Free Tool
Estimate what you'll pay before you apply. Based on typical county fee structures by project type and value — useful for budgeting before you submit.
Select your project type and estimated project value for a fee range estimate.
For a pre-built shed: use the purchase price. For constructed work: estimate total materials + contractor labor.
ESTIMATED PERMIT FEE RANGE
—⚠ This is an estimate only. Actual fees depend on your specific county's fee schedule. Always check with your county's building department for the exact amount before budgeting.
Fee ranges below are based on research across 25+ counties in our database. Fees vary significantly by county — small rural counties tend to have lower fees, while large suburban counties (especially in Virginia, Maryland, and California) charge more.
| Project Type | Low-Fee Counties | Mid-Range Counties | High-Fee Counties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed (under 200 sq ft) | $35–$75 | $75–$150 | $150–$300 |
| Shed (200–500 sq ft) | $75–$125 | $100–$225 | $200–$400 |
| Deck (small, under 200 sq ft) | $60–$100 | $100–$200 | $200–$400 |
| Deck (large, over 200 sq ft) | $100–$175 | $175–$350 | $300–$600 |
| Fence (where permit required) | $30–$60 | $60–$120 | $100–$250 |
| Swimming Pool (above-ground) | $75–$150 | $125–$250 | $200–$400 |
| Swimming Pool (in-ground) | $200–$400 | $350–$700 | $600–$1,500+ |
| Home Addition (under 500 sq ft) | $150–$350 | $300–$600 | $500–$1,200 |
| Home Addition (over 500 sq ft) | $300–$600 | $500–$1,200 | $900–$2,500+ |
| Basement Finishing | $100–$250 | $200–$450 | $350–$800 |
| Garage Conversion | $150–$300 | $250–$550 | $400–$900 |
Low-fee counties: rural areas, smaller counties in TN, NC, GA interior. Mid-range: most suburban counties in our database. High-fee: Montgomery County MD, Fairfax County VA, Orange County FL, and other high-cost-of-living jurisdictions.