BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Note: These
requirements are independent of licensing requirements.
1.
A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR:
1.1.
Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change
to the occupancy of a any one or two-family dwelling or townhome. *
1.2.
Erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or
replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or
plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be done. *
1.3.
Retaining walls *
1.3.1. All
walls greater than 4’ in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the
top of the wall
1.3.2.
Walls of
any height
supporting a surcharge. Examples of a
surcharge include:
1.3.2.1.Sloping retained soil greater than
1 to 3.
1.3.2.2.Adjacent walls, fences, garages, buildings, patios, pools, driveways,
etc. supported by the retained soil.
1.3.2.3.Adjacent structure foundations supported by the retained soil
Note: Permit required for walls of any height supporting surcharges, such as
below.
2.
A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR:
2.1.
General Building Exceptions
2.1.1. Fences
not exceeding 6’ in height.
2.1.2.
Retaining walls less than 4’ in height (see retaining wall section for
exceptions).
2.1.3.
One-story detached structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and
similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet without
electrical or plumbing service. (Zoning compliance is required.)
2.1.4.
Sidewalks, driveways and patios.
2.1.5.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar
cosmetic finish work.
2.1.6.
Pre-fabricated swimming pools < 24” deep.
2.1.7. Swings
and other playground equipment.
2.1.8. Window
awnings supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54” from the
wall and do not require exterior support.
2.1.9.
Decks
that meet all of the following requirements:
2.1.9.1.1.
Not greater than 200 SF
2.1.9.1.2.
Not more than 30” above grade at any point
2.1.9.1.3.
Not attached to the dwelling.
2.2.
Electrical
Exceptions
2.2.1.
Installation of cord & plug connected decorative lighting.
2.2.2.
Replacement of breakers or fuses in the same box in the same location of
the same size.
2.2.3.
Installation of low voltage (less than 25 volts) wiring or devices.
2.2.4.
Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps.
2.3.
Gas
Exceptions
2.3.1.
Installation of heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances.
2.3.2.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of the
equipment or make it unsafe.
2.4.
Mechanical
Exceptions
2.4.1.
Installation of portable or window HVAC systems.
2.4.2.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of the
equipment or make it unsafe.
2.4.3.
Installation of self-contained refrigeration systems containing < 10 lbs
of refrigerant.
2.5.
Plumbing
Exceptions
2.5.1.
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes only.
2.5.2.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or
fixtures.
2.5.3.
The removal and/or re-installation of toilets only.
2.6.
Emergency Work
Exceptions
2.6.1.
Where equipment replacement and repairs must be performed in an emergency
situation, the permit shall be applied for on the next business day.
2.7.
Repair
Exceptions
2.7.1.
Ordinary
repair
that does not include:
2.7.1.1.
The cutting away of any wall.
2.7.1.2.
The removal or cutting of any structural beam, floor joist, pier, or any
other load bearing support.
2.7.1.3.
The removal or change of any means of egress (exterior door) or
rearrangement of any interior structure affecting egress.
2.7.2.
Plumbing
repair
that does not include:
2.7.2.1.
Addition to, relocation of, or alteration of water supply, drain, vent,
or waste pipes.
2.7.3.
Electrical repair
that does not include:
2.7.3.1.
Addition to, relocation of, or alteration of electric wiring, fixtures,
or outlets.
* Source: 2009 International Residential
Code R105
