What's a Building Permit?
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

When do you need a Permit?
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 beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the code official will answer 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
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met––demonstrated by a code official' carefully maintained records––a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owners.