Community Development - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a permit?
Basically, a permit is an agreement between the City and the Applicant whereby the applicant agrees to follow the City Codes and the City agrees to inspect the construction to ensure that Codes are followed. Normally the applicant must submit a plan to show what he intends to do. In many instances the plans will be required to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. When the plans are approved, the construction must conform to the plans. Any deviations or changes in construction when they differ from the approved plans cannot be approved in the field. This is why it is essential for the applicant to determine in detail the work to be done before applying for a permit.

Why do I need a permit?
The easiest answer to this question is "for your protection". The City will inspect a permit grantees work. The inspector may discover shoddy work, faulty materials, deviations from the plans, and violations of the code that may result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you and your family. Of course, another consideration that cannot be overlooked is the fact that it is a violation of City Ordinance not to have a permit when the work that is being performed requires one to be issued. Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in prosecution in the Adjudication Court with a maximum possible fine of $500.00 plus court costs.

When do I need a permit?
Generally speaking, a building permit is required when any structural change or major alteration is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal maintenance does not require a permit in most cases. Separate permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are also required when applicable.

Some examples of work that generally does not require permits are; tuck pointing, plaster repair, painting, sidewalks and driveways within the property line, wall paneling and awnings that do not project over property lines.

Some examples of work that does require a permit: new structures of any description, including buildings, garages, carports, storage sheds, gutters, downspouts, patios, porches, decks, retaining walls, room additions and extensions or enlargements of existing rooms. Any work involving structural changes or extensive rehabilitation of a building. Siding that covers the building requires a permit and any installation of pre-cast stone. Fences do not require a permit when replacing an existing fence with like materials. Roof replacement requires a building permit when the roof sheathing is replaced.

Where do I get a permit?
An application for a permit is made at 5550 East Avenue, in the Building Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall. The homeowner or the contractor can make the application. It is, however, the homeowner’s responsibility to see that a permit is secured and posted on the job site.

These plans are necessary to enable our Plan Examination to determine if the proposed structure or changes will meet all the safety requirements of the Code. In some instances it will be necessary to have the plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. The drawings should be in sufficient detail to show the dimensions of the project, kind and size of materials used, location of the property lines, and elevations.

Certain items, for example minor repairs to a building, do not require plans, but do require a detailed work write-up, explaining what work will be done, what materials will be used, the scope of the project, the location of the project relative to the property lines, etc.

An information packet covering all information and requirements needed in order to obtain a building permit is available in the Building Department.