Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit is an official document required to begin legally sanctioned construction or renovation on a property. Every jurisdiction—this may include states, counties, cities, or towns—has different requirements for issuing permits and different building codes and fees associated with the permits.
Homeowners and pros must follow these throughout the building or renovation process. Once fees are paid, your local agency or building office can process your application(s) and issue your permit(s). Later, the agency will inspect the construction to ensure it passes building and energy codes.

Building permits are necessary for public health and safety and uniformity of construction quality. They also allow for easier property valuation for your city or county. At the top of the list is safety; buildings that are constructed, wired, or plumbed improperly can lead to dangerous conditions that would affect more people than just the owner or occupants of a property. These conditions could include the risk of fire from poor wiring, disease from poor plumbing, and bodily harm from poor structural integrity.

Getting a permit depends on the type of work that needs to be done.

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