The permit and inspection process gives you, your neighbors, and the City assurance that specific standards are met when expanding, altering, or repairing your property by complying with State Codes, Local Codes, and Zoning Requirements. These standards are based on well-established health, safety, and environmental considerations intended to protect the integrity of the building, the safety of it
s inhabitants, and the welfare of the public. Projects not completed according to code can affect your home’s insurability and potential sale. City building records are available from our department upon request. Prospective buyers can use these records to see if permits were obtained and if compliance was achieved for specific projects. A permit is required prior to beginning any new construction, repairs, additions, alterations, and demolitions, including the installation of new boilers, furnaces, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, garages, porches, fences, decks, swimming pools, and sheds. A permit is also needed to change the use of a building or portion thereof. A permit may be needed when replacing or moving walls, doors, columns, and beams. Changes to required exits or means of providing natural light and ventilation (including windows) require a permit. Questions about when a permit is needed should be directed to the Building Inspection Department. Who is Responsible for Obtaining a Permit? The property owner is responsible for ensuring that a permit is obtained prior to work being started. Contractors can also apply for and obtain permits on behalf of the property owner. Under no circumstances can construction or demolition start prior to obtaining the Building Permit and posting the placard in a front window or door visible from the road. A building permit for a single or two family dwelling is valid for two years from the date of issuance; all other permits are valid for one year. Commencing work without a permit is subject to doubling of the permit fee. When unpermitted work is discovered, a Stop Work Order will be issued and a permit that accurately describes the work must be obtained before any work may resume. How Do I Apply for a Permit? The process by which you obtain a permit depends on the type of work you are doing. Generally, simple projects not requiring plan review can be permitted that day provided all the necessary information is complete and accurate. Projects requiring plan review may require up to ten (10) business days for a full review, which may include architectural, structural, electrical, fire prevention, accessibility, environmental, plumbing, and HVAC refrigeration, heating, and ventilation.
