BuildingPermitCost How Lee County calculates your permit fee
The county charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $1,000 | $0.00 |
| $1,001 – $50,000 | $40.00 for the first $1,000 + $8.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $432.00 for the first $50,000 + $7.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $1,000,000 | $782.00 for the first $100,000 + $4.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $1,000,000 | $4,382.00 for the first $1,000,000 + $3.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
What counts as project value
ICC Building Valuation Data table. The Building Official uses the ICC 'Square Foot Building Valuation Data' (updated periodically) to determine permit valuations; other cost-based methods may be used as necessary.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $782.00 for the first $100,000.00 + $4.00 × 250 per $1,000.00 over = $1,782.00
- Total before trade permits: $1,782.00.
Fees people miss
May also apply (not in the totals above)
- Certificate of Occupancy base fee: when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued (new buildings); $20.00 on the standard projects.
- Certificate of Occupancy inspection fee: when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued (new buildings); $25.00 on the standard projects.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Inspection when valuation is $1,000 or lessWhen: valuation $1,000 or less and inspection required | $40.00 per inspection |
| Re-inspectionWhen: third or later inspection of the same phase | $25.00 3rd inspection |
| Belated permit penaltyWhen: work commenced before obtaining permit | 100% of permit fee |
| Certificate of CompletionWhen: certificate of completion requested | $20.00 each |
Trade permits are separate. Plumbing: $20 base fee; $3 per plumbing fixture, floor drain, sewer, water heater, washer, dishwasher; $5 per natural gas outlet. Electrical: $20 base fee; panels $0.10/amp; service (new or upgrade) $0.20/amp; ranges/dryers/water heaters/HVAC 220V outlets $4 each; 120 V outlets $10 (1-25), $17 (26-50), $23 (51-100), $23 + $0.25 per outlet over 100; temporary pole $20. Mechanical: $20 base fee; heat and air systems $5/ton up to 6 tons, $4/ton 6-11, $3/ton 11+; heat only $1/kW electric or $2 per 10,000 BTU gas; other gas outlets $3 each.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Lee County Building Inspections.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: 334-737-3660 · 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801