Getting Your Permit(s)

Tools

The City requires permits for certain projects to maintain the safety of its residents.

Note: If you as a homeowner have decided to complete your building project on your own and pull your own permits, make sure you are aware of the permit holder responsibilities.

1. Determine if Your Project Requires a Permit

A building permit is required any time you do work that is regulated by the building code. This includes:

  • Any work done to the permanent weather resistive surfaces of the dwelling such as the siding, windows, or roof
  • A change in the use of a space or the finishing of unfinished space
  • The building of additions, garages, and decks

Work that is exempt from a permit includes painting, wallpapering, flooring, kitchen cabinets, minor repairs, and detached storage buildings not exceeding 120 square feet.

Mechanical Permit

A mechanical permit is required for work done with air exchange systems, heating and air conditioning.

Electrical Permit

An electrical permit is required for work done with your electrical wiring system.

Plumbing Permit

A plumbing permit is required when adding a water fixture such as a sink, tub, toilet or lawn sprinklers.

Additional Information

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact the Inspections Department. Remember, failure to obtain a permit before starting a project that requires one is a violation of City ordinances and state law and can result in fines and increased fees to obtain a permit.

2. Submit Your Permit Applications

  1. Download and complete the applications for your project. (Permit applications are also available at City Hall or can be mailed or faxed to you.) Depending on the permit, you may need to provide a description of the work, the valuation of the work, and building plans. If you need help filling out the application, a staff member will be happy to assist you.
  2. Submit your completed application and additional documents, if required, to City Hall in person, by mail, or by fax.

3. Wait for Your Permit(s) to Be Issued

Permits for work that requires no review are issued the same day and generally at the time the permit application is submitted.

Permits where review of plans is necessary can take one to two weeks. Once a permit is ready to be issued, you will be called at the number you provided on the application.

4. Pick Up & Pay for Your Permit

The fees for a building permit have three components:

  1. Building Permit fee, derived from a sliding scale based on the project's valuation.
  2. Plan review fee (if your project required building plans) based on 65% of the building permit fee.
  3. State surcharge at the rate of 50 cents per $1000.

At your request, the Inspections Department can provide an estimate of the permit fee for you. Following are some examples of the building permit cost for various projects (plan review fees are included where applicable):

  • Deck, $3000 valuation: $144
  • Basement remodeling, $5000 valuation: $191
  • Roof house, $7500 valuation: $162
  • Garage, $10,000 valuation: $310
  • Dwelling Addition, $75,000 valuation: $1,390

5. Proceed With Work & Call for Inspections as Required

When you pick up your permit, you will be given an inspections record card listing the required inspections for your project, and when they must be completed. Read more about the inspections process.