BuildingPermitCost How Ames calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value, with a $30.90 minimum. Plan review is a separate charge: 70% of the permit fee. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $500 | $19.47 |
| $501 – $2,000 | $19.47 for the first $500 + $1.99 per additional $100 or fraction |
| $2,001 – $25,000 | $49.14 for the first $2,000 + $9.07 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $258.11 for the first $25,000 + $6.55 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $421.94 for the first $50,000 + $4.54 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $649.06 for the first $100,000 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $2,102.59 for the first $500,000 + $3.09 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $1,000,000 | $3,643.73 for the first $1,000,000 + $2.36 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
What counts as project value
Your contract or bid price. Value is the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, including finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and other permanent equipment.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $649.06 for the first $100,000.00 + $3.65 × 250 per $1,000.00 over = $1,562.56
- Plan review fee: 70% of $1,562.56 = $1,093.79
- Total before trade permits: $2,656.35.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reinspection after the first free oneWhen: more than one reinspection | $56.23 each |
| Temporary certificate of occupancyWhen: temporary certificate of occupancy issued | $56.23 each |
| Foundation permit before building permitWhen: foundation permit requested before the building permit | $56.23 each |
| Administrative fee to cancel a permitWhen: permit cancelled | $56.23 each |
| Storm water lot development permitWhen: storm water lot development permit required | $250.00 each |
| Driveway and curb cut permitWhen: new or changed curb cut / driveway | $100.00 each |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: Appendix U (Sup 2026-3); not extracted. Plumbing: Appendix U (Sup 2026-3); not extracted. Mechanical: Appendix U (Sup 2026-3); not extracted.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Inspections Division.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.