How Much Do Permit Drawings Cost in 2026?
By the PermitSet drafting team · Updated · 6 min read
Quick answer
Residential permit drawings usually cost from a few hundred dollars for a simple deck to several thousand for a full new home. At PermitSet, flat fees start at $650 for deck plans, $750 for as-built drawings, $950 for interior documentation, $1,100 for renovation and addition plans, $1,200 for full permit drawing sets, and $1,400 for ADU plans. Size, complexity, structural engineering, energy reports, and your city’s requirements are what move the final price.
PermitSet starting prices by project type
Every quote is a fixed fee agreed before work starts, with revisions within the agreed scope included and support responding to plan-checker corrections.
- Deck plans — from $650 (typically 3–5 business days)
- As-built / existing-conditions drawings — from $750
- Interior design documentation — from $950
- Renovation and addition plans — from $1,100
- Full permit drawing sets — from $1,200
- ADU plans — from $1,400 (typically 5–10 business days)
What makes permit drawings cost more (or less)
- Square footage and number of stories — more floor area means more sheets and more coordination.
- New construction vs. alteration — renovations need existing-conditions drawings and a demolition plan first.
- Structural complexity — long spans, steel beams, tall walls, retaining walls, or high wind/seismic zones often require an engineer’s calculations and stamp, which are priced separately.
- Energy-code documentation — some states (for example California’s Title 24) require separate energy reports.
- City-specific requirements — some jurisdictions require extra sheets, surveys, or detailed site drainage plans.
- Turnaround — rush delivery is available on many projects for an added fee.
Cheap marketplace plans vs. a permit-focused drafter
Freelance marketplaces list floor-plan drawings for a few hundred dollars, and for simple sketches that can be enough. The cost that matters, though, is the total cost of getting approved: every correction cycle can add weeks of delay while contractors, financing, and rent wait.
When comparing quotes, ask what is included: Are all sheets in the city’s submittal checklist covered? Are editable DWG files included? Who answers the plan checker’s correction letter, and is that included in the fee?
Costs that are separate from the drawings
- Building permit fees charged by your city or county.
- Impact or utility connection fees (common for ADUs).
- Engineer stamps and structural calculations where required.
- Surveys, soils reports, or Title 24 / energy reports where required.
Frequently asked questions
How much do ADU plans cost?
ADU plans at PermitSet start at $1,400 for a permit-ready set. The final price depends on the ADU size, whether it is detached, attached, or a garage conversion, and your city’s ADU ordinance requirements.
How much do deck plans for a permit cost?
Permit-ready deck plans at PermitSet start at $650 and are typically delivered in 3–5 business days, including plan view, framing, footings, and guardrail details.
Are permit fees included in the price of the drawings?
No. Permit fees are paid directly to your city or county building department and vary by jurisdiction and project value.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Building codes and local ordinances change — always confirm requirements with your local building department.