What Permit Drawings Cost in 2026
Most permit drawing quotes are built from the same few pieces: which engineering disciplines the building department will ask for, how big the project is, and how quickly you need the sealed set. Below are our published starting fees, what moves a quote up or down, and how to get an exact number for your project.
Starting fees by service
These are the fees a typical residential scope starts at. The table pulls from the same numbers as our pricing page, so it always shows the current rates.
| Service | Starting fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineering | $1,699 | Residential up to 500 sq ft, scaling with size |
| Architectural Plans | $2,200 | Full architectural plan set. PE review and stamping only, from $300 |
| MEP Engineering | $1,199 | Full MEP package, starting fee |
| Civil and Site Engineering | $2,200 | Site grading package, starting fee |
| Landscape Design | Custom quote | Quoted per project |
| Solar and Energy Permits | $1,800 | Solar PV or storage package, starting fee |
| Permit Expediting | $599 | Expediting only, starting fee |
Need a licensed professional to review and seal drawings you already have? Stamping only starts at $300 for residential, $600 for commercial and $900 for industrial work.
What common projects start at
- ADU or backyard cottage: from $2,200
- Garage conversion: from $2,200
- Deck: from $1,699
- Load-bearing wall removal letter: $1,000 fixed fee
- Commercial tenant improvement: from $1,199
- Warehouse: from $1,699
What changes the price
- Size. The structural starting fee covers a residential scope up to 500 square feet. Larger footprints add calculation and drafting time.
- How many disciplines. A deck may need only structural sheets. An ADU with a kitchen and bathroom usually needs structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing sheets, and sometimes civil for drainage.
- The site. Slopes, poor soils, flood zones, high wind or earthquake exposure all add design work.
- The jurisdiction. Some building departments ask for energy compliance forms, special inspection programs or extra details that others do not.
- What you already have. Clear sketches, photos and measurements shorten the job. Starting from nothing takes longer.
Turnaround and rush fees
Most residential permit sets are ready in 3 to 7 business days. If you are working to a date, rush turnaround adds 30% and a hard deadline adds 50%. We confirm the delivery date in writing before you pay anything.
How payment works
You pay in three parts: 30% to start, 30% when you review the drawing preview, and 40% after final delivery of the sealed set. You get a fixed scope and price before any work begins.
Getting an exact price
The fastest way is to send what you have: a sketch, photos, an old plan, or the building department’s comment letter. We reply with a fixed scope and price. You can also try our cost estimator or see every rate on the pricing page.
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