BuildingPermitCost How Philadelphia calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a flat $1,328.00. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
Residential (1 or 2 family) new construction
A flat $1,328.00.
Residential (1 or 2 family) new accessory structures or additions
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $75.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $75.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $56.00 per additional 100 sq ft or fraction |
Residential (1 or 2 family) alterations and repairs (incl. utility structures)
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $76.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $76.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $56.00 per additional 100 sq ft or fraction |
Other occupancies, new construction
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $253.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $253.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $73.00 per additional 100 sq ft or fraction |
Other occupancies, new accessory structures or additions
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $253.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $253.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $73.00 per additional 100 sq ft or fraction |
Other occupancies, alterations and repairs
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $253.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $253.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $60.00 per additional 100 sq ft or fraction |
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). Building permit fees are by floor area ('$75 for the first 500 sq. ft.; plus $56 for each additional 100 sq. ft. or fraction'), except a flat $1,328 for new 1-2 family construction. Alterations may be based on 2% of the cost of construction at the applicant's request (minimum $253); unlisted items are 2% of construction value (minimum $158).
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: flat fee = $1,328.00
- Total before trade permits: $1,328.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Items not listed (undetermined value)When: items not listed in the schedule | 2% of construction value, minimum $158 |
| Foundation only permitWhen: foundation-only permits | $253.00 each |
| Amended permit (owner-occupied 1-2 family)When: amendments only | $25.00 each |
| Preliminary reviewWhen: optional | $442.00 each |
| Initial tenant fit-out of newly constructed buildingWhen: tenant fit-out only | $16.40 per 100 sq ft |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: $25 per $1,000 or fraction of estimated electrical construction cost; minimum $63, maximum $18,975. Rough-in permit $150. Plumbing: New construction: $284 for first 7 fixtures + $25 each additional. Residential additions/alterations: $50 for first 7 fixtures + $22.50 each additional. Mechanical: Residential ductwork (incl. appliances) $189; separate appliances $69 each (other occupancies $158).
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) through eCLIPSE.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.