When Do I
Need a Building Permit?
A building permit
is required for any building or structure constructed, enlarged, altered,
repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished per Uniform
Building Code (UBC) Section 106.1 - Permit Submittal Checklist.
A building permit
is not required for the following per Uniform Building
Code (UBC) Section 106.2:
- One-story detached
accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and
similar uses, provide the floor area does not exceed 120
square feet (sheds).
- Fences - Not over 6 feet high.
- Oil derricks
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions - Not over 5 feet 9 inches.
- Retaining walls - Not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom
of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting
a surcharge of impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
- Water tanks - Supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not
exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter
or width does not exceed 2:1
- Platforms, walks, and driveways - Not more than 30 inches above grade
and not over any basement or story below.
- Finish Work - Painting, papering and similar finish work.
- Temporary motion picture, television and theater state sets and scenery.
- Window awnings - Supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division
3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than
54 inches.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy
- Pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and capacity
does not exceed 5,000 gallons. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing,
electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the
above-exempted items Exemption from permit requirements of
this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to
be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of
this code or any other laws or ordinance of this jurisdiction.
