Building Permit FAQs: Your Questions Answered

What is a building permit?

A building permit is written permission from your city or county that authorizes a construction project on your home. It creates a record with the government that verifies that your construction, renovations, or demolitions meet building safety codes.

What’s required for a building permit?

The requirements for a building permit will vary depending on your city, county, and state. But, in general, to get a building permit, you will need to:

• Complete a building permit application
• Provide a site plan for the project
• Schedule an appointment to get the project approved
• Obtain the building permit
• Schedule any necessary inspections with the city
• Receive final approval from the city once the project is complete

Why do I need a building permit?

Building permits make sure that your project complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. 

For the local government, it’s the easiest way to ensure that renovations or additions are structurally sound and can withstand environmental factors like wind, earthquakes, and fire. 

From the homeowner’s perspective, a permit helps you prove that you’ve followed building codes and helps you ensure your property retains its value.

How much does a building permit cost?

Building permit costs depend on a range of factors, including where you live, the size of the job, and the type of work involved. According to Home Guide project data, permits for smaller tasks, like electrical and plumbing work, average $50 to $300.

 Permit costs for larger construction projects (like building a house or major remodeling) can run much higher, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000.

How long does a building permit last?

How long a building permit lasts depends on where you live, but generally:

• You usually get 6 months to start work.
• Once construction has started, the permit is generally valid for 1 to 2 years.
• It’s a good idea to check with your local jurisdiction about permit expiration timelines to be on the safe side.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

You can often build a deck without a permit, but there are some restrictions. According to the International Residential Code (IRC), decks don’t require a permit if they are:

• Less than 200 square feet in area
• Less than 30 inches above ground
• Not attached to the home
• Not located near the main exit doors

However, your local government regulations and codes take priority over the IRC, so it’s a good idea to check local rules before starting your deck project. 

Learn more about what size deck you can build without a permit.

Do I need a permit to build a shed?

In some cases, sheds require permits. In most parts of the United States, you can build small sheds without a permit, but it depends on local building codes.

Here are some things that influence whether or not you need a permit for your shed:

• Size: Many cities and towns allow you to build small sheds under a certain size without a permit. This varies but is often somewhere between 100 and 200 square feet. Double-check your local rules.
• Height and location: You may need a permit if your shed is too tall, too close to property lines, or connected to utilities like electricity and plumbing.
• Purpose: You can often build a shed that’s only used for storage without a permit. If you plan to use your shed as a workshop, office, or living space, you’ll usually need a permit.
• Zoning or HOA restrictions: Some areas have additional zoning requirements or Homeowners’ Association rules you’ll need to follow.

When in doubt, check with your local authorities to see if you need a permit for your new shed.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

You might need a permit to build a fence. Whether you need one depends on factors such as where you live, the fence’s height, and the materials you plan to use. The best thing to do is contact your local building authority to find out the regulations in your city or county. 

Learn more about whether you need a permit to build a fence.

Do I need a permit to remodel a basement?

You might need a permit to remodel your basement. For example, you’ll need building permits for structural changes, electrical permits for wiring, and plumbing permits if you’re adding or modifying water lines or drains during your basement renovations. Check with your local building authority for specific requirements.

Do I need a permit to build a pool?

Most cities and towns require a building permit for new pool construction. Before you get started, get in touch with your local authority and ask if they have a “pool packet” — a package of required documents for new pool construction. This usually contains everything you need to know, from the permit fees to the building requirements. 

Read how we helped Ryan prepare for his pool permit to get a better idea of what’s involved.

Do I need a permit to convert a garage into a living space?

The short answer is yes — you will likely need a permit for a garage conversion project. 

You could transform your garage into a master bedroom, a recreation space, or even a standalone granny flat, but bear in mind that you may need separate permits for individual components, such as electrical and plumbing work. 

You’ll also need to ensure your plans comply with local building codes regarding what’s considered a “livable” space. 

Learn more about garage remodel costs, including permit fees.

Where do I apply for a permit?

You can apply for a building permit through your local building authority, which may be at the city, county, or town level, depending on where you live. 

While most local authorities offer an online portal to submit your project plan and permit application, some may require an in-person appointment to review your plans.

How long does it take to get a permit approved?

Permit approval times vary depending on the size and type of your project, as well as your local authority’s workload. 

In general, permits for minor home improvements (like a fence or a shed) will take a few days to a couple of weeks. For larger projects, such as additions or new builds, it can take several weeks or even months. 

Approval can take longer if you’re missing any documentation, so make sure to check your application thoroughly before submitting it. 

Learn more about getting a building permit quickly.

What documents/plans do I need to submit with my permit application?

Most building authorities require the following documents for permit applications:

• A site plan showing property boundaries and proposed changes
• Construction drawings or floor plans
• Project details, including materials and contractor information
• Proof of property ownership or authorization from the owner

For more complex projects, you may also need:

• Utility and drainage plans
• Reports from civil, structural, or environmental engineers
• Energy or structural calculations
• HOA or zoning approval (if applicable)

Is the homeowner or the contractor supposed to pull the permit?

Contractors usually include permit costs in their project bid. If a contractor refuses to handle permits, that can be a red flag. 

For DIY projects, you can apply for a permit yourself as an “owner-builder” through your local building authority. 

Keep in mind that whoever pulls the permit is legally responsible for ensuring the work meets code and passes inspections. 

Learn how to evaluate bids from potential contractors.

What happens if the contractor doesn’t get a permit?

If your contractor skips the permit process, you may be held responsible. Not pulling a permit can lead to:

• Fines or stop-work orders
• Difficulty selling your home later
• Removal or rework of unauthorized construction

For any permit pulled after the work is done, you may face fines or extra charges beyond the cost of getting a permit before construction starts. That’s why it’s always a good idea to confirm that your contractor has filed for and obtained the correct permits before work begins.

What are the penalties for building without a permit?

The penalties for building without a permit depend on your city or county, but may include:

• Fines, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars
• Stop-work orders that halt construction until a permit is approved
• Mandatory demolition or correction of unapproved work
• Higher costs for retroactive permits

Can I sell my house if I did unpermitted work?

Unpermitted work can cause issues when selling a house and is often caught by home inspectors or buyers. 

Additionally, mortgage lenders or insurers might refuse to cover the house. 

However, unpermitted work is relatively common, so if you know your house has unpermitted work and you’re trying to sell, you have a couple of options. You can:

• Disclose all unpermitted work to potential buyers, even if it was done before you lived there.
• Work with the local building authority to “legalize” the work.

Can the city make me tear something down?

If your local authority discovers unpermitted work on your property, they can force you to tear down the work you’ve done. If the work violates safety or zoning codes, the city can issue a demolition or correction order. 

You may be required to:

• Remove the structure entirely
• Submit revised plans and reapply for permits
• Bring the work up to current code standards

How do I “legalize” unpermitted work?

Unpermitted work can affect your home’s value and safety, but the good news is that you can often apply for a retroactive or “as-built” permit. 

If you’ve already completed work without a permit, here’s what you need to do:

• Contact your local building department to explain the situation.
• Submit plans (like a site plan) for review.
• Schedule an inspection to check if the work meets code. Many local authorities will perform courtesy inspections at little or no cost for homeowners who are concerned their home does not meet code.
• Pay any related fines or back fees.

My permit was denied — what can I do?

Most permit denials are due to missing information or code conflicts. If your permit application is denied, you should:

• Review the denial letter for specific reasons.
• Update your plans to address issues like setbacks, easements, or design restrictions.
• Contact your building authority to clarify what changes are needed.

Can I make changes to my project after the permit is approved?

It’s possible to make changes to a project after being granted a permit, but you’ll typically need to submit revised plans or an amendment for approval. 

Small changes, such as window placement or deck size, can affect compliance, so be sure to check with your local building authority. 

Changes can often be handled at your local authority’s offices, but it’s always best to double-check their processes.

Why is my permit taking so long to get approved?

If your permit is delayed, don’t panic — delays are common and might happen due to:

• Incomplete applications
• Seasonal backlogs
• Missing documents

To keep the permit process moving efficiently, we recommend scheduling regular updates with your local authority to check on your permit status or to see if your application is missing anything. You should be ready to address any queries or provide additional information as needed.