It’s a little hard to determine the cost of beginning a permit because there are so many moving parts. However, this should at least give you a reasonable idea. All the components below are necessary expenses to bring your permit application to the building department. From this “log-in” phase, it can take from 60 to 90 days for a review to begin.

1. Hire a surveyor.
   1. The majority of all projects will require a survey to determine the existing aspects of the property such as exact size, location of improvements, and so on. Many architects won’t begin a project without a survey.
   2. This cost varies from $500 to $800.
2. Hire a soils engineer.
   1. If the project is a free standing new structure, a soil report is a requirement. In non-typical soil conditions, it’s a good idea for any project. The good news is that this information isn’t needed before the architectural design begins.
   2. This cost also varies from $500 to $800.
3. Hire an architect / structural engineer.
   1. This varies from person to person and from project to project. Your best option is to contact one and see what they charge.
   2. Most architects will have a construction cost range for projects similar to yours. Typically building a project is approximately 50% to 65% of the cost to buy the same thing already built.
   3. Normally, half of the fee is due when design is complete and the remainder when the drawings are complete.
4. Pay the permit fee.
   1. The zoning fee is a function of project cost but normally it varies from $100 – $200.
   2. Using the most typical cost range, the building permit fee is $770 for the first $100,000 and $5.60 for each additional $1000. So for a construction cost of 150k the fee would be $1050, and so on.
5. Pay the wastewater fee.
   1. The wastewater fee, if we are doing no construction is $100.
   2. With construction it runs about $300, unless a new tap is required.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the above.

Steve Culbertson
Landmarkk