BuildingPermitCost How Columbus calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using $0.35 per square foot. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
One or two family residential, new construction
$0.35 per square foot.
Renovation projects up to $75,000
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $25,000 | $100.00 |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $150.00 |
| $50,001 – $75,000 | $250.00 |
One or two family residential renovation over $75,000
$0.35 per square foot.
Business and Mercantile occupancies, new construction
$0.50 per square foot.
Assembly or Educational, new construction
$0.65 per square foot.
Residential occupancies (other than one or two family), new construction
$0.55 per square foot.
All other occupancy types, new construction
$0.40 per square foot.
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). New construction (and renovations over $75,000) is priced per square foot by occupancy, so valuation is not needed for those. Renovations up to $75,000 pay a flat fee by project value; the schedule does not say how renovation value is determined (presumably project cost).
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: 2,400 sq ft × $0.35 = $840.00
- Total before trade permits: $840.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of OccupancyWhen: when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued (typically new construction) | $60.00 each |
| Moving any building or structure (including portable buildings)When: building moves | $150.00 each |
| Reactivation of permit expired less than 24 monthsWhen: expired permits | $75.00 each |
| Re-inspection (subsequent occurrences; first is no charge)When: failed inspections after the first | $75.00 each |
| Emergency / after-hours inspectionWhen: after-hours inspections | $75.00 first hour, plus 50 each additional hour |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: $75.00 per meter for electrical work; temporary service and construction service permits $75.00 per meter. Plumbing: $75.00 per meter for installation, repair, alteration or addition to any plumbing system, fixture or appliance. Mechanical: $75.00 per unit for HVAC/duct/refrigeration systems. Gas piping/appliances: $75.00 per meter.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Inspections & Code, Columbus Consolidated Government.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: (706) 225-4126 · 420 10th Street, P.O. Box 1340, Columbus, GA 31902-1340