Ø  Talk to Your Local Building Department

The Building Department wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money.  You will be asked basic questions (What are you planning to do? Where?), advised of any requirements, and, if necessary, referred to other departments for their approval.  The code official will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with the applicable building codes.  You will then receive an application for a building permit.

Ø Submit Application

At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, Where and How” of the job, along with cost estimates and any sketches or plans of the proposed work.

Ø Review Process

In a brief amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements.  If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued.  If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

Ø Receive Permit

Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction.  A fee, based on the size of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review and the inspection process.  An experienced code official is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project.  You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success.  Separate permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air-conditioning work.

Ø Job-site Visits

On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes and plans.  Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to minimize potential costly mistakes.  The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project.  Normally, a one- or two-day notice is required when requesting visits.

Ø  Final Approval

The code official will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined.  You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done right.  Enjoy your new surroundings with the peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community.

It takes everyone in the community to keep our homes, schools, offices, stores and other buildings safe for public use.  Your safe construction practices help protect you, your family, your friends and your investment. Be sure to get your local code official involved with your project, because the Building Department is an important ally, from start to finish.