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Do you need a permit for a remodel?

Permits for remodels are set locally: the city or county building department decides, under the code it has adopted. Below are the official rules and fees we verified, in each department's own words.

Last checked

On this page
  1. What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
  2. What cities charge for a remodel permit
  3. Before you start
  4. Sources

What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • 6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.1 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).

What cities charge for a remodel permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
New York City, NYAlteration work permit: One-, two- or three-family dwellingMinimum filing fee for the first $5,000, or fraction thereof, of the cost of alteration; plus $2.60 for each $1,000, or fraction thereof, of cost of alterations in excess of$5,000.2
New York City, NYAlteration Type 1 Minimum Filing Fee (one-, two- or three-family dwelling)$1702
New York City, NYAlteration Type 2 Minimum Filing Fee (one-, two- or three-family dwelling)$1302
Los Angeles, CACombined building-mechanical permit (one- or two-family dwelling, accessory buildings, ADUs)As determined by Table 1-A.13
San Antonio, TXResidential Building Existing Home Fee 0000-0500Residential Building Existing Home Fee 0000-0500 $ 172.504
San Antonio, TXResidential Building Existing Home Fee 0501-1000Residential Building Existing Home Fee 0501-1000 $ 488.804
San Antonio, TXResidential Repair Existing General FeeResidential Repair Existing General Fee $172.504
San Diego, CARes-SDU/DUP Add/Remodel (Table 501A)Plan check $3,512.92 base (1 sq ft) / $3,512.92 + $6.98 increment (500 sq ft base); inspection $2,228.29 / $2,228.29 + $4.465
San Diego, CARepair/Replace In KindInspection $529.71 each building5
Dallas, TXAlterations or Repairs of Single-Family and Duplex Structures (Table B-II)$181 per dwelling unit + $100 for additional trades6
Jacksonville, FLAlterations (per $1,000 estimated cost) - BID permit feeBID Permit fee · $3.00 · Resource management fee · $0.657
Jacksonville, FLAlterations plan reviewPlan review fee · 67% of BID permit fee or $75.00, whichever is greater7
Jacksonville, FLResidential plumbing fixture (incl. hot water tanks), eachincluding hot water tanks or boosters, and washing machines with sewer connection, for each roughing-in and fixture or plugged outlet (fee for new roughing-in includes fixture) · $11.007
Fort Worth, TXTable IA-1 Residential Remodel Fees (based upon the number of trades required for the project)Number of Trades Minimum Permit Feel 1 119.00 2 238.00 3 357.00 4 476.00 5 595.008
San Jose, CAResidential Express (expedited review) premium fee1.5 x the plan review fee for a Single-Family Residential Addition/Alteration9
Charlotte, NCTotal Construction Permit Value/Permit Fees (valuation table)$3,001 to $50,000 $59.70 plus $12.19 per $1,000 or part over $3,00010
Charlotte, NCNote a: projects under $100,000 valuation, renovation/alteration and upfit (per trade + per sq ft)$79.61 per trade (BEMP), plus $.12 per square foot for building trade and $.08 per square foot for each involved electrical, mechanical or plumbing trade.10
Columbus, OHAlterations/Accessory Structures (1, 2, and 3 Family)Alterations/Accessory Structures (includes 2 inspections) $38511
Indianapolis, INStructural Permit - Residential: Remodeling, alteration, or repair of Class 2 structures; no additionApplication $40; Review $150 (≤1,000 sqft) $25 per additional 500 sqft; Issuance $200 (≤1,000 sqft) $50 per additional 500 sqft12
San Francisco, CALead-safe work practices surcharge (pre-1979 R3/E3 alteration permits)$5.00 surcharge13
Seattle, WABuilding permit (with or without mechanical) – permit fee and plan review feePermit fee 100% of DFI; plan review fee 100% of DFI14
Seattle, WASTFI (subject-to-field-inspection) permit – permit fee and plan review feePermit fee 100% of DFI; plan review fee 40% of DFI14
Seattle, WAPlumbing/Backflow Permit (Public Health – Seattle & King County)$137 plus $27 per Fixture15
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 016
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 016
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%16
Oklahoma City, OKPlumbing: alteration base fee (residential, when alteration/addition requires a building permit)Alteration base fee, required when alteration or addition is sufficient to require a building permit · $28.50 · $72.90 · $78.40 · $84.00 · 60-42-7 (a)17
Oklahoma City, OKElectrical: residential add-on, remodel and minor electrical wiring; no change in serviceResidential add-on, remodel and minor electrical wiring; no change in service · $52.00 · $90.40 · $95.20 · $100.00 · 60-18-16 (a)17
Nashville, TNBuilding Permit Fees for Residential Construction (one- and two-family, townhouses)1. Building Permit Fees for Residential Construction based on valuation. Residential construction includes one-family and two-family residential construction and townhouses as defined by the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code, but not multi-family construction shall be $5.00 per $1,000 total valuation.18
Nashville, TNPlumbing permit minimum feeMinimum fee (each permit) ... $75.0018
Nashville, TNPlumbing: each fixture*Plumbing fixtures (each fixture) ... $11.0018
Las Vegas, NVR-3 Single-Family Resid. - Remodel with MPE's (1,000 sf size basis)68 R-3 Single-Family Resid. - Remodel with MPE's 1,000 $162 $52319
Las Vegas, NVR-3 Single-Family Resid. - Remodel without MPE's (1,000 sf size basis)69 R-3 Single-Family Resid. - Remodel without MPE's 1,000 $162 $38919
Boston, MAShort Form Building$20.00 Primary fee plus $10.00 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of work.20
Boston, MAPlumbing$20.00 Primary fee plus $5.00 each fixture.20
Boston, MAElectrical (no change in service)$20 application fee, plus $1 for each fixture, plug, or outlet, and $5 for each approved meter.21
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, project cost $2,000 or less$2,000 or less Flat $271.4322
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $2,000 but not over $25,000Over $2,000 but not over $25,000 First $2,000 Base $271.43 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000 Per $1,000 $34.0922
Detroit, MIBuilding/Residential permit, over $25,000 but not over $100,000Over $25,000 but not over $100,000 First $25,000 Base $1,055.57 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $25,000 Per $1,000 $24.5322
Louisville, KYPartial alterations / structures other than buildings (valuation)The fee shall be $50 plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.23
Louisville, KYElectrical, service upgrade/repairs/additional wiring 1-2 familyThe fee charged for service upgrade, new service, repairs or additional wiring in a one or two- family, condominium or patio home residence shall be $75, for work costing $750 or less and $100 for work costing over $750. which shall include one inspection.23
Memphis, TNResidential application fee, alterations, repairs, accessoryAPP. FEE – ALTERATIONS, REPAIRS, ACCESSORY $25.0024
Memphis, TNAlteration/repairALTERATION/REPAIR ($5.00/1,000 VALUATION) $50.00 MIN / $325.00 MAX24
Baltimore, MDAlterations and repairs, 1- and 2-family dwellings1. 1- and 2-family dwellings $0.30 per square foot or fraction of a square foot of affected gross floor area Minimum $5025
Baltimore, MDElectrical branch circuitsFor each circuit $625
Baltimore, MDPlumbing fixturesInstall, replace, or reconstruct plumbing fixtures $5 each25
Milwaukee, WIAlterations, remodeling and repairsThe fee for all alterations, remodeling, repairs and repairing fire damage to all buildings, structures and equipment shall be computed at 1.6% of the cost of construction.26
Milwaukee, WIAlterations, 1- and 2-family minimumb-1. The minimum fee for one- and 2-family dwellings and accessory structures shall be $150.26
Milwaukee, WIPlan examination, 1- and 2-familyThe minimum fee for new construction and additions shall be $175.26
Albuquerque, NMAlbuquerque Regional Modifier, one- and two-family dwellings (applied to Table 112-A)(.50)27
Tucson, AZBuilding Permit Fees for New Construction: $1 to $2,000Base fee $89.45 + $0.00 per additional $1,000 (valuation tier 1–2000)28
Tucson, AZBuilding Permit Fees for New Construction: $2,000.01 to $25,000Base fee $89.45 + $22.95 per additional $1,000 (valuation tier 2000.01–25000)28
Tucson, AZBuilding Permit Fees for New Construction: $25,000.01 to $50,000Base fee $617.30 + $16.83 per additional $1,000 (valuation tier 25000.01–50000)28
Fresno, CAResidential Remodelfirst 500 s.f. 227.99 489.8329
Sacramento, CABathroom Remodel Non-Structural (flat building permit fee)Bathroom Remodel Non-Structural $320 N/A30
Sacramento, CAKitchen Remodel Non-Structural (flat building permit fee)Kitchen Remodel Non-Structural $425 N/A30
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $0 to$0 to $8,333 $220.0031
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $8,334 to$8,334 to $16,667 $330.0031
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $16,668 to$16,668 to $24,999 $440.0031
Raleigh, NCAlterations and Repairs Plan Review FeeAlteration and Repairs Plans Review Fee 50.00% 55.00% % Of Calculated Building Permit32
Raleigh, NCLevel 1 AlterationFee is calculated by (Building Permit Fee x rate %) 25.00% 25.00% % Of Calculated Building Permit32
Raleigh, NCLevel 2 AlterationFee is calculated by (Building Permit Fee x rate %) 50.00% 50.00% % Of Calculated Building Permit32
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $1 to $500)$1 to $500 $50.0033
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $501 to)$501 to $2,000 $50.00 for the first $500 plus $2.00 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,00033
Colorado Springs, COTable A building permit fee (row $2,001 to)$2,001 to $25,000 $80.00 for the first $2,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,00033
Virginia Beach, VAResidential alterations$50.00 plus $5.00 per $1000 of construction value or fraction thereof34
Virginia Beach, VAPlumbing permit$50 plus $6 per fixture/drain35
Long Beach, CACombination Building Permit (Group R-3 / U-1)150% of Building Permit fee per permit, but not less than $17036
Oakland, CAResidential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Plan Review3. Residential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Plan Review · 17.0837
Oakland, CAResidential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Inspection4. Residential Building - Repairs/Additions/Alterations - R3 - Inspection · 26.1137
Tulsa, OKResidential Fast-Track (interior remodel) program fee$500 plus applicable permit fees38
Arlington, TXResidential Building Permit Fee - Based on Square Feet, 0 - 500 sq. ft.0 - 500 sq. ft. $1.00 per square foot or $300.00 (whichever is greater)39
Arlington, TXResidential Building Permit Fee - Based on Square Feet, second rowEffective June 1, 2026 $500.00 plus $0.75 per square foot39
Arlington, TXResidential Building Permit Fee - Based on Square Feet, 1001 - 2,000 sq. ft.1001 - 2,000 sq. ft. $875.00 plus $0.50 per square foot39
Aurora, COSales and Use Tax deposit (city)--Sales and Use Tax deposit · 3.75% of total construction materials cost40
Philadelphia, PAAlterations (Residential 1 or 2 family)Alterations $76 for the first 500 sq. ft.; plus $56 for each additional 100 sq. ft. over 50041
Austin, TXResidential Express Permits/Kitchen Remodels - Inspection$72.9642
Austin, TXAddition/Initial Remodel S - Base Fee$197.2342

Before you start

Find your city’s remodel rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  3. SEC. 91.107. FEES. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 6, 2026
  4. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits-StructuresCity of San Diego, Development Services DepartmentRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Permit Fee Schedule, Effective July 1, 2025City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. City Fees (Categorized by Departments)City of Jacksonville, City Fees page (Building Inspection Division - Section 320.409)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Accessory Buildings & StructuresCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Mecklenburg County Government Fee Ordinance, Land Use and Environmental Services (revised July 1, 2026)Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners / Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)Revised July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Fee Schedule (as of January 5, 2026) [XLSX]City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Fee Schedule Table 1A-A: Building Permit Fees (July 2026)City and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionEffective July 12, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  14. 2026 Fee Subtitle and related documents (SMC Chapter 22.900)City of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Plumbing and Gas Piping Program fees (through 2026)Public Health – Seattle & King County (King County)Effective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Development Services Fee Changes (Fees Changing July 1, 2025)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Codes Fee Schedule (Building-Permit-Fee-Scheudle-2025.pdf)Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyPosted December 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  19. City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  20. Building Fees 5 15 23 (ISD fee schedule)City of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Electrical PermitCity of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentLast updated September 11, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  22. City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  23. LMCO Chapter 150.096 Promulgated Fees & Regulations, Construction Permits and Inspection Fees (Revised 2/6/2024)Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewRevised February 6, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  24. 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section FeesMemphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementPublished 2022Checked November 8, 2026
  25. Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
  26. Milwaukee Code of Ordinances ch. 200, subchapter 5 (Fees)City of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesRevised November 8, 2024Checked November 8, 2026
  27. 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A)City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (Adopted Year 1 Fee Schedule, FY27)City of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  29. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  30. Building Division Fee Detail: Table A (valuation) and Table B.1 (flat fee building permits)City of Sacramento (Fees and Charges database, Community Development Department)Revised July 19, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Schedule of Fees and Charges - Development ServicesCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Development Fee Guide July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027City of Raleigh, Planning and DevelopmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. Fee Schedule - Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Appendix B: Fee Schedule, 2023 PPRBC)Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Effective June 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Residential Building Permit FeesCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised July 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Trades Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  36. Building Plan Review & Permit FeesCity of Long Beach, Community Development Department, Building and Safety BureauEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee ScheduleCity of Oakland (Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building Department section)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  38. Permit Center - City of TulsaCity of Tulsa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  39. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  40. Development Fees Checklist - City of AuroraCity of Aurora, Development CenterEffective 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  41. PG_012_INF Construction Permit Fees (Rev 7.2026), Effective October 1, 2026City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  42. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026