Frequently Asked Questions
What types of home improvements need permits?
What types of home improvements do not require permits?
Does a building permit cover the heating, wiring, or plumbing?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Do I need a permit for storage buildings, playhouses, etc.?
Do I need a permit for an above ground swimming pool?
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Do I need a permit to repair or rebuild an existing deck?
Do I need a permit to reconstruct my driveway?
How long does it take to get a permit?
How long is a permit good for?
The contractor I hired has asked me to take out the permit. Should I?
Why do I need a permit to finish my basement? Only my family and I live there.
I'm thinking of remodeling my house. Can I do my own plumbing and electrical work?
What types of home improvements need permits?
Permits are required for most permanent improvements and work regulated by state or city codes.
Examples of work requiring permits:
- Additions
- Remodeling
- Basement finishes
- Garages
- Sheds (if greater than 120 square feet of floor area)
- Decks
- Roofing/Reroofing (Except 1 or 2 Family Dwellings)
- Siding/Residing (Except 1 or 2 Family Dwellings)
- Electrical system changes/additions
- Mechanical system changes/additions
- Plumbing system changes/additions
- Fences
- Driveways
- Grading
topWhat types of home improvements do not require permits?
Examples of work not requiring permits:
- Painting
- Changing wall or floor finishes
- Changing kitchen cabinets
- Landscaping
- Sidewalks/Patios
- Garage door installations
- Replacing window sashes or door leaves
- Storm doors
topDoes a building permit cover the heating, wiring, or plumbing?
No - This work is covered by separate permits, as some projects do not involve these changes.
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Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
If the retaining wall is less than 4 feet in height, no permit is required. (You will need to check with Planning and Zoning if a certificate is required.)
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Do I need a permit for storage buildings, playhouses, etc.?
No permit is required if the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. (You will need to check with Planning and Zoning if a certificate is required.)
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Do I need a permit for an above ground swimming pool?
Above ground swimming pools with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons would not require a permit. This would include most pools less than 16 feet in diameter. (You will need to check with Planning and Zoning if a certificate is required.)
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Do I need a permit for a fence?
No permit is required if the fence is not more than 6 feet in height. (You will need to check with Planning and Zoning if a certificate is required.)
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Do I need a permit to repair or rebuild an existing deck?
Yes - We will verify that the new portions of the deck meet current codes.
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Do I need a permit to reconstruct my driveway?
Yes - If you are expanding or adding to the curb opening(s), or expanding the parking surface.
No - If you are just resurfacing existing surfaces.
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How long does it take to get a permit?
Some minor permits can be issued immediately over the counter, but please allow short processing times during the busy summer months. Most building permits are issued with five (5) business days if the application is complete.
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How long is a permit good for?
Work authorized by a permit must begin within 180 days of issuance, must progress during each subsequent 180 day period, and must have a final inspection to avoid the permit from expiring. Expired permits must be renewed before work is completed.
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The contractor I hired has asked me to take out the permit. Should I?
No - Contractors are required to be licensed by the State and/or the City. Licensing verifies that the contractor is maintaining required insurance, which protects you in case of an accident. Many contractors have had their licenses suspended for failure to maintain insurance coverage or for fraudulen business practices. Beware of this tactic.
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Why do I need a permit to finish my basement? Only my family and I live there.
Homes, on average, sell or turn over, once every five years. Anyone purchasing a used home wants that home to be safe. Permits and inspections help assure a safer housing stock.
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I'm thinking of remodeling my house. Can I do my own plumbing and electrical work?
Homeowners may perform there own plumbing and electrical work on a home they reside in, provided they obtain a permit and have the work inspected.
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