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Permits and Fees Calculator

Permits and fees can add 3-8% to a new construction project. This calculator estimates building permit, plan review, impact fees, inspections, and water/sewer connections for budgeting.

$

CA, NYC run 1.5-2.5

Total permits & fees

$25,995

Building permit

$3,400

Plan review

$1,700

Impact fees

$10,625

Inspection fees

$770

Water/sewer tap

$9,500

How the math works

Permit and fee costs on a new build can easily exceed 4-8% of project value — sometimes more in California and high-growth suburban markets that charge heavy impact fees. Minor renos usually land under 1% of project value.

Impact fees fund local infrastructure expansion (schools, roads, parks) and vary wildly by jurisdiction. Check your specific city/county fee schedule before budgeting — a $15k discrepancy between calculated and actual is common.

How to Use

  1. Enter project value or build cost.
  2. Enter square footage.
  3. Pick project type — new build has the heaviest impact fees.
  4. Apply regional multiplier — CA, NYC, major metros often run 1.5-2.5x national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are impact fees?

Fees charged to new construction to fund local infrastructure (schools, roads, parks, fire, police). Varies wildly — $1,500 in rural jurisdictions to $40,000+ in growth-restricted California cities.

Can I avoid impact fees?

Not legally in most cases. Some jurisdictions waive for affordable housing or backyard ADUs. Confirm with local planning department. Trying to sidestep them creates title problems and can void permits.

Who pays permit fees — builder or owner?

Contractually varies. Most owner-builder arrangements have owner pay permits. Turnkey build contracts typically wrap permit costs into the build cost. Read the contract before signing.

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