Washington, DC Building Permit Fees (2026)

Residential building permit fees from the live DC Department of Buildings (DOB) Building Permit Fee Schedule on dob.dc.gov. The District of Columbia uses a 4-tier valuation formula for alterations and repairs: $33 flat under $500, $65 flat from $501 to $1,000, $30 plus 2% of construction value from $1,001 to $1,000,000, and $10,030 plus 1% of total construction cost above $1,000,000. New construction and additions are priced per cubic foot ($0.03/cu ft) instead of by declared value. Every DOB fee carries a 10% Enhanced Fee on top. A separate Green Building Fee applies to alterations and new construction. Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work are itemized per outlet, fixture, and equipment unit and are filed under separate applications.

Jurisdiction

Washington, DC (District of Columbia)

Fee Structure

4-tier valuation formula (alterations); $0.03/cubic ft (new construction); flat fees (pools, sheds, fences)

Enhanced Fee

10% on every fee, every line item

Coverage Scope

Residential building permit only - trade permits separate

Last Verified

April 25, 2026

Fee Status

Official formula-based fee

What This Page Covers - and What It Does Not

This page covers: Washington DC residential building permit fees as published in the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) Building Permit Fee Schedule on dob.dc.gov. Coverage includes the alteration and repair tier formula, new construction per-cubic-foot pricing, the Green Building Fee, the universal 10% Enhanced Fee, the filing deposit rule for new construction, and flat permit fees for in-ground and above-ground pools, garages and sheds, fences, awnings, signs, retaining walls, and demolition. Trade permit summary tables for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work are included for context.

This page does NOT cover: Itemized commercial fee lines beyond the residential summary, full elevator and crane fees, full electrical/plumbing/mechanical schedules (each itemized per outlet, fixture, and equipment unit on the same DOB page), Certificate of Occupancy fees for spaces over 5,000 sq ft, zoning approvals, public space permits managed by the District Department of Transportation, or historic preservation review fees from the Historic Preservation Office. DC trade permits are filed under separate applications and each carries its own 10% Enhanced Fee.

Note on scope assumption for decks: The DOB Fee Schedule does not list "deck" as its own line item. Decks attached to residential structures are typically processed as alterations or repairs under the tier formula based on declared construction value. PermitPrice's worked example for a $15,000 deck uses the alteration tier ($30 + 2% of value, +10% Enhanced, plus Green Building Fee). If DOB classifies a specific deck project as new construction (cubic-foot pricing), the calculation will differ. Confirm classification with DOB at filing.

Note on filing deposit: New construction and additions require a filing deposit at application equal to 50% of the assessed permit fee, capped at $20,000 (plus the 10% Enhanced Fee on the deposit). The deposit is generally credited toward the final permit fee at issuance. PermitPrice's worked examples show the total assessed permit fee, not the cash flow split between the deposit and the final balance.

Key Takeaways

DC's residential alteration permit fee uses a 4-tier valuation formula. The middle tier ($1,001-$1,000,000) uses $30 + 2% of construction value, which covers most home-improvement projects. The upper tier (over $1,000,000) shifts to $10,030 + 1% of total cost. The two lowest tiers are flat: $33 under $500 and $65 from $501 to $1,000.
Every DOB fee carries a 10% Enhanced Fee on top. The schedule lists every line item with both the base amount and the +10% total. PermitPrice always reports the all-in (Enhanced-Fee-included) figure unless explicitly noted as base.
DC's Green Building Fee is a separate component. For alterations $1,001-$1,000,000 it is 0.13% of construction value; for alterations over $1,000,000 it is $1,300 + 0.0065% of construction value over $1,000,000; for new construction it is $0.002 per square foot. The Green Building Fee also carries the 10% Enhanced Fee on top.
New construction and additions are priced per cubic foot at $0.03/cu ft, not per declared value. A 1,800 sq ft new single-family home with 8-ft ceilings (~14,400 cubic feet) calculates at $432 base + 10% Enhanced = $475.20 plus Green Building Fee. The schedule explicitly captures volume, not declared value.
Pools up to 15,000 gallons are a flat $260 base, $286.00 with Enhanced. Pools over 15,000 gallons add $33 per additional 1,000 gallons. Plumbing and electrical trade permits for the pool are filed separately.
Garage or shed (new): $65 flat + 10% Enhanced = $71.50. Fence on private property: $33 flat + 10% Enhanced = $36.30. Awning: $65 flat + 10% Enhanced = $71.50.
DC does not bill a separate flat plan review line item for first-pass residential alterations - plan review is built into the tier formula. Repeat Technical Reviews (rejected and resubmitted plans) cost $65 + 10% = $71.50 for single-family residential. Larger commercial reviews escalate.
The DOB Instant Permit program (launched February 2026) allows clearly defined residential scopes - solar panel systems up to 15 kW, in-kind window replacement up to 15 windows, electrical heavy-up - to use simplified $33 base + 10% Enhanced = $36.30 (general) or $59 + 10% = $64.90 (electrical heavy-up) flat fees.
Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are itemized per outlet, fixture, and equipment unit on the same DOB schedule. Minimum electrical permit fee is $20 + 10% = $22.00. Each trade permit carries its own 10% Enhanced Fee.

Use the Fee Calculator Compare Jurisdictions

DC Residential Building Permit Fee Schedule

Permit fee components from the live DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule on dob.dc.gov. The 10% Enhanced Fee is applied to every base amount on the schedule. Source: dob.dc.gov/node/1620346.

Fee Category	Base Amount	With 10% Enhanced
Alteration / repair - Construction value under $500	$33 flat	$36.30
Alteration / repair - $501 to $1,000	$65 flat	$71.50
Alteration / repair - $1,001 to $1,000,000	$30 + 2% of construction value	($30 + 2% of value) x 1.10
Alteration / repair - Over $1,000,000	$10,030 + 1% of total construction cost	($10,030 + 1% of cost) x 1.10
New construction / additions - Permit fee	$0.03 per cubic foot	$0.03/cu ft x 1.10
New construction - Filing deposit (paid at application)	50% of assessed permit fee, max $20,000	+10% Enhanced on deposit
Green Building Fee - Alterations $1,001-$1M	0.13% of construction value	0.13% x 1.10 of value
Green Building Fee - Alterations over $1M	$1,300 + 0.0065% of value over $1M	+10% Enhanced
Green Building Fee - New construction	$0.002 per square foot	$0.002/sq ft x 1.10
Demolition	$30 + 2% of construction cost	($30 + 2%) x 1.10
Raze (full structure razing)	$0.02 per cubic foot	$0.02/cu ft x 1.10
Garage (new) or shed (new)	$65 flat	$71.50
Fence on private property	$33 flat	$36.30
Awning	$65 each	$71.50 each
Swimming pool - up to 15,000 gallons	$260 flat	$286.00
Swimming pool - over 15,000 gallons	$260 + $33 per 1,000 gallons additional	+10% Enhanced
Retaining wall, tank, tower	$46 per $1,000 of construction cost	+10% Enhanced
Sign (new) - Up to 25 sq ft	$65 flat	$71.50
Instant Permit (general)	$33 each	$36.30
Instant Permit - Electrical Heavy-Up	$59 each	$64.90
Permit renewal or change of ownership	$33 each	$36.30
Repeat Technical Review - Single family	$65	$71.50
Modification or variance request	$175	$192.50
Designation of new address	$25 each	$27.50
Enhanced Fee (universal)	10% added on top of every DOB fee, every line item

Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are pulled and priced separately under their own line items in the same DOB schedule. Minimum electrical permit fee is $20 + 10% Enhanced = $22.00. Plumbing fixtures are $26 first + $20 each additional, +10% Enhanced. Mechanical refrigeration up to 120,000 BTU/h is $46 + 10% = $50.60. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section d (Additional Supplemental Permits).

How DC Calculates Building Permit Fees

Methodology - Washington DC Residential Building Permit

Step	What Happens	DC Rule
1. Classify the project	Decide whether the project is an alteration / repair, new construction or addition (volume-priced), or one of the flat-fee categories (pool, garage, shed, fence, awning, sign, retaining wall, demolition).	The DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule lists each project type explicitly. Alterations and repairs use the 4-tier valuation formula. New construction and additions use $0.03 per cubic foot. Pools, garages, sheds, fences, and awnings have flat fees.
2. For alterations: pick the tier	Tier 1 ($33 flat) for declared construction value under $500. Tier 2 ($65 flat) for $501-$1,000. Tier 3 ($30 + 2% of value) for $1,001-$1,000,000. Tier 4 ($10,030 + 1% of total cost) for over $1,000,000.	Most home-improvement projects fall in Tier 3. The transition from Tier 3 to Tier 4 is continuous: at exactly $1,000,000, Tier 3 gives $30 + $20,000 = $20,030, while Tier 4 at $1,000,000+1 gives $10,030 + 1% x $1,000,001 = $20,030.01.
3. For new construction: compute volume	Multiply cubic feet of construction by $0.03 to get the base permit fee. A 1,800 sq ft single-family home with standard 8-ft ceilings is ~14,400 cubic feet; permit fee is 14,400 x $0.03 = $432.	The DOB schedule prices new construction by cubic foot. This is unusual among DMV jurisdictions; most use per-square-foot or value-based formulas. Confirm the cubic-foot calculation method with DOB at filing for projects with non-standard ceiling heights or multi-story configurations.
4. Add the Green Building Fee	For alterations $1,001-$1,000,000: 0.13% of declared construction value. For alterations over $1M: $1,300 + 0.0065% of value over $1M. For new construction: $0.002 per square foot.	The Green Building Fee is a separate line item from the base permit fee. It is not folded into the tier formula. Both the Green Building Fee and the base permit fee carry the 10% Enhanced Fee.
5. Apply the 10% Enhanced Fee	Multiply every base amount by 1.10. The DOB schedule lists every line item with both the base and the post-Enhanced total.	The 10% Enhanced Fee is universal: it applies to alteration tier amounts, new construction cubic-foot fees, Green Building Fees, flat permit fees (pools, sheds, fences), trade permit fees, and Repeat Technical Review charges.
6. For new construction: pay the filing deposit at application	50% of the assessed permit fee, capped at $20,000, paid at filing. The deposit is generally credited toward the final permit fee at issuance.	The deposit also carries the 10% Enhanced Fee. Worked examples show the total assessed permit fee, not the cash flow split between deposit and final balance.
7. File trade permits separately if needed	Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are separate applications. Each line item (outlet, fixture, AC unit, panel upgrade) carries its own base fee and 10% Enhanced.	Most kitchen and bath remodels need at least an electrical permit and a plumbing permit. Solar panel systems up to 15 kW and in-kind window replacement up to 15 windows can use the Instant Permit program ($36.30 general or $64.90 electrical heavy-up).

Alteration Permit Fee at Different Construction Values (Including 10% Enhanced and Green Building Fee)

Construction Value	Tier	Base Permit Fee	+10% Enhanced	+Green Building Fee (with Enhanced)	All-In Total
$400	Tier 1 (under $500)	$33 flat	$36.30	n/a (Tier 1)	$36.30
$800	Tier 2 ($501-$1,000)	$65 flat	$71.50	n/a (Tier 2)	$71.50
$5,000	Tier 3	$30 + $100 = $130	$143.00	$5,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $7.15	$150.15
$15,000	Tier 3	$30 + $300 = $330	$363.00	$15,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $21.45	$384.45
$30,000	Tier 3	$30 + $600 = $630	$693.00	$30,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $42.90	$735.90
$80,000	Tier 3	$30 + $1,600 = $1,630	$1,793.00	$80,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $114.40	$1,907.40
$250,000	Tier 3	$30 + $5,000 = $5,030	$5,533.00	$250,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $357.50	$5,890.50
$1,000,000	Tier 3 boundary	$30 + $20,000 = $20,030	$22,033.00	$1,000,000 x 0.13% x 1.10 = $1,430.00	$23,463.00

All-in totals reflect the alteration tier formula plus the 10% Enhanced Fee plus the Green Building Fee (with its own 10% Enhanced). Trade permits not included. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section a, captured April 25, 2026.

Worked Examples

Example 1: $15,000 Deck (Alteration Tier 3)

Fee Calculation - $15,000 Deck in Washington, DC

Fee Component	Rule Applied	Amount
Building permit fee (alteration tier 3)	$30 + 2% x $15,000 = $30 + $300 = $330	$330.00
10% Enhanced Fee on permit	$330 x 10%	$33.00
Green Building Fee (alteration $1,001-$1M)	$15,000 x 0.13% = $19.50	$19.50
10% Enhanced Fee on Green Building Fee	$19.50 x 10%	$1.95
Total - Building Permit Only	$330 + $33 + $19.50 + $1.95	$384.45

Note: $384.45 covers the building permit only, treating the deck as an alteration under DC's tier formula. If the deck includes lighting, an electrical permit is required and is priced separately under DC's Section d trade permit schedule (minimum $22.00 with Enhanced Fee). The DOB schedule does not list "deck" as its own line item. PermitPrice's classification as alteration is based on construction value; DOB may classify a specific project as new construction at filing, in which case cubic-foot pricing would apply instead. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section a, Alteration & Repair tier 3.

Example 2: $30,000 Residential Alteration (Kitchen Remodel)

Fee Calculation - $30,000 Kitchen Alteration in Washington, DC

Fee Component	Rule Applied	Amount
Building permit fee (alteration tier 3)	$30 + 2% x $30,000 = $30 + $600 = $630	$630.00
10% Enhanced Fee on permit	$630 x 10%	$63.00
Green Building Fee (alteration $1,001-$1M)	$30,000 x 0.13% = $39.00	$39.00
10% Enhanced Fee on Green Building Fee	$39.00 x 10%	$3.90
Total - Building Permit Only	$630 + $63 + $39 + $3.90	$735.90

Note: $735.90 covers the building permit only. A typical kitchen remodel with new circuits, a relocated sink, and HVAC modifications also needs an electrical permit (per outlet and panel-upgrade fees), a plumbing permit ($26 first fixture + $20 each additional, +10%), and possibly a mechanical permit ($50.60 each for typical residential AC up to 5 ton). Each trade permit also carries the 10% Enhanced Fee. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section a, Alteration & Repair tier 3.

Example 3: $30,000 In-Ground Pool (Up to 15,000 Gallons)

Fee Calculation - $30,000 In-Ground Pool in Washington, DC

Fee Component	Rule Applied	Amount
Building permit fee (in-ground pool, ≤ 15,000 gal)	$260 flat (regardless of declared value)	$260.00
10% Enhanced Fee on permit	$260 x 10%	$26.00
Total - Building Permit Only	$260 + $26	$286.00

Note: $286.00 is the in-ground pool building permit only, for pools up to 15,000 gallons. Pools over 15,000 gallons add $33 per additional 1,000 gallons (also subject to the 10% Enhanced Fee). Plumbing fixtures (skimmer, drain, fill line) need a plumbing permit ($26 first fixture + $20 each additional, +10%). Pool electrical work (pump, lighting, bonding) needs an electrical permit. The DOB Fee Schedule does not surface a separate Green Building Fee on pool permits. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section a, Swimming Pool (up to 15,000 gallons).

Example 4: 1,800 sq ft New Single-Family Home (Volume-Priced)

Fee Calculation - 1,800 sq ft New SFD in Washington, DC

Fee Component	Rule Applied	Amount
Building permit fee (new construction, $0.03/cu ft)	14,400 cu ft x $0.03 = $432 (1,800 sq ft x 8 ft ceiling assumption)	$432.00
10% Enhanced Fee on permit	$432 x 10%	$43.20
Green Building Fee (new construction, $0.002/sq ft)	1,800 sq ft x $0.002 = $3.60	$3.60
10% Enhanced Fee on Green Building Fee	$3.60 x 10%	$0.36
Total - Building Permit Only (assessed)	$432 + $43.20 + $3.60 + $0.36	$479.16
Filing deposit at application (50%, max $20,000, +10%)	($479.16 / 1.10) x 50% = $217.80; deposit + 10% = $239.58	$239.58 paid at filing

Note: The cubic-foot calculation assumes standard 8-ft ceilings; multi-story homes, vaulted ceilings, basements, and attic spaces change the cubic-foot total. Confirm the volume calculation method with DOB at filing. The filing deposit is generally credited toward the final permit fee at issuance. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) for the new home are filed separately and each carries its own 10% Enhanced Fee. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule, Section a, New construction.

Practitioner Insight

When evaluating a property for renovation in DC, the permit fee structure is one of the first things to check. DC's alteration tier formula caps the marginal cost of a larger project at 2% of declared construction value (in Tier 3) or 1% (in Tier 4) - significantly lower per-dollar than Fairfax County's 3% rate plus 50% plan review on top. For a $30,000 kitchen alteration: DC charges $735.90 all-in (tier formula + 10% Enhanced + Green Building Fee). Fairfax charges $1,377 ($900 base + $450 plan review + $27 state levy). DC saves $641.10 on the same project.

Two DC-specific facts worth flagging when budgeting. First, the 10% Enhanced Fee applies to every line item - not just the base permit. Plan around 10% even on the smallest $33 fee ($36.30 with Enhanced). Second, DC's Green Building Fee is a separate 0.13% charge on alterations $1,001-$1M with its own 10% Enhanced. A $250,000 gut renovation pays the alteration tier formula ($5,033 + Enhanced = $5,533) and a Green Building Fee of $325 + Enhanced = $357.50, for a total $5,890.50. Most homeowners reading the schedule miss the Green Building Fee on the first read.

Permit Requirements - Common Residential Projects in DC

Project Type	Permit Required?	Fee Method	Approximate Fee Range
Deck (declared value $5,000-$30,000)	Yes	Alteration tier 3 ($30 + 2% of value + 10% Enhanced + Green Building Fee)	$150 to $750 all-in
Interior alteration / kitchen / bath remodel	Yes	Alteration tier 3 (formula based on declared value)	$150 to $5,800 all-in for $5,000-$250,000 projects
Heated room addition / sunroom	Yes	New construction ($0.03/cu ft + 10% Enhanced + Green Building Fee per sq ft)	~$130-$300 for typical 200-500 sq ft
New single-family home	Yes	New construction ($0.03/cu ft + filing deposit + Green Building Fee)	~$300-$1,000 for 1,200-3,000 sq ft
Garage (new) or shed (new)	Yes	$65 flat + 10% Enhanced	$71.50
Fence on private property	Yes	$33 flat + 10% Enhanced	$36.30
In-ground pool (up to 15,000 gallons)	Yes	$260 flat + 10% Enhanced	$286.00
In-ground pool (over 15,000 gallons)	Yes	$260 + $33/1,000 gal + 10% Enhanced	$286.00 base + scaling
Demolition	Yes	$30 + 2% of construction cost + 10% Enhanced	$50 to $1,000+ depending on cost
Awning	Yes	$65 each + 10% Enhanced	$71.50 each
Sign (new, up to 25 sq ft)	Yes	$65 flat + 10% Enhanced	$71.50
Retaining wall, tank, or tower	Yes	$46 per $1,000 of construction cost + 10% Enhanced	~$253 per $5,000 of cost
Solar panels (residential up to 15 kW)	Yes (Instant Permit eligible)	$33 + 10% Enhanced (Instant Permit)	$36.30
Window replacement (in-kind, up to 15 windows)	Yes (Instant Permit eligible)	$33 + 10% Enhanced (Instant Permit)	$36.30
Electrical panel upgrade (heavy-up)	Yes	Instant Permit Electrical Heavy-Up: $59 + 10% Enhanced	$64.90
HVAC replacement	Mechanical permit	Per equipment unit by BTU class	$50.60 per typical residential AC up to 5 ton (Class E or Instant Permit)
Water heater replacement	Plumbing permit	$26 first fixture + 10% Enhanced	$28.60
Permit renewal or change of ownership	Yes	$33 each + 10% Enhanced	$36.30

DC also has historic preservation review requirements in designated districts (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, etc.). Historic Preservation Review Board approval is required before DOB can issue a building permit for exterior changes in historic districts. Confirm historic district status before assuming the schedule fee is the full project cost. Source: DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule (dob.dc.gov), captured April 25, 2026.

DC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Department

DC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Permitting and Construction Inspections

Phone

(202) 671-3500

DOB main line

TTY: 711

For hearing-impaired callers

Address

1100 4th Street SW

Washington, DC 20024

Walk-in: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 8:30am-4:00pm; Thu 9:30am-4:00pm

Online Portal

DOB Scout

Online plan submission, permit status, and inspection scheduling at scout.dob.dc.gov. The fee schedule lives at dob.dc.gov/node/1620346 and the permitting overview at dob.dc.gov/page/permitting-district-columbia.

Verify current fees with the DC Department of Buildings before budgeting or filing. The DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule is published as a live page on dob.dc.gov and is captured here as of April 25, 2026. DOB updates the page when fees change. Call (202) 671-3500 or visit dob.dc.gov/node/1620346 to confirm current rates and project classification before submitting an application, especially for projects where the alteration vs. new construction split is unclear.

When This Estimate May Not Apply

Live page, not a dated PDF

The DOB Fee Schedule is published as a live page on dob.dc.gov, not a dated PDF. The page does not display a stamped effective date or fiscal year label. PermitPrice captured the page state on April 25, 2026 and tracks it for re-verification. Call DOB before assuming this page reflects current rates if more than 90 days has passed since verification.

Project classification can change the pricing method

DC's schedule has different pricing methods for alterations (4-tier value formula), new construction (cubic-foot), and category-specific flat fees (pools, sheds, fences). The same physical project can land in different categories depending on how DOB classifies it on intake. A finished basement with no added gross floor area may be an alteration; a basement that adds gross area may be new construction. Decks are not listed explicitly and are typically processed as alterations, but DOB has discretion. Match the application form line item to the project type before assuming a fee.

Cubic-foot calculation method for new construction

PermitPrice's worked example for new construction uses an 8-ft ceiling assumption to compute cubic feet from square footage. Multi-story builds, vaulted ceilings, basements (heated and unheated), and attic spaces change the cubic-foot total. DOB has discretion on what volume counts. Confirm the calculation method with DOB at filing for non-standard configurations.

Trade permits are separate

Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are separate applications under DOB Section d (Additional Supplemental Permits). A typical kitchen alteration with new circuits, a relocated sink, and an HVAC change needs the building permit (alteration tier formula), an electrical permit (per outlet, panel-upgrade, fixture line items), a plumbing permit ($26 first fixture, $20 each additional), and a mechanical permit ($50.60 per typical residential AC). Each trade permit carries its own 10% Enhanced Fee.

Historic district review fees are not on this page

DC has multiple historic districts (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, LeDroit Park, Greater 14th Street, Anacostia, etc.). Exterior changes in historic districts require Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approval before DOB can issue a building permit. HPRB review fees and timeline are separate from the DOB fee schedule. Confirm historic district status at dob.dc.gov or with the Historic Preservation Office before assuming the schedule fee is the full project cost.

Repeat Technical Review and design review meetings

Repeat Technical Review applies if plans are rejected and resubmitted. Single-family residential repeat-review is $65 + 10% Enhanced = $71.50. Commercial under 10,000 sq ft is $130 per discipline + 10% = $143.00. Larger commercial reviews escalate. Most homeowners on a first-pass approval will not pay this. Design Review Meetings for commercial projects (1-3 hour blocks based on size) range $143 to $715 with Enhanced Fee.

Modification or variance requests

Code modification or variance requests cost $175 + 10% Enhanced = $192.50 each. Projects that need a code variance (non-conforming setbacks, height variances, or unusual building system configurations) pay this fee in addition to the standard permit fee. Most standard residential projects do not need a variance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a building permit cost in Washington, DC?

Washington DC residential building permit fees use a 4-tier valuation formula. Tier 1 (under $500) is $33 flat, $36.30 with the 10% Enhanced Fee. Tier 2 ($501-$1,000) is $65 flat, $71.50 with Enhanced. Tier 3 ($1,001-$1,000,000) is $30 + 2% of declared construction value, plus 10% Enhanced and a separate Green Building Fee of 0.13% (also +10%). Tier 4 (over $1M) is $10,030 + 1% of total cost, plus 10% Enhanced and a Green Building Fee of $1,300 + 0.0065% of value over $1M (also +10%). New construction is priced per cubic foot at $0.03/cu ft instead. A $15,000 deck classified as an alteration totals $384.45. A $30,000 kitchen alteration totals $735.90. A $30,000 in-ground pool (up to 15,000 gallons) totals $286.00.

What is DC's "Enhanced Fee" and does it apply to every permit?

The Enhanced Fee is a 10% surcharge that DC's Department of Buildings (DOB) applies to every fee on the Building Permit Fee Schedule. It functions like an automation or technology surcharge in other jurisdictions. The DOB schedule lists every line item with both the base amount and the post-Enhanced total. The Enhanced Fee applies to alteration tier amounts, new construction cubic-foot fees, Green Building Fees, flat permit fees (pools, sheds, fences, awnings, signs), trade permit fees (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and Repeat Technical Review charges. Plan around the 10% even on the smallest $33 line item.

How does DC's Green Building Fee work and when does it apply?

The Green Building Fee is a separate component on the DOB Fee Schedule that applies to alterations $1,001 and above and to new construction. For alterations $1,001-$1,000,000, the fee is 0.13% of declared construction value. For alterations over $1,000,000, the fee is $1,300 + 0.0065% of construction value over $1,000,000. For new construction, the fee is $0.002 per square foot. The Green Building Fee carries its own 10% Enhanced Fee on top of the base. PermitPrice's worked examples show the Green Building Fee as a separate line item from the alteration tier formula or cubic-foot fee.

How does DC compare to Fairfax County and other DMV jurisdictions for permit fees?

DC is structurally cheaper than Fairfax County for most home-improvement projects because Fairfax adds a 50% plan review fee on top of its 3% rate, while DC's plan review is built into the tier formula. For a $30,000 kitchen alteration: DC $735.90 (formula + 10% Enhanced + Green Building Fee) vs. Fairfax $1,377 ($900 base + $450 plan review + $27 state levy). DC saves $641.10. For a $15,000 deck: DC $384.45 vs. Fairfax $688.50; DC saves $304.05. Hampton Roads jurisdictions diverge: Norfolk City is even cheaper at $152.00 for a $30,000 alteration (flat $100 alteration fee), while Virginia Beach City is roughly $314.00 for the same alteration (value-based formula). See the DC vs Fairfax comparison for the full head-to-head.

Are electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits included in the DC building permit fee?

No. DC handles trade permits as separate applications under Section d of the DOB Fee Schedule. Each trade permit is itemized per outlet, fixture, or equipment unit. Minimum electrical permit fee is $20 + 10% Enhanced = $22.00. A residential service / meter upgrade up to 200 AMP is $39 first + 10% = $42.90. Plumbing fixtures are $26 first + $20 each additional, +10%. Mechanical refrigeration up to 120,000 BTU/h (Class E) is $46 + 10% = $50.60. Each trade permit also carries the 10% Enhanced Fee. The Instant Permit program offers $36.30 (general) or $64.90 (electrical heavy-up) flat fees for clearly defined residential scopes.

How is a deck priced in DC if "deck" is not a line item on the schedule?

The DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule does not list "deck" as its own line item. Decks attached to residential structures are typically processed as alterations or repairs under the 4-tier valuation formula based on declared construction value. PermitPrice's worked example for a $15,000 deck uses Tier 3 ($30 + 2% of value), 10% Enhanced Fee, and the Green Building Fee, totaling $384.45 all-in. DOB has discretion on classification: a deck that adds significant gross area to the structure could be classified as new construction (cubic-foot pricing) instead. Confirm the project classification with DOB at filing for projects where the alteration vs. new construction split is unclear.

What is DC's Instant Permit program and what scopes qualify?

The Instant Permit program launched February 17, 2026 and offers same-day permits for clearly defined residential scopes of work. Eligible scopes include solar panel systems up to 15 kilowatts, in-kind replacement of up to 15 windows, electrical heavy-ups (panel upgrades), and other simplified one- and two-family residential work. The general Instant Permit is $33 + 10% Enhanced = $36.30. The Electrical Heavy-Up Instant Permit is $59 + 10% Enhanced = $64.90. Plumbing fixture and mechanical equipment Instant Permits are $26-$46 + 10% Enhanced. The Instant Permit program is documented at dob.dc.gov/instantpermits.

How do I apply for a building permit in DC?

DC permits are filed online through DOB Scout (scout.dob.dc.gov), the District's electronic plan review and submission portal (formerly known as ProjectDox). Walk-in service is available at 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 8:30am-4:00pm; Thu 9:30am-4:00pm). For new construction and additions, expect to pay the filing deposit (50% of assessed permit fee, capped at $20,000, +10% Enhanced) at application; the deposit is generally credited toward the final permit fee at issuance. The permitting overview lives at dob.dc.gov/page/permitting-district-columbia. The complete fee schedule lives at dob.dc.gov/node/1620346. Call (202) 671-3500 for current submission windows and project-specific guidance.

Sources

Official .gov Sources - Verified April 2026

Building Permit Fee Schedule - DC Department of Buildings Captured April 25, 2026 - DC Department of Buildings - Primary source for the alteration tier formula, new construction cubic-foot pricing, Green Building Fee, 10% Enhanced Fee, and all flat permit fees. Includes Section a (Building Structures and Equipment), Section b (Special Permits and Reviews), Section c (Supplemental Permits), and Section d (Additional Supplemental Permits - electrical, plumbing, mechanical) Verified
Permitting in the District of Columbia - DC DOB Accessed April 25, 2026 - DC Department of Buildings - Permitting overview index linking the Building Permit Fee Schedule, Instant Permit program, DOB Scout portal, and inspection scheduling
Instant Permits for Simple Scopes of Work - DC DOB Launched February 17, 2026 - DC Department of Buildings - Instant Permit program for one- and two-family residential scopes including solar panel systems up to 15 kW and in-kind window replacement up to 15 windows

Next Step

Compare DC head-to-head against Fairfax County, or dive into the dedicated DC deck permit guide.

DC vs Fairfax County → DC vs Richmond City → DC Deck Permit Guide Fairfax County Fees Virginia Hub Fee Calculator

DC Deck Permit Guide → Virginia Deck Permit Guide → Pool Permit Cost Guide → Virginia Permit Cost Guide → All Guides → Compare Jurisdictions →

Always verify current fees directly with the DC Department of Buildings before budgeting or filing. The DOB Building Permit Fee Schedule is published as a live page on dob.dc.gov/node/1620346 and is captured on this page as of April 25, 2026. DOB updates the page when fees change. Call (202) 671-3500 or visit the DOB Scout portal at scout.dob.dc.gov to confirm current rates and project classification before submitting an application.

Disclaimer: All fee information on PermitPrice is for informational purposes only and is not an official permit quotation. Actual permit fees are determined by the DC Department of Buildings at the time of application. Fee schedules, surcharge rates, and permit requirements can change without notice. PermitPrice's classification of decks as alterations is based on declared construction value; DOB has discretion on project classification at filing.

Written by: Munib Ur Rehman

Data verified against official fee schedule documents.