BuildingPermitCost How Nashville / Davidson County calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using $5.00 per $1,000 of project value. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (2018 IRC)
$5.00 per $1,000 of project value.
Commercial, multi-family and all other construction
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $2,000 | $40.39 |
| $2,001 – $50,000 | $40.39 for the first $2,000 + $6.92 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $372.71 for the first $50,000 + $5.57 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $651.38 for the first $100,000 + $4.19 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $500,000 | $2,326.84 for the first $500,000 + $2.79 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Surcharges
- Zoning Examination Fee: $25.00
- Codes Tech Fee: 10% of the permit fee
What counts as project value
ICC Building Valuation Data table. Page 1 lists 'Building Valuation Fee: See below (Valuation Table is on last page)'; the last pages (9-10) are the ICC Building Valuation Data, February 2025 (gross area x square foot construction cost; R-3 one- and two-family VB $169.09/sq ft). The attached BVD text describes it as an aid for the building official 'to determine if the permit valuation is underestimated' and says it is not intended for alterations or repairs, so remodels are valued on the cost of work. The schedule does not state whether a higher applicant-stated cost overrides the table.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $350,000.00 ÷ 1,000 × $5.00 = $1,750.00
- Zoning Examination Fee: fixed = $25.00
- Codes Tech Fee: 10% of $1,750.00 = $175.00
- Total before trade permits: $1,950.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Re-inspection | $50.00 each |
| Certificate of occupancy/compliance with no building permit issued | $55.00 each |
| Use verification letter | $50.00 each |
| Electrical work started before permit issuedWhen: electrical work commenced without a permit | permit fees tripled |
Trade permits are separate. Plumbing: Minimum $75 per permit plus per-fixture and item fees. Mechanical: Gas/mechanical: minimum $75 per permit plus per-appliance fees and $32 per 100,000 Btuh or fraction for HVAC/refrigeration systems. Electrical: Minimum $75 per permit plus item fees (outlets, motors, ranges, panels, services); not all items extracted.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Metro Nashville Codes Administration.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.