Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required whenever a structure or building is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted or demolished.

Is there any work that is exempt from building permits?
A building permit is not required for the following:

• One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
• Fences not over 6 feet high.
• Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
• Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
• Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement of story below.
• Painting, papering and similar finish work.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of private residences or private garages when projecting not more than 54 inches.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a private residence in which the pool walls are entirely above grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. Unless other wise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.

What is the cost of a building permit?
Building permits fee’s vary depending on the type and complexity of the project. If you would like to find out what the Building permit cost will be for your construction project call us or e-mail us and will be glad to give you a cost estimate.

What are the Permit types issued by the Building Division?
The following are the permits that the Building Division issues:

• Combination Building Permits
• Building Permits
• Electrical Permits
• Plumbing Permits
• Mechanical Permits
• Miscellaneous Permits

What is the Building Permit Application Procedure?
The first step, before doing anything else, is to check with the Planning Division to determine if a Precise Plan of Design approval is required for your construction project. If the Precise Plan of Design is required, you will need to complete this process before submitting a Building Permit application. If a Precise Plan of Design is not required you may submit your application to the Building Division.

What is a Plan Review?
A plan review is a detailed review of construction drawings submitted by an applicant for compliance with state and local Building Codes prior to the issuance of a building permit. A plan submittal and review is required in most cases. Contact the Building Division to see if your construction project will need plan review.

• What you need to know about Plan Checking
• Commercial plan check submittal requirements
• What you need to know about Tenant Improvements
• Tenant improvement plan check submittal requirements
• Residential plan check submittal requirements
• What you need to know about doing room additions
• Room addition plan check submittal requirements

When is a Building Permit Issued?
When it is determined that the proposed work or construction is in conformance with all state and local Building Codes a Building, Plumbing, Electrical or Mechanical permit will be issued.

What is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is the process where a Building Inspector inspects structures during construction for compliance with state and local