Building Permits

A Building Permit is required for any structure, house or commercial building requiring the following: 

  • Demolition
  • Moving
  • Repair
  • Enlargement
  • New construction
  • Some types of painting, flooring, and finish work may be exempt from a building permit.
  • No grading or excavation shall begin until the required permits have been obtained.
  • No building, structure, or land shall be used or occupied until an Occupancy Permit has been obtained.
  • Except for small repairs, re-roofing, etc. drawings are required to be approved prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
  • Building Permits are usually issued to a contractor properly licensed by the state; however, the building permit may be issued to the owner of a house if the owner signs an affidavit and complies with other requirements of state law.
  • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require separate additional permits and must be obtained by a craftsman with a minimum of a journeyman license and other licenses as required by state law.
  • Developments within the Flood Plain are required to comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Chapter 152 prior to issuance of a building permit.  
  • Properties located within the Historic Overlay District must meet the requirements of Historic Landmarks Chapter 158 prior to issuance of a building permit.  A Certificate of Appropriateness may first be required before any demolition, new construction, alteration, modification, or addition to a historic property can occur. 
  • The fees for permits vary and are based on the cost of the work involved.
  • All contractors and subcontractors are required to obtain a City Business License.
  • The prime contractor who obtains the permit is responsible for contacting the Department and scheduling the necessary inspections. Twenty-four (24) hour notice is required. Inspections include, but are not limited to the following: 
    • Footings and Setbacks 
    • Slab 
    • Foundation wall and floor joists before sub floor 
    • Framing 
    • Rough – In electrical, plumbing and mechanical before insulation 
    • Insulation 
    • Contractor Permanent Power 
    • Others as necessary 
    • Final
  • A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Building Department prior to occupying the building.