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Permit Exemptions
SINGLE FAMILY BUILDING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
Building permits safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare through the enforcement of various building and zoning codes. Consequently, a permit is almost always needed for any type of building, structure, structural remodel/repair, or grading project.
Per state law, building permits are required for all new structures or renovations of existing structures that meet or exceed $1,000 in value, although some home repairs and uses are exempt from this requirement. The improvements listed in the following table are typical examples of single-family residential projects that do not require a building permit. A permit is required, regardless of the dollar value of the improvement, when there are applicable building code requirements for all non-residential uses. Also, depending on the project location, a floodplain permit may still be required. Please contact us if you have any questions.
- Re-roofing (when no structural changes are proposed or any reinforcement is required to add heavier roofing materials), re-siding or replacement of exterior trim.
- Replacing or adding gutters or downspouts.
- Replacing or adding soffit, gable, or roof ventilation.
- Replacing existing windows or doors with no structural changes.
- Replacing cabinets or countertops.
- Painting, interior or exterior, and wallpapering.
- Decks less than 30-inches in height above the lowest grade within 5 feet of deck edge.
- Replacing existing appliances or internal light fixtures.
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet and there are no utilities
- Replacing like for like or repairing an existing furnace, air-conditioner, cooler, heat pump, or heater.
- General landscaping including lawn sprinkler systems, subject to water conservation requirements, and retaining walls up to 4 feet in height.
- Water Tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a single-family dwelling.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54-inches from the exterior wall.
- Replacing existing appliances or internal light fixtures.
- Installation of low-voltage wiring for security alarm systems.
- Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
- Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
- Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
- Portable heating appliance
- Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
- Portable heating appliance.
- Portable ventilation equipment.
- Portable cooling unit.
- Portable evaporative cooler.
- Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
- Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
- Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
- Replacing like for like or repairing existing plumbing fixtures such as toilet, tub, sink, garbage disposal, water heater, or faucets.
- The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
- The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
- Satellite dishes and residential antennas for wireless communications.
- Concrete walkways, not in County right-of-way, and patio slabs.
- General landscaping including lawn sprinkler systems, subject to water conservation requirements, and retaining walls up to 4-feet in height.
- Wood, concrete block or wire fences up to seven-feet high. However, if any of the following applies an informational permit is required: Located on a corner lot and greater than 3 feet in height; and/or Located within a designated FEMA Flood Hazard Area; and/or Located within a designated wash; and/or in a platted subdivision.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
- Oil derricks.