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Environmental Health & Safety
Building Code Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Building Permit?
A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.
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What is the Purpose of a Building Permit?
Assure safe construction. Permits allow for the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law to protect the Public Health, Safety, and Welfare.
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Why a Building Permit?
Building permits provide the means for the Code Officials to protect persons by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction. Building permits provide a means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimium standards are met and appropriate materials are used.
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What Construction Projects require a Building Permit?
Building permits are typically required for the following:
- new buildings
- additions
- renovations
- demolitions
- prefabricated structures
- temporary buildings
- electrical systems
- plumbing systems
- HVAC systems
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What is the Permit Process?
Complete/submit Application-an application for permit must be submitted by an appropriately licensed entity for the type of construction intended. The application provides information as to "who" will perform the work, "what" work will be done, "where" the work will be done, "when" the work will be done, and "how" the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans, or other documentation of the proposal work will have to be submitted for review.
Application/Submittal Review-the Code Official will review the submittal for compliance with the Construction Codes, State Laws, and Statutes. When a determination of full compliance is made, a permit for construction will be issued.
Receive Permit-the building permit is the document granting legal permission to the permit holder to start construction. The permit holder must proceed with work as approved in the review process.
Arrange Inspection Visits-each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Code Official to make certain the work conforms to the Applicable Code, Building Permit, and the approved plans. The person responsible for construction must request each inspection 24 hours in advance. If an inspector identifies work that does not conform to the permit documents, the inspector will provide notice that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a "Stop Work Order" may be issued by the Code Official until the problem is resolved. It should be noted that construction changes, from the approved submittal, will require review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
Certificate of Completion/Occupancy-when code compliance of all construction is determined, the Code Official will issue a "Certificate of Completion" (CC) or a "Certificate of Occupancy" (CO). The CO is the formal document that marks the completion of the construction project and gives you the permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has met the safety standards of the State.
