Building Permit Exemptions

A building permit is required for:
  • Constructing, reconstructing, altering or demolishing a structure.
  • Changing the use of a structure; removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials.
  • Moving a lot line which affects an existing structure's continued compliance with the building regulations under which it was built

Exemptions


The following are exempt from permit requirements:
Building:
  • Oil derricks
  • Retaining walls that are not over 4ft. in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge in impounding.
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. 
  • Painting, papering, filing, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
  • Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
  • Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground. 
  • Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes not including service systems. 
  • Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings. 
  • Window awning in Group R-3 and U occupies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not required additional support. 
  • Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5ft. 9 inches in height. 
Electrical:
  • Repairs and maintenance: minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. 
  • Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
  • Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of the electrical equipment or apparatus. 
Gas: 
  • Portable heating appliance
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. 
Mechanical:
  • Portable heating appliance
  • Portable ventilation equipment
  • Portable cooling unit
  • Stem, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code
  • Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe 
  • Portable evaporation cooler
  • Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10lbs or less or refrigerant and actuated by motor of one horsepower or less
Plumbing:
  • The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes, provided; however, if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code
  • The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and re installation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures

Building permits are required for per-assembled structures such as manufactured and modular homes.