BuildingPermitCost How Louisville calculates your permit fee
The city 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 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 by occupancy: square feet on every floor, including finished basement portions, measured to the outside of exterior walls. Partial alterations use a reasonable estimated cost submitted by the applicant and 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 |
|---|---|
| Plan review without permit issuance / refundWhen: review without permit issuance or refund | $30.00 minimum, or 1/3 of normal permit fee if higher |
| Foundation only permit, single familyWhen: foundation-only permit | $75.00 each |
| Certificate of Use and Occupancy administrative fee without building permitWhen: CO without building permit | $75.00 each |
| Penalty for starting work without a permitWhen: work without permit | same as standard fee |
| Permit extension (reactivate expired permit within 180 days)When: expired permit | $35.00 each |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: Initial wiring of a one- or two-family residence $200 (includes three inspections). Service upgrade/repairs in 1-2 family: $75 for work $750 or less, $100 over $750. Additional inspections $50. Mechanical: 1 & 2 family dwellings: $105 for the first heating/cooling system, $50 each additional. Commercial by installation cost table ($125 for $2,000 or less up). Plumbing: Not in this schedule (plumbing permits are issued under state/MSD rules); not extracted.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations, Office of Construction Review.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.