Permit Fee Calculator — OC Build Cost

What type of permit?

Over the Counter Permits — SJC

These permits are processed over the counter — same day approval. Select your permit type below.

❄️

Residential HVAC

AC, Furnace, Heat Pump, Ductwork, FAU, Air Handler

From $190

🛁

Bathroom / Kitchen Remodel

Non-structural remodel only

See calc

⚡

Main Panel Upgrade / Replacement

Residential service panel

$71

🏠

Mobile Home

Install, carport, porch, awning, or deck

See calc

🔧

Repipe / Water Heater / Sewer Cleanout

Residential plumbing

From $48

🏡

Re-Roof — Residential

No structural calculations required

$380

☀️

Solar PV System — Residential

10kW AC or less only

From $450

🪟

Window / Door Changeout

No change in opening size

From $380

Number of units (AC, furnace, heat pump, FAU, air handler) Building type

First unit: $190 · Each additional unit (FAU, AC, heat pump, air handler) on same permit: $90. No SMIP or Green Building fee applies to HVAC permits.

Project scope

Estimated project valuation ($)

Non-structural remodels only. Valuation used for permit fee (Section C), SMIP, and Green Building calculation.

Main panel upgrade or replacement — residential. Flat fee of $71. No additional inputs needed.

Plan review: $190 · Permit: $285 · Both fees include permit issuance ($79), NPDES, SMIP, Green Building, and digital imaging.

What are you applying for?

Estimated project valuation ($)

Work type

Estimated project valuation ($)

Residential re-roof or re-lay without structural calculations. Flat permit fee of $380.

Estimated project valuation ($)

System size (kW AC) — 10kW max for OTC Estimated system valuation ($)

Residential only. 10kW AC or less. Plan review: $200 base + $15/kW over 15kW (AC). Permit: $250 flat. Fees capped per CA Gov Code 66015(a)(1).

Number of windows / doors

Retrofit or new construction type — no change in opening size. First 5: $380 flat. Each additional over 5: $38 each.

Estimated project valuation ($)

Digital imaging fee

$3 per single-sided page scanned · $6 per front & back page. Typical HVAC submittal: equipment specs, CF1R energy compliance form, site plan, building permit application.

Number of pages submitted for scanning

Data source City of San Juan Capistrano
Schedule of User & Regulatory Fees
Effective July 1, 2025 · 43 pages
OTC / Sec. A: pp. 10–12 · Sec. B: pp. 13–16
Sec. C: p. 17 · Grading: pp. 8–9 · Imaging: p. 20

Total permit cost — City of San Juan Capistrano

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Select a permit type to calculate

Permit fee

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Plan review

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NPDES (10%)

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State & admin fees

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Full Fee Breakdown

Select a permit type on the left to calculate.

Key Reminders

Fees include up to 3 plan reviews. 4th submittal onward: $190 per review.
Re-inspection fee (3rd time or more, same issue): $190 each.
After-hours inspection: $228/hr, 4-hour minimum.
Work done without a permit: investigation fee = permit fee × 3, in addition to all permit fees.
Permit extension: $79. Permit reissuance: $79. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $570.
Solar permits: total fees shall not exceed amounts in CA Government Code 66015(a)(1). City will not collect additional permit processing fees beyond amounts shown.

Fees calculated per City of San Juan Capistrano Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees, effective July 1, 2025. Fees marked "Y'rly CPI" adjust annually with CPI. Additional fees may apply for planning review, engineering review, FEMA flood plain review, and other agency fees. Actual fees are determined by the Building Department at time of permit submittal. Always confirm with the City before submitting.