When Do I Need a Building Permit? A Guide for Builders

If you’re in the construction industry, you know that there is a universal truth that applying for a building permit is a necessary evil. Even though it’s a painstaking process, it’s important to know when to submit a permit to prevent delays in your building timeline. 

In this article, we discuss what a building permit is, but more importantly, when you need to apply for a building permit and what types of projects might require you to do so.

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What is a building permit?

A building permit is a document issued by the government that grants permission for a specific type of building project.

Building permits are necessary for a few reasons. Some of them include:

• Ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations
• Building safety considerations
• Quality control

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When do you need a building permit?

Building permits vary depending on the complexity of the project you’re constructing and the jurisdiction you’re located in. Generally, major structural changes to a building will require a building permit to complete.

Some specific scenarios where a building permit is typically required include:

• New constructions: A brand new building, whether that’s commercial or residential, will require a permit.
• Major renovations or remodels: Major structural changes to a building, such as adding or removing walls, will require a permit to ensure the safety of the occupants. This also includes major changes to electrical and plumbing, as sub-par work could lead to structural damage and unsafe conditions.
• Additions to existing structures: Adding additional features to your house, such as rooms, garages, decks, or patios can be considered a major structural change. However, it’s always to check with your building permit office to double-check if you’re unsure.
• Demolition work: Demolishing a structure can be dangerous, especially if other buildings close to it aren’t affected by the construction.
• Installations of major mechanical systems: Crucial internal systems such as HVAC systems or large-scale electrical systems are important for establishing the viability of a building. If done incorrectly, these could cause major problems for a building.
• Exterior changes: Important external changes such as roofing and siding can affect the safety of a structure. Other external features like windows and door replacements might also require a permit, depending on your location.

Remember, building permits are governed by the city you’re located in and vary from city to city. If you’re interested in learning more about building permits in a specific area, check out our municipal guides that cover different permit needs in different cities.

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Special permit cases

While major structural changes are a good guideline to consider for building permits, building permits are not always required. Here are a few common things that might not require a building permit.

• Standard repair and maintenance: Painting, repainting, carpeting, or light plumbing does not require a permit. For this aspect, consider that a lot of maintenance and repairs are often cosmetic. Cosmetic maintenance usually does not require a building permit.
• Building temporary structures: Small, outside structures such as sheds, gazebos, or other small outbuildings don’t usually require a permit. 
• Emergency repairs: Emergency repairs for weather-related damages, such as sealing a window temporarily when there’s a leak or adding an additional support beam after a hurricane are great for emergency fixes. However, they are not long-term solutions. Once you make the emergency repair, it’s important to analyze the damage and figure out a more permanent solution you will need permits for.
• Local variations: Building permits can be confusing if your project overlaps two different jurisdictions. Be sure to check with both governing bodies to identify if one municipality supersedes the other, or if permits are required.

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Applying for a building permit

While the process of applying for a building permit varies from city to city, the process usually follows the following steps:

1. Determine the project scope
2. Identify the correct permits for submission
3. Develop plans and compile application materials
4. Submit application with all plans and asset
5. Application review period
6. Submit any necessary fees to the designated departments
7. Receive permit after approval
8. Break ground
9. Schedule inspections at designated milestones
10. Final inspection and approval

If you’re looking for a smoother permitting process, try using a permit management platform like PermitFlow. With PermitFlow, you’ll be able to identify where your permits are at any stage of the process and see if any permits need your attention.

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Keep building permit submissions organized with PermitFlow

Ensure you’re submitting permits with the right information and at the right time with PermitFlow. PermitFlow provides construction teams an easy-to-use solution to managing multiple permits at once to ensure efficiency in your permitting process.

If you’re interested in learning more about how PermitFlow can streamline your permit submission process, talk with one of our experts today!

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