Permit Glossary

Plain-English definitions for the permit terminology that shows up across PermitPrice. This is general reference, not legal interpretation. When a term has a precise meaning in your jurisdiction's ordinance, that meaning controls.

Building permit

A government authorization to build, alter, or demolish a structure. Issued after plan review by the local building department. Required for most decks, sheds above a size threshold, pools, additions, and structural alterations. See the Virginia building permit guide.

Plan review

Examination of submitted construction drawings by jurisdiction staff to confirm code compliance before a permit is issued. Some jurisdictions itemize plan review separately; others bundle it into the base permit fee.

Trade permit

A permit issued for a specific construction trade - electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), or gas. On many residential projects each active trade requires its own permit and inspection set.

Electrical permit

A trade permit covering wiring, panels, circuits, fixtures, and bonding. Required for most additions and many remodel projects, and separately required for swimming pools.

Plumbing permit

A trade permit covering supply, drain-waste-vent, and fixtures. Required for kitchen and bath remodels with line moves, additions, and pool plumbing.

Mechanical permit

A trade permit covering heating, cooling, ventilation, and ductwork. Sometimes called HVAC permit. Required for furnace, heat pump, and ductwork changes.

Zoning review

A separate review confirming a proposed structure complies with setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and use restrictions. Independent of building code review and sometimes carries its own fee.

Impact fee

A one-time charge to offset infrastructure impact (roads, schools, utilities). More common for new construction than for accessory structures or remodels. Sometimes set by a separate ordinance.

Surcharge

An add-on percentage layered onto the base permit fee. Often funds technology systems, training, or state-level programs.

State levy

In Virginia, a percentage levy on local building permit fees that funds the state Department of Housing and Community Development. Calculated on top of the local base fee. See Sources.

Minimum fee

A floor that applies when the calculated formula output is below a threshold. For example, a jurisdiction may set a $50 minimum even when a percentage formula returns less.

Valuation

The dollar value of work used to compute a permit fee under valuation-based formulas. Some jurisdictions use the contract value, some use a published square-foot table such as the ICC valuation, and some apply their own formula.

ICC valuation

Building Valuation Data published by the International Code Council (ICC). A per-square-foot table jurisdictions can adopt to standardize project valuation across permits.

Reinspection fee

A fee charged when an inspection fails and a follow-up visit is required. Covers the second site visit and is separate from the base permit fee.

After-hours inspection

An inspection performed outside regular business hours, usually billed at a premium. Used for time-sensitive work that cannot be scheduled during normal hours.

Permit portal

A jurisdiction's online system for submitting applications, paying fees, and tracking inspections. Most modern jurisdictions require submission through the portal rather than in person.

Certificate of Occupancy

A document issued at the end of a project confirming the structure complies with code and may be lawfully occupied. Sometimes abbreviated CO.

Accessory structure

A detached structure secondary to the main residence - a shed, detached garage, gazebo, or pool house. Often subject to a smaller permit fee category and stricter setback rules.

Deck permit

A building permit specifically for deck construction or replacement. Most jurisdictions require a permit when the deck exceeds a height or size threshold. See deck permit guide.

Pool permit

A building permit covering swimming pool construction and the associated electrical bonding, plumbing, and barrier requirements. Often the most expensive residential permit due to multiple trade permits stacking. See pool permit guide.

Demolition permit

A separate permit for tearing down a structure. Sometimes bundled with new-construction permits, sometimes a standalone fee.

Revision fee

A fee charged when revised plans are submitted after the initial plan review begins. Covers the cost of re-examining changed drawings.

Resubmittal fee

Closely related to revision fee. Often charged after a plan review rejection when corrected drawings are submitted for a fresh review pass.

Expired permit

A permit that has passed its validity window without final inspection. Reactivation usually requires payment of a renewal or extension fee, sometimes pro-rated to the original cost.

Technology fee

A line-item surcharge funding the jurisdiction's permit-portal software and digital plan-review tools. Common in jurisdictions that have moved to electronic submission.

Recordation fee

A fee tied to recording a document (deed, plat, easement) with the local clerk. Distinct from permit fees but sometimes adjacent in budgeting.

Plan-review fee

Either a separate line on the fee schedule covering plan examination, or a percentage of the base permit fee designated for review work.