PermitHelperFind who issues the permit

Guides

Deck, porch, or fence

Decks usually need a building permit. Fences often need zoning review even when no building permit is required.

Decks: usually yes above a height/area threshold. Fences: zoning / height / front-yard rules even if no building ticket.

Related permits

Building · Zoning / fence permit · ROW if on the property line

Documents

Steps

  1. prepare · Owner or GC

    Confirm which office issues the permit

    Use the job address, not the mailing city. Inside city limits is usually the city building department. Outside is often the county. If two offices look possible, call both with the address and ask who issues the building permit for that property.

  2. prepare · Owner or designer

    Decide whether the work is permitted

    Most structural, MEP, envelope, and change-of-use work needs a permit. Cosmetic finishes usually do not. When in doubt, ask the building department in writing and keep the answer with the job file.

  3. prepare · GC / trades

    Line up the people who can pull the permit

    Many offices only issue to a licensed contractor, a registered designer, or a homeowner who signs an owner-builder affidavit. Check the state license before you apply.

  4. apply · Applicant

    Assemble the submittal

    Application, site plan or survey, construction drawings, product approvals, energy forms, and owner / contractor affidavits. Incomplete packages are the most common reason a file sits.

  5. apply · Applicant

    File in the official portal

    Create the account on the department website, pay the intake fee, and keep the record number. Do not start work. A complete application is not a permit.

  6. review · Designer + applicant

    Plan review and corrections

    Building, zoning, fire, flood, and trade reviewers may each comment. Answer every comment in writing, mark the revised sheets, and resubmit the full corrected set the office asked for.

  7. review · Applicant

    Issuance and job-site posting

    Pay remaining fees, print or download the approved set, and post the permit card where the inspector can see it. The stamped set is the only legal job copy.

  8. build · Installer

    Call 811 before you dig footings

    Footings and fence posts hit utilities. 811 is not the building department.

  9. closeout · GC

    Final inspections

    Trade finals usually precede the building final. Do not conceal failed work. Bring the approved set, prior tickets, and special-inspection reports.

  10. closeout · Owner + GC

    Close the file

    Ask the department to final the permit. Collect the certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, or finaled card. Keep as-builts, product approvals, and elevation certificates with the property.

Inspections

Watchouts