BuildingPermitCost How Jefferson County calculates your permit fee
The county charges a building permit fee using $0.11 per square foot, with a $75.00 minimum. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
Residential 1 & 2 family: new construction, additions, complete alterations of an entire building
$0.11 per square foot, with a $75.00 minimum.
Partial alterations / work where square feet cannot be calculated
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Over $0 | $50.00 + $2.50 per additional $1,000 |
Business occupancy (other commercial occupancies $.13-$.16/sq ft, see building_permit notes)
$0.15 per square foot, with a $75.00 minimum.
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). New construction, additions and complete alterations of an entire building are priced per square foot of every floor, including finished portions of basements, measured to the outside of exterior walls. Partial alterations and work where square feet cannot be calculated use the applicant's reasonable estimated cost, verified by the Department.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: 2,400 sq ft × $0.11 = $252.00
- Total before trade permits: $252.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Foundation-only permit (single-family and accessory)When: Fast-track foundation-only permit | $75.00 each |
| Certificate of Use and Occupancy without a building permitWhen: CO requested without an associated building permit | $75.00 each |
| Plan review without permit issuance / refunded permitsWhen: Application reviewed without a permit being issued, or refund requested | $30.00 minimum, or 1/3 of the normal permit fee if higher |
| Work started without a permitWhen: Work started without a permit | penalty equal to the standard fee (electrical minimum $1,000) |
| Additional electrical or HVAC inspectionWhen: Inspections beyond those included in the permit | $50.00 each |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: Initial wiring of a one- or two-family residence $200 (includes three inspections). Service upgrade, new service, repairs or additional wiring in 1-2 family/condo: $75 for work $750 or less, $100 over $750. Temporary pole $85. Additional inspections $50. Mechanical: 1 & 2 family dwellings: new and replacement systems $105 for the first system, $50 each additional. Commercial by installation-cost table ($125 for $2,000 or less upward). Additional inspections $50. Plumbing: Not in this schedule; not extracted.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Louisville Metro Office of Construction Review (Codes & Regulations) online through Louisville Metro Accela Business Portal.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.