When you decide to remodel your home, the first thing that comes to mind are different colors, styles and fun new designs. But have you asked yourself whether you need a building permit? Not sure what a building permit is or where to get one?
5 Key Takeaways
In this article, we will answer all of your questions.
- Building permits are written authorizations for your projects.
- Building permits are issued by a local government.
- Building, constructing or remodeling without a permit can result in serious penalties.
- The purpose of a building permit is to ensure compliance with codes and regulations and the safety of residents.
- Besides the regular building permit, there are temporary and retroactive building permits.
What is a building permit?
A building permit is an official approval issued by the local government. Once you have a building permit you can do intended remodeling or construction.
The first building codes in the US were established in 1625. They addressed fire safety and the specific materials that can be used for roof coverage. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were also involved in building codes, regulating the materials used and methods of construction and improvements on Washington City lots.
Today a lot more is regulated, so construction permits are necessary in most cases that include building, constructing or remodeling your home or parts of it (for smaller projects, only a remodeling permit is needed).
In this chart you can see the number of single family building permits in the US from 2000 to 2021 (in thousands).
Building permits are released on the 12th working day of each month by the Census Bureau and HUD.
If you are planning to make any changes in your yard, or to your house that require digging, it is best to first contact 811. This is a national phone number and website that will provide you with necessary information, so you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
But with all of this said, you may wonder “Why do I even need a building permit?”. Let’s find out.
Why do you need a building permit
A building permit is there to ensure that your project complies with zoning and building codes and standards. These standards are in place in order to ensure the safety of owners and occupants.
Not all changes made to your home require a construction permit. Also, standards and regulations vary from district to district. The best thing that you can do is to contact your local building department. Here you can find the list of contacts of local offices with their addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
In some cases, before applying for a building permit, you will need to have a zoning permit.
If you are building a new house, there is no doubt that you will need a building permit. But the most frequent questions about the need for a building permit are about:
- Building a shed
- Installing a fence
- Installing a deck
- Replacing a roof
So let’s clarify it all.
Permit for shed
Permit requirements for sheds vary from location to location. In general, there is no need for a building permit if you are planning to make a small shed (6×8 or 8×10). On the other hand, if you are planning to make a bigger shed, there are some restrictions.
In some areas, sheds have to be installed in the backyard. In others, sheds can’t be attached to the house. Also, some areas have codes concerning the space between the shed and property lines.
There are areas that have strict codes where surface area of the shed can’t exceed a certain percentage of the lot size.
It is very important to know what will be the use of the shed. The intended use will allow the zoning department to properly inspect it and permit it.
Your neighborhood may have its own regulations. In that case, you should contact your homeowners association and check if you need a HOA approval and permit.
Permit for fence
There are 3 factors that will determine how likely it is that you will need a building permit for building a fence. Those factors are:
- Your location – If you live in a populated area, there are big chances that you will need a building permit
- Size of the fence – If your fence is going to be just a barbed wire around your plot in a rural area, it is very possible that you are not going to need a building permit
- Location of the fence on your lot – In some areas, there is no need for a building permit if you are building a fence in your backyard (if it is under 6 feet tall). On the other hand, if you are planning to install a fence in the front yard, it will probably have to be under 3.5 feet tall.
Permit for deck
Although zoning codes vary from city to city, in most cases, you will need a permit to build a deck. Same goes for extending and replacing an existing deck. Your deck may be exempted of permitting if it is:
- Less than 30-inches above adjacent grade
- Not attached to your home
- Less than 200 square feet in size
Building permit for roof replacement
In most cases you will need a building permit for a roof replacement. It is the same as for any other major renovation process or construction work. There are some exceptions. In some areas, work that is done and that is under $10,000 won’t require a building permit, since it is considered to be a minor repair job.
In our previous article, you can find all information on changing roof line, cost and ROI.
Building permit for garage conversion
It is very important to understand that, under the law, a garage is treated as an unfinished space. Living in an unfinished space is illegal in most areas. It can result in eviction. Transforming an unfinished space into a livable finished space will require a building permit. The main reason for this is your own safety.
How to get a building permit
Every owner or authorized agent can apply for a building permit. Depending on where you live, the process of obtaining a construction permit can be different. This also depends on what changes you plan to make. In some cases, you may need the approval of various committees to start your project.
However, the process of getting a building permit mainly consists of the following.
Building permit – process
In most cases, getting a building permit is a process that includes these 6 steps:
- Contacting your local building office. You should explain your project to them, if the building permit is required, they will provide you with the correct application form. Keep in mind that some projects may require multiple permits.
- Prepare your building permit application along with the fair market value of the project, site plan and other documents depending on your project. In some cases you will also need a floor plan and an elevation plan.
- Submit your building permit application and pay the required fees.
- When you get your permit, before starting the project, post your certificate as required. The permit should be displayed at the construction site.
- Depending on where you live, you may have to call the inspection. If required, at some point during your work, schedule a visit from the inspection office. Inspector will come to review the work. If everything is according to requirements, you will be able to proceed. If something is wrong, you will be notified and will need to make adjustments accordingly.
- After the inspection approves the work, there will no longer be the need to display the permit.
In addition to the regular construction permit, there are two more types, retroactive and temporary building permit.
Retroactive building permit
A building permit application for retroactive construction permit is similar to a regular one. Building department has to make sure that your home is built in accordance with the law.
The difference is that normally the work is inspected during construction. In this case building officials will inspect the finished work. The reason is the same, they will see that everything is in compliance with the codes and standards.
The same documents are needed for application. A precise site plan with accurate information can save you time and money. With it a process of evaluating your work can be free from unnecessary revisions.
Temporary building permit
Temporary building permits are issued by the local authority for temporary buildings and structures. Those can be temporary accommodations for workers, safety fences, stages, platformes, and site offices.
For this type of permit you will need the same documents and plans as for the others.
Temporary building permits are usually issued quicker than the regular one. It takes approximately 4 months.
How much is it?
On average, you’ll spend about $500 on a building permit. Read our article on the cost of building permits where we go into detail about prices and list the average price for each type of building permit.
Plans and permits – Save time and money with us
In order to ensure that your application will be approved, you will need a professionally done site plan. We can provide you with a site plan for building permit. There is no need to go through the permitting process multiple times. We can deliver you your site plan in 24 hours and you can start with your project as soon as possible. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
