How to Get a Building Permit: Step-by-Step Guide
A building permit is official government approval to start construction. It exists to ensure your project meets safety codes — structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire standards — that protect you and future owners of your home. The process sounds intimidating, but most residential permits follow the same basic steps regardless of what city you're in.
Step 1: Determine If You Need a Permit
Not every project requires a permit. Minor repairs, painting, flooring, and most cosmetic work generally don't. Projects that typically do require permits include: any structural work, adding or relocating electrical circuits, plumbing changes, new HVAC equipment, additions to the home's footprint, decks over 30 inches off the ground, fences over a certain height, and new accessory structures.
When in doubt, call your local building department and describe the project. They'll tell you quickly whether you need a permit. Getting this answer in advance is always better than discovering the problem after work is complete.
- Usually requires a permit: additions, structural work, new electrical/plumbing, HVAC, decks, ADUs
- Usually exempt: painting, flooring, replacing fixtures in same location, minor repairs
- Always check locally — rules vary significantly by city
Step 2: Prepare Your Application and Plans
Most residential permits require a site plan (a drawing showing the property with your project's location and dimensions), floor plans or structural drawings, and sometimes elevation drawings showing how the project looks from the outside. For simple projects like a deck or fence, hand-drawn plans are often acceptable. For additions or ADUs, you'll typically need professional architectural or engineering drawings.
Gather your property's legal description or parcel number, which you can find on your property tax bill or county assessor's website. You'll also need proof of ownership and, in some cities, contractor license information if you're hiring a contractor.
Step 3: Submit and Pay Fees
Most cities now accept online permit applications for standard projects. The fee is typically based on the estimated project value — common rates are $5–$15 per $1,000 of construction cost, with minimums around $50–$200. Complex or large projects may require plan review by multiple departments (building, fire, planning), each with their own fees.
After submission, plan review typically takes 1–4 weeks for residential projects. Some cities offer over-the-counter review for simple projects where you can get approved the same day.
Step 4: Get Your Permit and Post It
Once approved, you'll receive a permit card that must be posted visibly at the project site during construction. Work must match the approved plans — if you change anything significant, you need an amended permit.
Step 5: Schedule Inspections
Permits require inspections at specific stages of construction — you cannot cover work before it's inspected. For a deck, this typically means a footing inspection before concrete is poured and a final inspection when the deck is complete. For electrical work, a rough-in inspection happens before walls are closed up.
The permit is finalized ('signed off') after all inspections pass. Keep your final permit documentation with your home records — it's documentation that work was done to code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I build without a permit?
Unpermitted work can be ordered removed, result in fines, and create problems when you sell your home. Buyers' lenders often flag unpermitted additions. If someone is injured due to unpermitted work, you may face additional liability. Retroactive permits ('after-the-fact' permits) are possible but cost more and may require opening walls for inspection.
Can I pull my own permit as a homeowner?
Yes, in most states homeowners can pull permits for work on their own primary residence. This is called an owner-builder permit. However, lenders and insurance companies may require licensed contractors for some work. Electrical and plumbing work in some states requires a licensed contractor regardless.
How long does permit approval take?
Simple residential permits (fences, sheds, water heaters) are often approved same-day or within 1–3 business days when submitted online. Standard additions or room permits take 2–4 weeks. Complex projects or projects in historic districts can take 6–12 weeks.
How much does a building permit cost?
Permit costs vary by project and city. Expect $50–$200 for simple permits (fences, sheds), $200–$1,000 for mid-size projects (decks, room renovations), and $1,000–$5,000+ for additions or ADUs. Most fees are calculated as a percentage of project value.
Do permits expire?
Yes. Most permits expire if work doesn't start within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended for 180 days. Expired permits can sometimes be renewed, but you may need to re-submit plans if codes have changed.