BuildingPermitCost How Wilmington calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using $0.44 per square foot, with a $400.00 minimum.
The fee table
Residential new construction and additions (includes all electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits)
$0.44 per square foot, with a $400.00 minimum.
Residential major accessory, alteration, remodel, renovation, repair (two or more inspections)
$0.22 per square foot, with a $400.00 minimum.
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). Residential fees are per square foot of structure (the county page says under-roof square footage). Commercial fees use ICC value per sq ft x area x a recovery factor (0.004 up to 15,000 sq ft, 0.0012 above), times a cost factor (100% new/additions, 80% shell, 50% alterations).
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: 2,400 sq ft × $0.44 = $1,058.40
- Total before trade permits: $1,058.40.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Starting work or working without a permitWhen: work started without a permit | $100.00 each |
| Excessive inspections service fee (after 2 failed inspections)When: more than 2 failed inspections | $50.00 each |
| After hours inspectionWhen: after-hours inspection requested | $120.00 rate |
| Occupying a structure prior to receiving COWhen: occupied before certificate of occupancy | $100.00 day 1 ($300 day 2, $500 each subsequent day) |
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to New Hanover County Department of Permits & Inspections (Building Safety) through COAST.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170, Wilmington, NC