Permits

Building, electric, plumbing, mechanical, and/or HVAC permits must be applied for (pulled) before construction can begin. DO NOT PROCEED WITHOUT PERMITS! These permits are required for all new construction and renovation projects. They protect the homeowner with interim and final inspections to insure that the completed work is up to code. When a project is substantially complete (heating, electrical, and plumbing installed and working) your contractor applies for a final inspection. New home construction, and sometimes new room additions and substantial alterations (where you are required to move out during construction) will also be inspected to receive a certificate of occupancy.

Your building inspector will advise if your project requires a certificate of occupancy. Purchase the appropriate permits from your city according to the scope of the project. The process begins when final blueprints are submitted to the city's building department. If you are doing the work yourself, you can apply for the permit. If you have hired a General Contractor to do the work, the GC or their licensed subcontractor(s) will be required to pull the permits. The person applying for the permit will be held responsible for conforming to local codes--so have the appropriate person(s) pull each permit.

Some permits can be issued the same day and some can take up to 2-6 weeks if approval by a review board is required. For example, an architectural review board must approve kitchen additions that affect the exterior of the home. Call your city to determine when their next meeting will take place--it could be several weeks away. If you are changing the exterior of a historic home, you may need additional approval from a historic review board.