BuildingPermitCost How Providence calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value, with a $125.00 minimum.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $10,000 | $23.00 per $1,000 |
| $10,001 – $50,000 | $230.00 for the first $10,000 + $21.00 per additional $1,000 |
| Over $50,000 | $1,070.00 for the first $50,000 + $19.00 per additional $1,000 |
Surcharges
- State levy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-108.2(c)(1)), residential: 0.2% of the project value
- State levy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-108.2(c)(1)), commercial: 0.1% of the project value
What counts as project value
Your contract or bid price. City FAQ: 'Permit fees are calculated by cost of construction for labor and materials x a multiplier.' The city compares the stated cost with an in-house estimate using the ICC Building Valuation Data cost per square foot and may ask for more information if they differ.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $1,070.00 for the first $50,000.00 + $19.00 × 300 per $1,000.00 over = $6,770.00
- State levy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-108.2(c)(1)), residential: 0.2% of $350,000.00 → maximum $100.00 = $100.00
- Total before trade permits: $6,870.00.
Fees people miss
No other fees are listed in the schedule we captured.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Department of Inspection and Standards online through Providence permitting portal (OpenGov).
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: 401-680-5000 · 780 Allens Avenue, Providence, RI