Compare Building Permit Fees by Jurisdiction (2026)
Side-by-side comparisons using actual fee formulas from official .gov fee schedules. The same project can cost significantly more in one county than the next.
Virginia jurisdictions set their own permit fee schedules, and the all-in cost for identical projects can differ by hundreds of dollars between counties. A $15,000 deck costs $688.50 in Fairfax County. The same project in a jurisdiction with higher base rates and additional surcharges can exceed $900. These comparisons use verified data - not estimates.
- Each comparison uses only data verified against official .gov fee schedule documents - no estimated or inferred values.
- Comparisons are added as jurisdiction pages go live. Currently live: Fairfax, Loudoun, Chesterfield, Henrico Counties and Richmond City, VA.
- Use the fee calculator for a quick Fairfax estimate or go to the jurisdiction page for the full formula breakdown.
- Always verify fees directly with your local building department before budgeting or filing.
Virginia Jurisdiction Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons using verified fee data from official fee schedules.
Comparisons are added as jurisdiction fee data is verified. Each comparison requires confirmed source data from both jurisdictions before publishing.
Virginia Permit Fee Quick Reference
Live data for Fairfax, Loudoun, Chesterfield, Henrico Counties and Richmond City, VA. Additional jurisdictions will be added as fee data is verified.
| Jurisdiction | Base Fee Method | Plan Review | State Levy | $15K Deck (All-In) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | 3% of cost · min $72 | 50% of permit fee | 2% (USBC) | $688.50 | Verified |
| Loudoun County | $395 flat (≤1,000 sq ft) · 1% (larger) | Bundled in flat fee | 2% (USBC) | ~$402.90 (est.) | Estimated |
| Chesterfield County | Flat fee by project type ($114 deck · $399 addition) | Bundled (not listed separately) | 2% (USBC) | $166.28 | Verified |
| Henrico County | $100 + $6/$1,000 over $5,000 · max $680 | Not listed separately | 2% (USBC) | $163.20 | Verified |
| Richmond City | $63 + $6.07/$1,000 over $2,000 · no cap | Not listed separately | 2% (USBC) | $144.75 | Verified |
| Prince William County | Verification in progress | TBD | 2% (USBC) | TBD | In Progress |
| Arlington County | Verification in progress | TBD | 2% (USBC) | TBD | In Progress |
| City of Alexandria | Verification in progress | TBD | 2% (USBC) | TBD | In Progress |
All Virginia jurisdictions collect the 2% USBC state levy (Code of VA §36-139). The base fee method and plan review rate are set independently by each jurisdiction. TBD values will be filled as official fee schedules are verified.
Calculate and Look Up Fees
Use the calculator for estimates or go to a jurisdiction's page for the complete verified formula.