BuildingPermitCost How Bellingham calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value, with a $40.00 minimum. Plan review is a separate charge: 65% of the permit fee. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $500 | $40.00 |
| $501 – $2,000 | $40.00 for the first $500 + $2.00 per additional $100 or fraction |
| $2,001 – $25,000 | $70.00 for the first $2,000 + $10.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $300.00 for the first $25,000 + $8.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $500.00 for the first $50,000 + $5.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $750.00 for the first $100,000 + $4.13 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $2,402.00 for the first $500,000 + $3.60 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $1,000,000 | $4,202.00 for the first $1,000,000 + $3.10 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Added to every matching permit
- Fire Department plan review (single family/duplex new construction): a flat $30.00 (New single family residence or duplex)
- Fire Department plan review (multifamily, commercial, industrial): a fee table based on project value (All other use types: new, additions and alterations)
Surcharges
- State Building Code Fee (RCW 19.27.085), residential: $6.50
- State Building Code Fee (RCW 19.27.085), non-residential: $25.00
What counts as project value
ICC Building Valuation Data table. New construction valued from the most recent ICC valuation table (BSD #178); handout gives SFR/duplex rates (finished living space $177.63/sq ft, unfinished basement $31.50, utility/garage $71.79, carport $23.81, uncovered deck $21.26, covered deck $28.10). Remodels: contractor's contract/bid, or owner's material cost x2. Includes design fees; excludes land and site development.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $750.00 for the first $100,000.00 + $4.13 × 250 per $1,000.00 over = $1,782.50
- Plan review fee: 65% of $1,782.50 = $1,158.63
- Fire Department plan review (single family/duplex new construction): flat fee = $30.00
- State Building Code Fee (RCW 19.27.085), residential: fixed = $6.50
- Total before trade permits: $2,977.63.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Additional plan review for changes/revisionsWhen: plan revisions | $107.00 per hour |
| Reinspection / after-hours / unscheduled inspectionWhen: reinspection or after-hours inspection | $107.00 per hour |
| Land Use plan reviewWhen: land use review required | $107.00 per hour |
| School impact fee, SFR and duplexWhen: new residential units | $4,133.00 per unit |
| Park impact fee, SFR and duplexWhen: new residential units | $4,014.57 per unit |
| Transportation impact, water/sewer/stormwater feesWhen: per Public Works fee sheet | see Public Works fee sheet |
Trade permits are separate. Mechanical: Base fee $25 per permit plus per-fixture fees (gas piping 1-4 outlets $15; appliances $25; AHU/boiler etc. $75; over 30 HP $100). Plan review when conducted 25% of permit fee excl. base, min $50. Plumbing: Base fee $25 per permit plus $7 per fixture/water heater/piping item; medical gas $35 per system. Electrical: Issuance $25. New SFR/duplex service up to 200 A $100, over 200 A $125, each subpanel $50; commercial by value of work ($80 up to $1,000 then percentage tiers). Plan review when applicable 35% (min $50).
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Permit Center online through eTRAKiT / ePermits.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: (360) 778-8300 · 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225