About PermitEstimator.com

What we do

Building permit fees are public information, but they are buried in city ordinances and fee-schedule PDFs that read like tax code. We dig up each city's published residential fee schedule, encode the tables into a simple calculator, and wrap it in guides that explain the process in plain English: what needs a permit, how to apply, how long it takes, and what it costs.

How the estimates are built

Every estimator on this network runs its city's published fee tables exactly as written, including the bracket edges and quirks. We cite the ordinance or schedule on each city page, along with the date we last verified it, because cities update their schedules and we want you to know how fresh the numbers are. The calculators run entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or stored anywhere.

Who this is for

Homeowners planning a project, builders and remodelers quoting jobs, house flippers running numbers, and real estate folks who want a fast answer for a client. If you have ever stared at a city fee schedule and wished someone would just tell you the number, this is for you.

What we are not

We are an independent project, not a government agency. We do not issue permits, approve plans, or give legal advice. Our estimates are planning tools, not official quotes. When real money is on the line, confirm with your city's development or permitting office.

Who is behind this

PermitEstimator.com is built and maintained by Bryndon Preston, who got tired of watching good people get surprised by permit fees they could have looked up in five minutes. Questions, corrections, or a city you would like us to add? Get in touch.