Are permit fees refundable if I cancel the project?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

How Refunds Usually Work

Permit fees often cover plan review, administration, and inspection time. If you cancel before the department has reviewed the plans, you may receive most of the fee back. Once review or inspections have begun, refunds are typically smaller or unavailable.

Some jurisdictions keep a nonrefundable processing fee no matter what happens. Read the fee schedule before you apply, and ask what the refund process looks like if plans change. Keep the receipt with the fee schedule so you can compare what you paid with what you receive back.

• Refund is often larger before review starts
• Processing fees are commonly nonrefundable
• Inspection fees may be kept after visits
• Ask for the refund policy in writing

Protect Your Budget

If there is a chance the project will change, ask the department whether you can withdraw and reapply instead of cancelling. That option may preserve some of the value of the original fee.

Keep a copy of the receipt and any written correspondence. Refund requests usually need the original payment record and a signed request form.

Ask whether the department offers a withdrawal option that keeps your application on file. This can be useful when you expect to return to the project later. Confirm any deadlines in writing so you do not lose the option by waiting too long.

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