Always check with your local permit office before doing any repairs, and to confirm what you do and do not need a permit for, as local permit laws vary from city to city and state to state.
Building permits are designed to protect you, your health and safety, and the health and safety of those around you. Find the Zoning and Permits office for your city and submit your project design to them. They will inspect the project design and inspect the finished project to make sure it complies with zoning regulations, building codes, and any by-law requirements for your area.
“Building codes strive to reduce risks to an acceptable level. Building inspections provide the means to verify that the codes have been followed. The building permit is the link between the two. The permit and inspections ensure that your personal safety is protected and that your investment in your home also is protected.”
Failure to get a required permit and comply with the construction building codes and laws will result in costly fines for you, the homeowner, legal action may be taken, the project will have to be redone at your expense, and insurance coverage may be denied. So it really is a lot easier just to get the permits.
There are, of course, fees involved and these will vary with each city. The process is fairly general: you will need to fill out an application, pay the fees, get issued a permit, place the permit in a viewable place so that the inspector and public can easily read it, get a city inspection, receive a certificate of occupancy which basically means that the project is finished, has been inspected, and meets all code requirements. In essence, the certificate of occupancy means it was a job well done.
If you have a homeowners association, make sure you comply with all of their rules and requirements as well, before beginning any new project.
Even if you are hiring a professional to do the work, the permits are still the sole responsibility of the homeowner. The “I thought he/she was going to take care of it” won’t save you from the fines, fines, and more fines of not having a proper permit. Even though many contractors will get the permits themselves (this may even be a law in your area, make sure to check!), don’t just take their word for it. Read the permits yourself and remember that the permits must always be on the worksite and viewable at all times by the inspector and the public.
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