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​​ Common Steps to Acquiring a Building Permit

While every local jurisdiction (city, county, etc.) has its own specific steps for obtaining a building permit, they follow the same basic process. Knowing and navigating the process correctly is key to improving your home using the least amount of time and money.

Planning/Zoning Approval

After coming up with your home improvement idea, the first official step is to run the plan’s scope of work (itemization of intended improvements) by your local Planning and/or Zoning Department. A basic sketch and photos of the area-to-be-improved are beneficial to bring. Planning employees will let you know of any restrictions on your property that may prevent your project from happening as conceptualized or if they need to see more detailed plans. If no changes are being made to the exterior appearance of the building nor is a new structure being built on the property, Planning/Zoning may not need to be involved and you may proceed in the process.

Building Approval

The Building Department takes over, making sure an accurate set of plans (i.e. blueprints) is presented and that every proposed change on them adheres to the state’s current building code, as well as possibly bringing items outside of your intended scope up to code. Also, based on the type of project, other departments may need to review the plans, including Fire Prevention and Public Works. Details on the plans may need to changed for the project to move forward. Once all of the appropriate departments have reviewed and approved the plans, a Building Permit is issued.

Construction and Inspections

Once a permit has been obtained, construction may begin. A Field Inspector from Building will need to be called for a rough initial inspection, then will return when prompted to sign your permit card for (up-to-code) completion of certain stages. Revisions to the plans may be necessary if field conditions call for an adaptation, halting work until the permit is updated. Once every facet of the project is completed, the Inspector will sign-off the final inspection, marking the end of the project.

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