Tmb9862

Even easier then going to that website is to get the number for your local building department or whoever is in charge of issuing permits and ask if you need one.

It's supriseing what things you need permits for (changeing a window for example) and what you don't need permits for. I can finish my basement includeing remodeling an existing bathroom without a permit due to some grandfather clause in the local building codes.

kevjob

your local building dept should have a list available for when a permit is required and when a job is not required to have a permit pulled.

__________________
Kevin
Bathroom Remodeling Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch. Arvada, Cherry Creek
Denver Bathroom Remodeling, kerdi showers, Centennial, Congress Park
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

always something

I totally understand the concept of permits and as to why they are required and in place, But from what i have seen in my own house when contractors have performed repairs e.g. roofing and a fireplace liner,both to which i was very unhappy with the workmanship, and when consulting the building inspector,he in turn asked advice from the
contractors........What the... maybe it is just my area, but i sure have lost confidience..

AtlanticWBConst.

I am sorry to hear that.....this is always going to be the case from time to time....

There are VERY, VERY knowledgable, cautious, personable, professional, and educated building inspectors....but, it seems for every 10 of these, there are sadly some that should not be in the position that they are in....

Sorry to hear about your experience...

__________________
- Build Well -

always something

Thankyou for your response i totally agree.

I seriously think that those good ones need to be rewarded.

elementx440

does tree removal require a permit?

AtlanticWBConst.

It shouldn't...but if there are certain unusual circumstances (i.e. - over neighbor's yard, near roadway, near powerlines, etc...)
I would check with your town to see what additional requirements they may want.

__________________
- Build Well -

HAASEMAN2003

May not need a permit but also certain home owner covenants need approval and will cost you $ if you don’t.

beer_geek

In some places, it does. IIRC, in Cobb County, GA, you're not supposed to cut down a tree that's greater than 6" in diameter without permission.

__________________
It takes less time to do a thing right than it does to explain why you did it wrong.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

mikemy6

may need a markout

elementx440

just an update...

did the trees a few weeks ago, needed no permit from my rural little city...

trptman

Only one in ten inspectors are bad? I think the number is much higher. The most annoying thing are inspectors who don't even know what is in various codes. They essentially make crap up as they go along it would seem. Then you have to fight with them to prove they are wrong which then hacks them off, causing them to try and nitpick even more, which causes them......oh well , you get the idea. I'm not jaded about inpectors or anything.
My favorite line I heard from a plumber once about the inspector that had just given us a hard time about something (I don't even remember what any more) that turned out to be nothing , was
"There goes the inspector, Last year he could'nt spell it, now he IS it".
Maybe you had to be there and had to know the plumber, but I always thought that was funny.
My area isn't even super controlling with permits and the like. I can't even imagine trying to do work somewhere like Florida where I've heard you almost need a permit to sweep off your front porch.

People wouldn't try to avoid inspectors and permits as much if perhaps the building officials could be counted on to know what they are talking about.

KUIPORNG

I think inspector's personality is as important as inspector's knowledge... I come across an inspector whose personality is no good... give us hard time... sometimes we need to correct thing is not a problem... but the way they say when it is humuniating matters...

Georg

alkways depends on circumstances. Always check with your town first to be on the safe side.

moneymgmt

Our town here in Michigan has 6 "Code Enforcement Agents" on the payroll. I've met 3 of them, all have been complete idiots. Their job is to drive around all day and catch people doing things that require a permit. 2 years ago I had new windows installed, they drove up like the place was on fire. She jumped out, demanded all work be ceased (my old windows were out but the new ones not in yet) and started to write me up. I told to get her boss on the phone, I wanted to talk to the city inspector. 2 hours later the work crew is picking their noses sitting around scared for their jobs when the inspector calls back. News flash: so long as the structure is not being altered new windows don't require a permit. You better believe the city had a letter from me come Monday morning questioning why my tax dollars are paying the salaries of complete morons who do not even know the codes they are paid to enforce.

Last year I gutted my kitchen down to the studs. New wiring, plumbing, cabinets, lighting, the whole nine yards..... a bed sheet over the windows is a nice way to avoid needed $500 worth of permits. I'm not saying they aren't necessary because every Tom, ************, and Harry out there shouldn't be doing significant home improvements, but around here its more of a business to the city than a prevention tool.