York County, VA Building Permit Fees (2026)
Actual residential building permit fees from Sec. 7.1-8 and 7.1-9 of the Code of York County, as posted on the county's Building Permit Fees page. Read directly from the county page and the codified ordinance on October 27, 2026.
This page covers: The residential building, plan review and trade permit fees in Chapter 7.1 (Building Regulations) of the Code of York County. New construction under roof, finished or unfinished, including additions and garages, is $0.17 per sq ft. Structures not under roof, such as decks and patios, are $0.15 per sq ft. Both have a $90 minimum. Alterations, renovations, repairs and swimming pools are priced by project value in steps: $90 up to $1,000, $120 up to $5,000, then $140 plus $55 for each $5,000 or part of $5,000 above $5,000. Every permit also carries a $5 technology fee. York County Building Safety issues these permits countywide; the Cities of Poquoson and Williamsburg are separate cities with their own building departments.
The state levy is applied by PermitPrice: Sec. 7.1-8 adds "an additional fee equal to the state levy on building permits as set out in the VUSBC" but does not print the rate. PermitPrice adds 2% to the permit fee itself, not to the $5 technology fee or the $90 plan review fee.
This page does NOT cover: zoning (certificate of zoning compliance), site plan and subdivision fees, erosion and stormwater fees other than the $110 single-family land-disturbance permit, water and sewer connection fees, Health Department well and septic permits, and commercial fees. These are excluded from every figure here.
A new home or addition in York County, VA is $0.17 per sq ft under roof, with a $90 minimum. For a new 2,400 sq ft home the building fee is $408.00, and with the 2% state levy ($8.16) and the $5 technology fee the building permit totals $421.16. The $90 plan review is paid when you apply and credited toward the permit fee if the permit is issued within 90 days. Decks are $0.15 per sq ft: an 800 sq ft deck is $127.40 with the levy and technology fee.
- New homes, additions and garages under roof are $0.17 per sq ft, finished or unfinished, with a $90 minimum.
- A new 2,400 sq ft home: $408.00 building fee + $8.16 levy + $5.00 technology fee = $421.16 for the building permit.
- Decks, patios and ramps are $0.15 per sq ft, also with a $90 minimum, so any deck under 600 sq ft pays $90.
- Remodels, repairs and pools are priced by value: a $25,000 remodel is $360.00 and a $42,500 pool is $580.00 before the levy and technology fee.
- The $90 residential plan review is paid at application and applied toward the permit fee if the permit issues within 90 days.
- Starting work before the permit doubles the fee, but the increase is capped at $250; reinspections are $90.
The PermitPrice calculator covers York County new homes, additions, garages and decks by square footage, plus pool barrier fences and demolition. Remodels, repairs and pools use the value steps below and are not in the calculator yet.
York County Building Permit Fee Structure
York County sets its building fees in Chapter 7.1 of the County Code, last amended by Ord. No. 25-9(R) (adopted May 6, 2025). The tables below show the residential figures before the state levy.
Building permit (Sec. 7.1-8(a))
| Work | Fee |
|---|---|
| New construction under roof, finished or unfinished, including additions (residential) | $0.17 per sq ft (min $90) |
| Structures not under roof (patios, decks, ramps) | $0.15 per sq ft (min $90) |
| Alteration, renovation or repair; swimming pools or pool systems; piers, bulkheads, towers - value $0 to $1,000 | $90 |
| Same work - value $1,001 to $5,000 | $120 |
| Same work - value over $5,000 | $140 + $55 per $5,000 or fraction over $5,000 |
| Manufactured (mobile) home or industrialized building unit | $90 |
| Demolition of a building or structure served by electric and/or gas | $90 |
| Moving an existing building to a new location | $110 |
| Fencing for a swimming pool (or around hazardous material) | $90 |
| Construction not covered above | 1% of value (min $90) |
| Work begun before the permit is issued | Fee doubled; increase capped at $250 |
The value line is based on "current value of all service, labor and materials," and the building official may ask for a detailed cost estimate. "Or fraction thereof" means a partial $5,000 step is billed as a full step: a $5,001 job is $140 + $55 = $195.
Plan review and technology fee (Sec. 7.1-8, 7.1-9(e))
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residential / other plan review (paid at application) | $90 - applied toward the permit fee if the permit issues within 90 days |
| Plan examination where sealed architect or engineer plans are required, and multi-family plans | $280 (non-refundable) |
| Technology fee (all permits except land-disturbance, VSMP and temporary amusement permits) | $5 per permit |
If the permit is not issued within 90 days of application, the $90 residential plan review fee is neither refunded nor applied to the permit fee.
Trade permits (residential)
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Electrical - new residential, per dwelling unit (up to 200 A) | $130 (+ $20 per added 50 A over 200 A) |
| Electrical - service increase | $90 (+ $30 per added 50 A over 400 A) |
| Electrical - addition or alteration; temporary service | $90 |
| Plumbing - new residential, per dwelling unit | $130 for the first 3 fixtures + $2 per fixture after |
| Plumbing - addition to a residence | $90 + $10 per fixture |
| Plumbing - alterations and repairs | $90 |
| Water or sewer connection | $90 (+ $45 if a septic tank is abandoned) |
| Gas distribution system | $90 + $10 per outlet |
| Mechanical - new residential | $130 + $20 per additional system |
| Mechanical - residential alteration, addition or repair | $90 per dwelling unit |
Inspection, occupancy and other fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reinspection (third and later after a failure, or work not ready, unsafe access, address not posted) | $90 |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy - residential | $90 |
| Permit extension (each six months) | $90 |
| Single-family land-disturbance permit | $110 per two years until the certificate of occupancy |
| Cancellation before construction | Refund less $60 service charge and $90 plan review |
The first reinspection after a failed inspection is free; Sec. 7.1-9(f) charges $90 for "the third and all subsequent reinspections."
York County Permit Fee Components
A York County residential building permit is the square-foot or value fee (or the $90 minimum), plus the state levy, plus a $5 technology fee. Plan review is paid up front but normally credited back.
| Component | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | $0.17 or $0.15 per sq ft, or value steps; min $90 | Exact from Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8 |
| Virginia state levy | 2% (PermitPrice-applied) | Sec. 7.1-8 adds the VUSBC levy but prints no rate |
| Technology fee | $5 per permit | Exact; Ord. No. 25-9(R), as of July 1, 2025 |
| Residential plan review | $90 | Exact; credited to the permit fee if issued within 90 days |
| Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas) | Separate permits; most residential lines $90 or more | Exact; each carries its own $5 technology fee (some small mechanical items are $30-$60) |
| Zoning, stormwater, utility fees | Separate schedules | Excluded from every figure on this page |
How the totals on this page are built: permit fee + (permit fee x 2%) + $5 technology fee. For a 2,400 sq ft home that is $408.00 + $8.16 + $5.00 = $421.16. The 2% rate comes from Va. Code 36-137, which caps the state levy at 2% of local building permit fees; York County does not print the rate, so 2% is PermitPrice's assumption. Plan review is left out of the totals because the county applies it toward the permit fee when the permit is issued within 90 days.
Worked Examples
Every base fee below is exact from Chapter 7.1 of the Code of York County. The 2% levy is applied by PermitPrice. Where an example depends on an input the code does not fix (fixture count, number of systems, job value), it is labeled as an estimate.
Example 1: New 2,400 Sq Ft Single-Family Home
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | 2,400 x $0.17 | $408.00 |
| Virginia state levy (PermitPrice-applied) | $408.00 x 2% | $8.16 |
| Technology fee | flat | $5.00 |
| Building permit total (assumes 2% levy) | fee + 2% + $5 | $421.16 |
| Electrical permit, new residential, 200 A | $130 + $2.60 + $5 | $137.60 |
| Plumbing permit, 20 fixtures (estimate) | $130 + 17 x $2 = $164 + $3.28 + $5 | $172.28 |
| Mechanical permit, 2 systems (estimate) | $130 + $20 = $150 + $3.00 + $5 | $158.00 |
| Estimated total with trade permits | $421.16 + $467.88 | ~$889.04 |
Assumptions: The $0.17 per sq ft rate, the $130 electrical, plumbing and mechanical base fees, the $2 per fixture and $20 per system add-ons, and the $5 technology fee are exact from the County Code. The 2% levy is applied by PermitPrice to each permit fee, not to the technology fee. The 20-fixture count and two HVAC systems are illustrative inputs, so the ~$889.04 all-in figure is an estimate. The $90 plan review is paid at application and credited toward the permit fee if the permit issues within 90 days, so it is not added. Gas, water/sewer connection and land-disturbance permits are not included. Source: Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8 and 7.1-9.
Example 2: 600 Sq Ft Home Addition
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | 600 x $0.17 (min $90) | $102.00 |
| Virginia state levy (PermitPrice-applied) | $102.00 x 2% | $2.04 |
| Technology fee | flat | $5.00 |
| Building permit total (assumes 2% levy) | fee + 2% + $5 | $109.04 |
Assumptions: The code prices "new construction finished or unfinished (including additions)" under roof at $0.17 per sq ft, so an addition uses the square-foot line. An addition of 529 sq ft or less pays the $90 minimum ($96.80 with the levy and technology fee). A detached or attached garage under roof uses the same $0.17 rate. Trade permits for the addition are separate. Source: Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8(a)(1).
Example 3: In-Ground Pool Valued at $42,500
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pool building permit fee | $140 + 8 x $55 ($37,500 over $5,000 = 7.5 steps, rounded up to 8) | $580.00 |
| Virginia state levy (PermitPrice-applied) | $580.00 x 2% | $11.60 |
| Technology fee | flat | $5.00 |
| Pool building permit total (estimate) | fee + 2% + $5 | $596.60 |
Assumptions: The $42,500 pool value is an illustrative input. Swimming pools and pool systems are named on the value line in Sec. 7.1-8(a)(2). The required pool barrier fence is a separate $90 permit, and pool electrical work (bonding, circuits, pump) is a separate electrical permit. Source: Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8(a)(2) and (a)(7).
Example 4: Deck, Remodel, Demolition and Service Upgrade
| Project | Rule Applied | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft deck | 800 x $0.15 = $120.00 + $2.40 + $5 | $127.40 |
| 300 sq ft deck | $45.00, $90 minimum + $1.80 + $5 | $96.80 |
| Kitchen remodel valued at $25,000 (estimate) | $140 + 4 x $55 = $360.00 + $7.20 + $5 | $372.20 |
| Demolition of a house served by electric or gas | $90 + $1.80 + $5 | $96.80 |
| Electrical service increase (up to 400 A) | $90 + $1.80 + $5 | $96.80 |
Assumptions: The $25,000 remodel value is an illustrative input; the remodel figure covers the building permit only, and electrical, plumbing or mechanical work in the kitchen needs its own permits. Any deck under 600 sq ft pays the $90 minimum. Source: Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8(a) and (d).
Read before you budget from these examples
- The levy rate is our assumption: the County Code adds a fee "equal to the state levy" but prints no rate. We apply 2% to permit fees only, not to the technology or plan review fee.
- Plan review is assumed credited: the $90 is credited only if the permit is issued within 90 days of application; otherwise add $90.
- Trade permits are extra: electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas permits are separate, each with its own $5 technology fee. A service increase above 400 A adds $30 per additional 50 A.
- Site and utility fees are excluded: zoning, land disturbance, stormwater and water/sewer connection fees are set separately.
Practitioner Insight
York County's value steps jump at the $5,000 line. A $5,000 repair is $120, but a $5,001 repair is $195, because the first dollar over $5,000 is billed as a full $5,000 step. After that each step adds $55, so a $50,000 remodel is $635.00, about 1.27% of the job. New space is cheaper by comparison: a 600 sq ft addition on the $0.17 square-foot line is $102.00, no matter what it costs to build. Because the remodel and pool fees follow the "value of all service, labor and materials," the value you declare drives the fee, and the building official may ask for a detailed cost estimate.
Before you budget, ask York County Building Safety (757-890-3522) how the state levy is charged and whether your permit can be issued within the 90-day plan review credit window. To see how neighboring Peninsula and Hampton Roads localities price the same work, compare James City County permit fees, Newport News permit fees and Hampton permit fees.
Permit Requirements - Common Residential Projects in York County
| Project Type | Permit Required? | Fee Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New single-family home | Yes | $0.17 per sq ft | 2,400 sq ft: $421.16 building permit; trade permits separate |
| Addition or garage | Yes | $0.17 per sq ft, min $90 | 600 sq ft: $109.04 |
| Shed or playhouse up to 256 sq ft | No (exempt) | - | One-story, detached; zoning setbacks still apply (Sec. 7.1-10(c)) |
| Deck or patio | Yes | $0.15 per sq ft, min $90 | 800 sq ft: $127.40 with levy and technology fee |
| Swimming pool | Yes (pools under 2 ft deep and 150 sq ft or less are exempt) | Value steps | $42,500 pool: $596.60; barrier fence $90 separate |
| Re-roof (single-family) | Depends on wind zone | Value steps if required | Exempt only where the design wind speed is 100 mph or less; ask the county for your address |
| Like-for-like window or door replacement | No | - | Only when the framed opening does not change |
| Demolition | Yes | $90 | $96.80 with levy and technology fee |
Which projects need a permit, and which fee line applies, is decided by York County Building Safety under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The exemptions above come from Sec. 7.1-10(c) of the County Code. A building permit is not issued until a certificate of zoning compliance has been obtained. When unsure, contact Building Safety before starting work.
York County Building Safety
Building Safety Division
100 County Drive, Suite B, Yorktown, VA 23692 · 757-890-3522 · Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
P.O. Box 532
Yorktown, VA 23690
Customer service online portal
Portal registration, permit forms and inspection requests are linked from the county's Building Safety page
When This Estimate May Not Apply
Your project is billed on the value steps
Remodels, repairs and pools follow the declared value of all labor and materials, in $5,000 steps above $5,000. A higher contract value adds $55 per step: $635.00 for a $50,000 job.
The state levy is charged differently
The County Code adds a fee equal to the state levy without printing the rate. If the county charges less than 2%, a 2,400 sq ft home total falls by up to $8.16.
Your permit takes longer than 90 days
The $90 residential plan review fee is credited only if the permit is issued within 90 days of application. After that it is kept and not applied, so add $90. Sealed-plan reviews are $280 and are never credited.
The County Code is amended
These fees were last amended by Ord. No. 25-9(R), adopted May 6, 2025. The Board of Supervisors can change Chapter 7.1 by ordinance; any later amendment would change these figures.
Work starts early or inspections fail
Work begun before the permit is issued doubles the fee, with the increase capped at $250. Reinspections are $90 each from the third onward, or whenever work is not ready or the address is not posted.
Site and utility fees apply to a new build
A new single-family home that disturbs land needs a $110 land-disturbance permit (renewed every two years until the certificate of occupancy), and water and sewer connections carry their own fees. None of these are in the building permit totals on this page.
Source note: Fees come from Sec. 7.1-8, 7.1-9 and 7.1-10 of the Code of York County, Virginia, as amended by Ord. No. 25-9(R) (adopted May 6, 2025), and the county's Building Permit Fees page, which states the $5 technology fee applies as of July 1, 2025. Every residential line on the county page matches the codified text (Municode version June 15, 2026). Read on October 27, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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York County - Building Permit Fees (Code of York County Sec. 7.1-8) Current · Ord. No. 25-9(R); technology fee as of July 1, 2025 · Source of the building, trade, plan review, occupancy and reinspection fees · Verified October 27, 2026
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Code of York County, Chapter 7.1 - Building Regulations (Sec. 7.1-8 to 7.1-10) Codified through Ord. No. 25-9(R), adopted May 6, 2025 (Municode version June 15, 2026) · State levy, plan review credit, reinspection and exemption rules · Verified October 27, 2026
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York County - Building Safety Current · Office address, phone, hours and online portal · Verified October 27, 2026
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Code of Virginia 36-137 - USBC State Levy Authority Current · Virginia General Assembly · Authorizes the state levy on permit fees collected by local building departments
Estimate a York County new home, addition or deck in the calculator, or compare fees with neighboring Peninsula localities.
Permit Fees Are One Part of Your Project Budget
Once you know your York County permit cost, two related numbers round out your total budget picture:
Property tax impact after your project closes
A permitted addition, garage or new home may change the property's assessed value in York County. The county's Real Estate Assessment office determines that value, separately from this permit fee.
Zoning, utility and stormwater fees for larger projects
York County requires a certificate of zoning compliance before a building permit is issued, and zoning, site plan, stormwater and water and sewer connection charges are set separately. They are excluded from the figures above.
These charges are administered separately from the building permit fee, though the responsible office and billing process vary by jurisdiction. See which tool covers each charge →