Permits

Inspections – Do I Need A Permit?

Below is a list of projects for which a permit is not required. If your project does not appear on this list please call the Bureau of Inspections to see if you need a permit. Call 657-8121

BUILDING

•  Installation, repair or replacement of any interior finishes of less than 25% of the wall area in any given room. Including plastering and drywall.
•  Wallpapering and vinyl wall coverings. (Paneling does require a permit)
• Installation and replacement of any window or door including garage doors in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening.
•  The repair of any non-structural member such as a partition railing or kitchen Cabinet.
• Repair or replacement of any trim, decoration or molding.
•  Exterior and interior Painting
• The replacement of any flooring material including carpeting in single family homes.
•  The repair of roofing not exceeding 25% of the total roof area within any 12 month period.
•  The repair or replacement of a porch or stoop, which does not support a roof above.
•  The replacement or installation of screens.
•  Replacement of exterior gutters and leaders.

PLUMBING

• Replacement of hose bib valves, however they must be replaced with an approved vacuum breaker.
• Refinishing of existing fixtures.
• Replacement of ballcocks, however they must be an approved anti-siphon type.
• Repair of leaks involving the replacement of piping between 2 adjacent joints only.
• Clearance of stoppages.
• Replacement of faucets or working parts of faucets.
• Replacement of valves, (Shower and combination Bath/Shower valves replacements do require permits).
• Replacement of traps in single-family residences. 
• Replacement of domestic clothes washers and dishwashers.
• Replacements of a water closet, lavatory or kitchen sink with a similar fixture providing no piping changes are needed.

ELECTRICAL

• Replacement of any receptacle, switch or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less.
• Replacement of receptacles where a ground fault receptacle is required shall be done with a permit.
• Repairs to doorbells, communication systems and motor operated devices.
• Communication wiring in single-family residences.
• Replacement of domestic dishwashers.
• Replacement of range hoods in single-family dwellings.

FIRE PROTECTION

• Replacement of smoke detectors, heat detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Installation of battery powered smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

MECHANICAL

• Replacement of motors, pumps and fans of the same capacity.
• Repair and replacement of ductwork.
• Repair of air conditioning equipment.
• Replacement of control devices for heating and air conditioning.
• Replacement of appliances in single-family dwellings provided there is no change in fuel type or location.
• Repair of heating, supply and return piping, which do not require rearrangement of the piping.