I’m frequently asked how much permits will cost. To say the least, it varies dramatically depending on the type of job, but also it depends on what city, town, or jurisdiction the in which the home is located. The short answer is this: check with the municipality to see what it charges for the type of permit you’re after.
What is perhaps most surprising is the difference from one city or town to the next for the same sort of permit. Let’s look at the cost for the permit (and final) for a furnace and air conditioning pair to be installed at a residence. If you happen to live in Santa Clara (known for affordable utilities), your permit fee is low. If Gilroy or San Jose, it’s high!
Permit fees for adding a furnace and air conditioning:
Santa Clara $125
Redwood City $135
Mountain View $145
Santa Clara County $170
Morgan Hill $190
Saratoga $200
Sunnyvale $215
Los Altos $225
Los Gatos $230
Monte Sereno $265
Campbell $275
Palo Alto $365
Milpitas $370
San Mateo $393
Cupertino $400
San Jose $425
Gilroy – where you really need that A/C – tops the list at $450.
Quite a spread, wouldn’t you agree?
