Building Permits are required to ensure the safety of the construction project, and in most cases have Licensed Contractors doing the work. No matter what type of work to be done whether it’s a commercial building, residential home, fence, expansion, remodeling project or renovation/demolition, Building Permits are required. The local jurisdictions and state enforce strict guidelines or codes for work to be performed, but also to have knowledgeable licensed persons or companies performing the work.

Basically all types of construction work- constructing an addition to existing residence, lengthening a wall or adding a wall, interior build outs, improving, repairing, or demolishing any building or structure- will require a building permit for work being performed. In Commercial and Residential Construction if the building requires: demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, driveway, irrigation, roofs, fences, windows, swimming pools all will require a permit.

Every city jurisdiction has their own zoning codes and restrictions set in place regarding property setbacks and utility easements that require property owners to abide by these rules and codes. Due diligence regarding zoning should be done before any type of land work is to be performed. Jurisdictions have personnel to handle or answer any zoning questions regarding your project site.

Remember it’s the law to have a permit pulled before commencement of any work to be done. If work is performed without a permit, you will be fined by the jurisdiction and a stop work order will be issued. If your contractor or so called contractor performs work without a permit and someone is injured as a result of faulty construction, the homeowner is liable for injuries. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured before starting any construction.

Once a permit is issued it has a specific time period in which the work and all required inspections have to be performed. Permits shall become null and void if all the inspections aren’t called in before the expiration date, also if such work is commenced if suspended or abandoned for a period of 90 days.