BuildingPermitCost How Pleasanton calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value, with a $120.00 minimum. Plan review is a separate charge: 75% of the permit fee (minimum $180.00). Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $1,000 | $120.00 |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | $145.00 |
| $2,001 – $25,000 | $180.00 for the first $2,000 + $16.09 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $560.00 for the first $25,000 + $13.80 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $905.00 for the first $50,000 + $9.70 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $1,395.00 for the first $100,000 + $7.94 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $4,605.00 for the first $500,000 + $6.34 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $1,000,000 | $7,815.00 for the first $1,000,000 + $5.52 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Surcharges
- Technology fee: 5% of the permit fee
- SMIP (Strong Motion Instrumentation Program), residential: $0.13 per $1,000 of value, minimum $0.50
- CBSC Special Revolving Fund: $1.00 per $25,000 of value
- SMIP (Strong Motion Instrumentation Program), non-residential: $0.28 per $1,000 of value, minimum $0.50
What counts as project value
Local valuation table. 'New Construction and Addition valuations are usually based on square footage using our New Construction Valuation Table, see page 5', but page 5 of the posted PDF has no valuation table (checked 2026-11-05) and the city's per-sq-ft rates are not published there. The calculator therefore uses the valuation the user enters; for new construction and additions the city's own table value may differ. Repairs, remodels and TIs use the applicant's construction cost or the Building Official's determination.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $1,395.00 for the first $100,000.00 + $7.94 × 250 per $1,000.00 over = $3,380.00
- Plan review fee: 75% of $3,380.00 = $2,535.00
- Technology fee: 5% of $3,380.00 = $169.00
- SMIP (Strong Motion Instrumentation Program), residential: $350,000.00 ÷ 1,000 × $0.13 = $45.50
- CBSC Special Revolving Fund: $1.00 × 14 per $25,000.00 = $14.00
- Total before trade permits: $6,143.50.
Fees people miss
May also apply (not in the totals above)
- Sub-trades surcharge: when the project includes multi-trade (electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical) work with the building permit; $137.52 on the standard projects.
- Energy surcharge: when the project must comply with the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6); $137.52 on the standard projects.
- Accessibility surcharge: when the project requires State accessibility, FHAA or ADA compliance; $82.51 on the standard projects.
- Green building surcharge: when the permit requires CALGreen compliance; $82.51 on the standard projects.
- Stormwater surcharge: when the project requires SWPPP or on-site stormwater treatment; $82.51 on the standard projects.
- Waste Management Plan fee: when a Waste Management Plan is required and the Green Building Surcharge does not apply; $150.00 on the standard projects.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Investigation fee (work without permit)When: work commenced before permits obtained | 100% of building permit fees |
| Expedited plan reviewWhen: applicant requests expedited review and staff is available | additional 50% of plan review fees |
| Hourly inspection rate (re-inspections, after hours)When: re-inspection or special inspection | $165.00 per hour |
| Credit/debit card convenience feeWhen: paid by card | 2.5% |
| Development feesWhen: new buildings, additions or change of use creating traffic/sewer impact | see Development Fees handout |
| School impact feesWhen: additions and new construction over 500 sq ft | set by Pleasanton Unified School District |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: Residential electrical permit not itemized, with an associated building permit: $120. Itemized commercial fees per 1,000 sq ft. Mechanical: Residential mechanical permit not in conjunction with a building permit: $120. Plumbing: Residential plumbing permit not in conjunction with a building permit: $120.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Building and Safety Division, Community and Economic Development online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA).
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: 925-931-5300 · 200 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566