When is a building permit not required?

A permit is not required for the following:

  • Fences not over six feet high
  • Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet high
  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
  • Painting, papering, and similar finish work
  • Platforms, walks, or driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below. Contact your local Building Official if the walks or platforms are accessible to the public.
  • Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. Associated electrical work does require a permit.
  • Retaining walls not over four feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and not supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Contact your local Building Official for walls retaining soils in close proximity of the property line.
  • Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
  • 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 two to one
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 or U-1 Occupancy when projecting not more than 54 inches

Show All Answers

1. Why do I need a permit?
2. How does the permit application process work?
3. What documents are required for a permit application?
4. What if something is built without a permit?
5. When is a building permit required?
6. When is a building permit not required?
7. Why should I get a building permit?