Do I Need To Get A Permit For My Project?
A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, or move any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. The information below only applies to residential construction. For example:
(Keep in mind that any work in the floodplain will require land use approval. Please contact the Planning and Building Divisions for more information.)
- Add a room
- Build or move a shed of more than 200 square feet (any size if in floodplain)
- Finish an attic, garage, or basement to make additional living space
- Cut a new window or door opening, or widen existing openings
- Move, remove, or add walls
- Apply roofing when 15% of the sheating is removed or replaced, or always if the structure is in a wildfire hazard zone
- Build a stairway
- Build a retaining wall more than four feet high (land use approval for any height if in floodplain)
- Build a deck more than 30 inches above grade (land use approval for any height if in floodplain)
- Put up a fence more than seven feet high (land use approval for any height if in floodplain)
If you are not sure you need a permit, call the building department responsible for your area.
You do not need a permit to do the following minor repairs and maintenance on a one- or two-family dwelling:
(Keep in mind that any work in the floodplain will require land use approval. Please contact the Planning and Building Divisions for more information.)
- Paint buildings that are not historic landmarks
- Blow insulation into existing homes
- Put up storm windows
- Replace interior wall, floor, or ceiling covering, such as wallboard or sheet vinyl
- Install gutters and downspouts (a plumbing permit may still be required for storm water disposal)
- Replace or repair siding on a wall that is three feet or more from a property line
- Replace or repair as much as two layers of roofing, if there is no replacement of sheathing, except that rowhouses or structures in wildfire hazard areas will require a permit
- Replace doors or windows if the existing openings are not widened
- Build a fence up to 7 feet high (land use approval required for any height if in floodplain)
- Pave a walkway
- Build an uncovered patio or deck that is not more than 30 inches above grade
Being exempt from a permit does not mean that you can do work that would violate any law or ordinance. Code standards must be met, even when a permit is not required.
