BuildingPermitCost How New York City calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using $0.06 per square foot, with a $130.00 minimum. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
New building, one-, two- or three-family dwelling, no existing building elements retained (Table 28-112.2 item 1)
$0.06 per square foot, with a $130.00 minimum.
Alteration Type 1, one-, two- or three-family dwelling (item 11)
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $5,000 | $170.00 |
| Over $5,000 | $170.00 for the first $5,000 + $2.60 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Alteration Type 2/3 or Limited Alteration, one-, two- or three-family dwelling (item 11)
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $5,000 | $130.00 |
| Over $5,000 | $130.00 for the first $5,000 + $2.60 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
New building, all other buildings fewer than 7 stories and less than 100,000 sq ft (item 4)
$0.26 per square foot, with a $280.00 minimum.
Alteration Type 2, all other buildings fewer than 7 stories and less than 100,000 sq ft (item 12)
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $3,000 | $225.00 |
| Over $3,000 | $225.00 for the first $3,000 + $10.30 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
What counts as project value
Your contract or bid price. New buildings are charged per square foot of total floor area. Alteration fees use the estimated cost of construction: 'Such costs shall include the total value of work proposed, including but not limited to materials, equipment and labor, with reasonable allowances for profit and overhead.' The department may deny underestimated costs and sets the initial, amended and final valuation (§28-112.3).
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: 2,400 sq ft × $0.06 = $144.00
- Total before trade permits: $144.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Demolition and removalWhen: demolition permit | $2.60 x building frontage (ft) x number of stories, minimum $260 |
| Permit renewalWhen: permit renewal | $130.00 per work type |
| Amendments to active applications and permitsWhen: filing amendments | $130.00 greater of $130 or fee for additional scope/cost |
| Curb cut, private dwellingWhen: curb cut | $3.00 per linear foot incl. splay, minimum $130 |
| Sidewalk shedWhen: sidewalk shed | $160.00 first 25 ft, plus $10 per additional 25 ft |
| Credit card convenience feeWhen: payment by credit card | 2.49% of payment |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: Electrical work fees are set by department rules (§28-112.2.2); not extracted. Plumbing: Plumbing/fire suppression and service equipment filing fees calculated as for the respective building alteration (Table 28-112.2); not extracted in detail. Mechanical: Oil-burning, gas or electric heating or other energy source equipment: $130 per type, device or equipment (item 18).
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to NYC Department of Buildings online through DOB NOW.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.