ft / 6 ft | Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene |
| Illinois | $40–$100 | 4–4.5 ft / 6 ft | Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford |
| Indiana | $50–$95 | 3–4 ft / 6 ft | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Carmel, South Bend, Fishers |
| Iowa | See state guide | 3–4 ft / 6 ft | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, West Des Moines |
| Kansas | Often no permit needed | 4–4.5 ft / 6 ft | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Topeka (Shawnee County), Shawnee |
| Kentucky | See state guide | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington |
| Louisiana | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles |
| Maine | See state guide | 4 ft / 6 ft | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Augusta |
| Maryland | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6 ft | Baltimore, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown, Annapolis |
| Massachusetts | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6 ft | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell |
| Michigan | $25–$75 | 3–4 ft / 6 ft | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint |
| Minnesota | Often no permit needed | 3–4 ft / 4–6 ft | Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Duluth |
| Mississippi | $36 | 7 ft | Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Tupelo, Olive Branch |
| Missouri | See state guide | 4 ft / 6 ft | Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
| Montana | See state guide | 4 ft / 6 ft | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena |
| Nebraska | See state guide | 4 ft / 6 ft | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| Nevada | Based on project value | 3–15 ft / 6–8 ft | Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Clark County (unincorporated) |
| New Hampshire | See state guide | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Salem |
| New Jersey | $25–$75 | 4 ft / 6 ft | Newark, Jersey City, Edison, Woodbridge, Toms River |
| New Mexico | $25 | 3–4 ft / 6 ft | Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Farmington |
| New York | $25–$75 | 4 ft / 6 ft | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse |
| North Carolina | See state guide | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem |
| North Dakota | See state guide | 2.5–4 ft / 6–8.5 ft | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo |
| Ohio | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6 ft | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron |
| Oklahoma | $42–$170 | 4 ft / 6–8 ft | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond |
| Oregon | Based on project value | 3.5–4 ft / 6–7 ft | Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Hillsboro |
| Pennsylvania | $25–$75 | 3–6 ft / 6–8 ft | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading, Scranton |
| Rhode Island | Based on project value | 6 ft / 6 ft | Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport, Middletown |
| South Carolina | $50 | 3–4 ft / 6–8 ft | Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, North Charleston, Hilton Head Island |
| South Dakota | $20 | 4 ft / 6 ft | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Pierre |
| Tennessee | Often no permit needed | 4–10 ft / 6–8 ft | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro |
| Texas | $25–$175 | 3–4 ft / 6–8 ft | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth |
| Utah | Based on project value | 4 ft / 6–7 ft | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, St. George |
| Vermont | Based on project value | 3–4 ft / 5–8 ft | Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Brattleboro |
| Virginia | See state guide | 4 ft / 6–6.5 ft | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Richmond, Norfolk, Alexandria |
| Washington | Often no permit needed | 4 ft / 6–7 ft | Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Vancouver |
| West Virginia | $50 | 4 ft / 6–7 ft | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Martinsburg, Parkersburg |
| Wisconsin | Often none; $75 where required | 4 ft / 4–6 ft | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Waukesha |
| Wyoming | $35–$150 | 4–6 ft / 6 ft | Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Evanston |
Shed permit fees by state
Across 100 tracked cities, the middle half of shed permit fees falls between $72 and $138, with a median around $100. Click a state for the full shed permit guide, including thresholds, exemptions, and how its cities differ. Ranges span the tracked cities in each state. Click column headers to sort.
| State (guide) | Typical fee range | Typical review | Tracked cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | See state guide | 3–10 days | Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Madison |
| Alaska | $50–$100 | 0–21 days | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Sitka |
| Arizona | $75–$250 | 3–14 days | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler |
| Arkansas | See state guide | 5–10 days | Little Rock, Fayetteville, Rogers, Conway, Bentonville |
| California | $200–$800 | 1–4 weeks | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno |
| Colorado | $50–$200 | 1–4 weeks | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder |
| Connecticut | See state guide | 1–4 weeks | Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Norwalk |
| Delaware | $75–$150 | 7–21 days | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna |
| Florida | $45–$158 | 1–4 weeks | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg |
| Georgia | $50–$200 | 3–10 days | Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Athens |
| Hawaii | $150–$500 | 4–8 weeks | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua |
| Idaho | See state guide | 5–21 days | Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls |
| Illinois | $75 | 1–4 weeks | Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford |
| Indiana | $312–$603 | 1–4 weeks | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Carmel, Lafayette |
| Iowa | See state guide | 5–21 days | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, West Des Moines |
| Kansas | $50–$125 | 7–21 days | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka |
| Kentucky | $50–$125 | 3–14 days | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington |
| Louisiana | See state guide | 3–21 days | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles |
| Maine | $45–$100 | 1–4 weeks | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Biddeford |
| Maryland | $119 | 3–21 days | Baltimore, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Frederick |
| Massachusetts | $50–$300 | 1–4 weeks | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell |
| Michigan | $75–$200 | 1–14 days | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights, Livonia |
| Minnesota | See state guide | 5–21 days | Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Duluth |
| Mississippi | $75 | 5–14 days | Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Southaven |
| Missouri | $50–$300 | 1–4 weeks | Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
| Montana | $50–$150 | 1–4 weeks | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena |
| Nebraska | $50–$125 | 1–4 weeks | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| Nevada | $100–$350 | 5–10 days | Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Sparks |
| New Hampshire | $25–$75 | 7–21 days | Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry, Dover |
| New Jersey | $50–$150 | 20 days | Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Edison, Woodbridge |
| New Mexico | $50–$250 | 1–4 weeks | Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Farmington |
| New York | $25–$100 | 1–4 weeks | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse |
| North Carolina | $75–$300 | 0–21 days | Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Wilmington |
| North Dakota | $50–$150 | 3–10 days | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, West Fargo, Williston |
| Ohio | Based on project value | 3–21 days | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton |
| Oklahoma | $50–$200 | 7–21 days | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Midwest City |
| Oregon | $167 | 1–4 weeks | Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford |
| Pennsylvania | $25–$75 | 7–21 days | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading, Lancaster |
| Rhode Island | $50 | 5–21 days | Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport |
| South Carolina | See state guide | 5–21 days | Charleston, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Greenville, Rock Hill |
| South Dakota | $40–$100 | 0–5 days | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
| Tennessee | $75–$200 | 5–10 days | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro |
| Texas | $112–$200 | 1–15 days | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth |
| Utah | See state guide | 3–10 days | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, St. George |
| Vermont | $25–$100 | 7–14 days | Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Brattleboro |
| Virginia | $40–$150 | 1–4 weeks | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News |
| Washington | Based on project value | 1–8 weeks | Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue |
| West Virginia | $40–$100 | 5–21 days | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Martinsburg |
| Wisconsin | $175 | 0–21 days | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Waukesha |
| Wyoming | $50 | 0–14 days | Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Rock Springs, Jackson |
Patio permit fees by state
Across 128 tracked cities, the middle half of patio permit fees falls between $100 and $250, with a median around $188. Click a state for the full patio permit guide, including thresholds, exemptions, and how its cities differ. Ranges span the tracked cities in each state. Click column headers to sort.
| State (guide) | Typical fee range | Typical review | Tracked cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50–$400 | 7–21 days | Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa |
| Alaska | Based on project value | 1–4 weeks | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Sitka |
| Arizona | $75–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler |
| Arkansas | $75–$300 | 5–15 days | Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro |
| California | $200–$800 | 1–4 weeks | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento |
| Colorado | $100–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood |
| Connecticut | $75–$100 | 1–4 weeks | Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury |
| Delaware | $75–$300 | 7–21 days | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna |
| Florida | $45–$800 | 2–6 weeks | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg |
| Georgia | $50–$175 | 7–21 days | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens |
| Hawaii | Based on project value | 2–4 weeks | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu |
| Idaho | Based on project value | 7–21 days | Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Caldwell |
| Illinois | $65–$602 | 1–5 weeks | Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford |
| Indiana | $50–$500 | 7–21 days | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel |
| Iowa | $75–$300 | 5–15 days | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City |
| Kansas | $50–$400 | 5–15 days | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka |
| Kentucky | $75 | 7–21 days | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington |
| Louisiana | $75–$500 | 1–4 weeks | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles |
| Maine | $50–$300 | 1–4 weeks | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn |
| Maryland | $75–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie |
| Massachusetts | $75–$500 | 2–4 weeks | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell |
| Michigan | $75–$100 | 1–4 weeks | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor |
| Minnesota | $75–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Duluth |
| Mississippi | $50–$350 | 5–15 days | Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi |
| Missouri | $100–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
| Montana | $75–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena |
| Nebraska | $50–$150 | 1–4 weeks | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| Nevada | $75–$400 | 5–15 days | Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Sparks |
| New Hampshire | $50–$400 | 5–21 days | Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Salem |
| New Jersey | $50 | 20 days | Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison |
| New Mexico | Based on project value | 2–5 weeks | Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell |
| New York | $75–$1,000 | 2–13 weeks | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse |
| North Carolina | $100 | 7–21 days | Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem |
| North Dakota | $40 | 7–21 days | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo |
| Ohio | $75–$385 | 0–21 days | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron |
| Oklahoma | Based on project value | 1–4 weeks | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond |
| Oregon | Based on project value | 1–21 days | Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro |
| Pennsylvania | $50–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading, Lancaster |
| Rhode Island | $100–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport, East Providence |
| South Carolina | $100–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Greenville, Mount Pleasant |
| South Dakota | Based on project value | 7–14 days | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
| Tennessee | $50–$75 | 1–4 weeks | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville |
| Texas | $100–$500 | 1–14 days | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth |
| Utah | Based on project value | 1–14 days | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, Orem |
| Vermont | $20 | 1–4 weeks | Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre, Montpelier |
| Virginia | $75–$400 | 7–21 days | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News |
| Washington | $100–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue |
| West Virginia | $50–$150 | 7–21 days | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling |
| Wisconsin | $75–$400 | 1–4 weeks | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine |
| Wyoming | Based on project value | 7–21 days | Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs |
Garage permit fees by state
Across 106 tracked cities, the middle half of garage permit fees falls between $275 and $475, with a median around $350. Click a state for the full garage permit guide, including thresholds, exemptions, and how its cities differ. Ranges span the tracked cities in each state. Click column headers to sort.
| State (guide) | Typical fee range | Typical review | Tracked cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $125–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa |
| Alaska | $200–$600 | 5–20 days | Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Kenai |
| Arizona | $200–$1,350 | 1–4 weeks | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale |
| Arkansas | $150–$400 | 3–10 days | Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro |
| California | $300–$2,000 | 2–8 weeks | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno |
| Colorado | $200–$800 | 1–4 weeks | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder |
| Connecticut | $200–$600 | 10–20 days | Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Norwalk |
| Delaware | $200–$500 | 5–20 days | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna |
| Florida | $400–$1,200 | 1–4 weeks | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg |
| Georgia | $150–$500 | 5–20 days | Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens |
| Hawaii | $200–$1,000 | 2–8 weeks | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Kahului |
| Idaho | $150–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene |
| Illinois | $300–$700 | 1–12 weeks | Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford |
| Indiana | $140–$600 | 5–20 days | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel |
| Iowa | $125–$450 | 5–10 days | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City |
| Kansas | Based on project value | 5–14 days | Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka |
| Kentucky | $200–$500 | 3–15 days | Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington |
| Louisiana | $125–$600 | 1–6 weeks | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles |
| Maine | $200–$500 | 5–20 days | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Augusta |
| Maryland | $200–$700 | 10–20 days | Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie |
| Massachusetts | $150–$1,000 | 2–6 weeks | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell |
| Michigan | $150–$350 | 1–14 days | Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor |
| Minnesota | $150–$800 | 1–4 weeks | Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Maple Grove |
| Mississippi | $150–$400 | 3–14 days | Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi |
| Missouri | $150–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
| Montana | $150–$500 | 5–20 days | Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena |
| Nebraska | $125–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney |
| Nevada | $150–$500 | 5–14 days | Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Sparks |
| New Hampshire | $150–$500 | 3–15 days | Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Rochester |
| New Jersey | $150–$600 | 10–20 days | Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison |
| New Mexico | $200–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell |
| New York | $300–$3,000 | 2–16 weeks | New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse |
| North Carolina | $150–$500 | 5–14 days | Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem |
| North Dakota | See state guide | 3–10 days | Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo |
| Ohio | $200–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron |
| Oklahoma | $150–$500 | 3–15 days | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Edmond, Broken Arrow |
| Oregon | Based on project value | 5–20 days | Portland, Salem, Eugene, Hillsboro, Bend |
| Pennsylvania | $250–$1,000 | 1–8 weeks | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading, Scranton |
| Rhode Island | $200–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport |
| South Carolina | $150–$500 | 1–4 weeks | Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, Spartanburg |
| South Dakota | See state guide | 3–10 days | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown |
| Tennessee | $150–$500 | 3–20 days | Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville |
| Texas | $200–$810 | 1–10 days | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth |
| Utah | $200–$500 | 3–15 days | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, St. George |
| Vermont | $50–$200 | 1–6 weeks | Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Brattleboro |
| Virginia | $100–$400 | 7–20 days | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News |
| Washington | $250–$1,500 | 1–6 weeks | Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue |
| West Virginia | $50–$350 | 1–7 days | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling |
| Wisconsin | $200–$500 | 3–15 days | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine |
| Wyoming | $75–$300 | 3–14 days | Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs |
Methodology, honestly
These figures come from the research behind our state permit guides: for each tracked city we record the typical permit fee range and typical review time per project type, compiled from official city and county sources and building-department fee schedules. Three honest caveats:
- Ranges, not quotes. Your fee depends on project valuation, size, and local surcharges. Treat these as planning numbers; your building department's fee schedule is the authority.
- Valuation-based cities. Some cities price permits as a percentage of construction value rather than a flat range; they appear as "valuation-based" and are excluded from the medians.
- Compiled March 2026. The dataset was compiled with the state guides in March 2026, and outbound links to official sources were re-verified in July 2026. Fee schedules change, usually annually. Spotted something outdated? Tell us and we will fix it.
One more number worth knowing before you budget: nearly every one of these permit applications also requires a site plan. A drafted, permit-ready one is $89 to $259, which is often less than the permit fee itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a building permit cost?
For common backyard projects, the median across 273 tracked US cities is about $188, with the middle half of cities charging between roughly $100 and $325. Bigger projects and valuation-priced cities run higher. The tables on this page break it down by state and project type.
Why do permit fees vary so much between cities?
Three reasons: some cities charge flat fees while others price by construction valuation, some bundle plan review into the permit fee while others bill it separately, and local surcharges stack differently. That is why a shed permit can cost $35 in one city and $500 in the next, and why we publish ranges instead of single numbers.
How long does building permit review take?
For simple residential projects, most tracked cities complete review in 1 to 4 weeks, with same-day or few-day counters common for small projects and slower queues in high-volume metros. Review restarts when an application bounces, which is why complete applications with a proper site plan tend to finish weeks earlier in practice.
Are these the exact fees I will pay?
No, and any site that promises exact fees is guessing. These are researched ranges for planning. Your exact fee comes from your building department's current fee schedule, and usually depends on your project's size or valuation. Use this page to budget and to sanity-check a contractor's numbers, then confirm locally.
Does the permit fee include the site plan?
No. The permit fee is what the city charges to review and inspect. The site plan is a drawing you supply with the application: free if you draw it yourself, $89 to $259 drafted for you, or $400 to $800 or more from a surveyor when certified boundaries are required.
Permit requirements vary by city, county, and state. The information in this guide provides general guidance based on common building codes and practices across the US. Always verify requirements with your local building department before starting your project.