If you're a homeowner or property owner, here's a partial list of common improvement projects that require permits and, in some instances, plans. Please review the Work Exempt from Permit document for a comprehensive list.
- All new residential buildings, including detached structures larger than 200 square feet
- Electrical updates, rewiring and additions
- Porch and carport enclosures
- Patio covers
- Room additions
- Plumbing - permits are required to move or add sinks, toilets and tubs
- Wall removals
- Projects that include gas line modifications
- DIY electric water heater replacements (no permit is required if you use a licensed contractor)
- Fences taller than three feet
- Ceiling fans (to replace an existing light fixture or installing new wiring)
Home improvement projects that do NOT require a permit:
- Painting
- Flooring - adding or replacing carpet, tile or other flooring
- Plumbing - replacing existing fixtures and existing landscape irrigation
- Air Conditioner repairs or replacements that don't increase size and capacity or change location
- Minor repairs of "non structural" elements such as glass, wood trim, hardware, kitchen cabinets
- Kitchens –replacing cabinets and fixtures in existing locations with no new electrical or structural changes
- Water heater replacements completed by a licensed contractor