Before beginning any project, it is best to contact the local Code Enforcement office located at City Hall inside the City Clerk's office to find out if a permit is required.

Requirements and/or fees vary depending on the project.

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call your local building department. Discuss your plans with the code official before you begin construction to determine whether you need a permit. If a permit is not needed, the code official will answer your construction questions and may provide valuable advice.

Permits are usually required for the following:

New buildings/Additions

(bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)

Residential work

(decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)

Renovations

(garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, etc.)

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

I IVAC systems.

(heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)

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In a brief amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with the local requirements. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. A fee, based on the size of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review and the inspection process. An experienced code official is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success. Normally, separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air-conditioning work.

On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes and plans. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with the questions or concerns regarding the project and to ward off potentially costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually, a one=or two day notice is needed when requesting visits.

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The code official will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done right. Enjoy your new surroundings wit the peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community.

Talk to your local code official
Your code official wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. You will be asked some basic questions - (What are you planning to do and where?), advised of any requirements and, if necessary, referred to other departments for their approval. The code official will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with the applicable building codes. You will then receive an application for a building permit.

At this stage you will document the "Who, What, When, Where and How" of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work.