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Don’t just dive headfirst into a DIY project! Securing a building permit is a crucial step toward constructing or renovating your dream home. The key to a smooth building permit process lies in strategic preparation, understanding local regulations, engaging with professionals, and communicating proactively.
Here's a detailed roadmap on how to get a building permit for your home improvement project. Following these steps can save you time and money and avoid costly stop-work orders.
Table of contents
What is a building permit? Why do you need a building permit? Do I need a permit to build a shed? Do I need a permit to build a fence? Do I need a permit to build a deck? Do I need a permit to build a pergola? How to get a building permit Step 1: Contact your local building office Step 2: Gather all required documents, including a site plan Step 3: Understand your local regulations Step 4: Consult a professional Step 5: Submit the application Step 6: Follow up Get a site plan for your building permit Building permit process FAQs
What is a building permit?
Before we discuss how to obtain a building permit, let’s define exactly what this document is.
Put simply, a building permit is an official approval from your local government or building department that says you can build, renovate, or make structural changes to a property, like adding an extension, building a shed, or putting up a fence.
Why do you need a building permit?
A building permit ensures that your project complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
From a local government’s perspective, it’s an easy way to ensure that renovations or additions are structurally sound and can withstand environmental factors like wind, earthquakes, and fires. From a property owner’s perspective, a building permit is needed to prove building codes have been followed and the property retains its value.
Do I need a permit to build a shed?
You sure do! A building permit ensures that your shed complies with local zoning laws and building codes, which are crucial for ensuring safety and community well-being. It also prevents legal and financial issues that could arise from non-compliance.
You can find out more about shed permits here.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
This one isn’t as clear-cut. Whether you require a permit for a fence or not hinges on where you live, its height, and its material. There are varying rules and regulations in different states, counties, and even cities.
You can find out more about fence permits here.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In short, most decks require a permit. There are exceptions, like if the deck is small or isn’t attached to your home, but it’s always best to check with your local authority to avoid any fines or mishaps.
Do I need a permit to build a pergola?
Small pergolas might not require a permit, but again, we recommend checking with your local building department.
How to get a building permit
So, you’ve determined that you need a building permit, but how do you get one? By strategically navigating the permit application process, you can significantly reduce delays and enable a smooth project kickoff.
Here’s how to obtain a building permit:
Contact your local building office
Prepare your application documentation carefully
Be sure to follow all the local regulations
Get professional advice
Submit the application with plenty of time to spare
Keep chasing for updates and be responsive
Step 1: Contact your local building office
Navigating the building permit process can be tricky, particularly if you don’t know what documentation is needed. Every city has its own set of unique rules when it comes to getting a permit. Depending on where you live, the number of forms you have to deal with for your building project will vary.
The easiest way to get around this is to contact your local building office and ask what application form and documents you should submit.
You should also enquire about the type of site plan needed. Check with the permitting authority to see what needs to be on your site plan and who can create it. Sometimes, you can create your own site plan, which can be time-consuming. You can also consider hiring a company like MySitePlan. In other instances, you may need to hire a surveyor.
Step 2: Gather all required documents, including a site plan
When it comes to building permits, you need detailed documentation. Incomplete or unclear plans can lead to significant delays, as the approval body may require revisions or additional information.
So, begin by gathering all documents, which typically include:
A site plan : The site plan for a permit should indicate the location and size of your project on the property, as well as proposed features, a north arrow, scale, and other important details.
Blueprints and building plans : These should detail the structural design, elevations, and floor plans, highlighting compliance with building codes.
Engineering reports : Depending on your project's complexity, you might need reports from civil, structural, or environmental engineers.
Ownership documents : You’ll need proof of property ownership and a detailed project description, too.
These documents should be clear and precise. They should reflect your project and how it follows all relevant codes and regulations.
Step 3: Understand your local regulations
Building codes and zoning laws differ widely across municipalities, so you need to understand which regulations affect your project specifically. These will influence various aspects of your project, from structural requirements to environmental considerations.
Visit your local building department to learn about specific requirements and common issues that could delay your application. Many jurisdictions also provide guidelines and checklists online, offering a preliminary overview of what to expect. This step helps customize your application to meet local rules, reducing the chance of rejection.
Step 4: Consult a professional
As building codes and the permitting process are so complex, having professional guidance can be really helpful. Experts like architects, engineers, and specialized permit services can show you how to get a building permit more efficiently. They can also prepare or review your application documents to ensure they meet all requirements.
Step 5: Submit the application
With your forms completed and your documents gathered, you can submit the application. Check whether this should be done in person or electronically, as many local governments now offer online submission options.
It goes without saying, but don’t forget to pay the permit fees when submitting the application to avoid being fined. The cost of a fine, or multiple fines, can take a considerable chunk out of your project’s budget. And permit fees are much, much lower than the costs of fines for violations, so paying your application fee is definitely the lesser of two evils when it comes to the overall cost of your building project.
An important note: The fees usually correspond to the overall cost of the proposed building operation, so the higher your project’s cost, the higher the fee will be.
Step 6: Follow up
Submitting your application is just the beginning. Be sure to follow up to keep your project moving forward. We recommend scheduling periodic updates with the building department to stay informed about your application's status. You should also be ready to address any queries or provide additional information as requested by the department quickly.
Good luck!
Get a site plan for your building permit
Now that you know how to get a building permit, you also know that you need a site plan.
You can attempt to survey the site yourself, but this can take up a lot of your time if you aren’t a pro. A surveyor can come to your property and do the work for you, though many people find the cost prohibitive.
MySitePlan offers an alternative that is not only much less expensive but also faster and easier for you. Just let us know what you want a site plan of, and we’ll use satellites to provide you with one that’s perfect for your building project.
Building permit process FAQs
Who should apply for a building permit?
The property owner usually applies for the building permit. A contractor or design team can also submit the application, but the property owner needs to approve it for it to be valid.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
A lot of factors determine how long it takes to get a building permit. First, it’s down to you and how quickly you can gather the documents and forms needed. Once submitted, the plans can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to be reviewed. If approved, the permit is usually sent by mail and takes two weeks to arrive. However, this process will take longer if the project is sizeable, documentation is missing, or the project is initially denied and the application needs amending.
How much is a building permit?
Costs vary depending on the project size, type, and location, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Contact your local building department for a detailed fee schedule.
What are the fines for building without a permit?
Penalties for building without a permit can include fines, legal action, and possibly demolishing or significantly altering your project. It's crucial to secure necessary permits beforehand.
Do building permits have time limits?
The validity of your building permit varies by jurisdiction, ranging from 6 months to 2 years. Extensions may be available if your project is delayed. Verify with your local building department.
Where do I get a building permit?
Visit your local building department's website or office for a list of required permits based on your project's details.
What is in a building permit?
A site plan: The site plan for a permit should indicate the location and size of your project on the property, as well as proposed features, a north arrow, scale, and other important details.
Blueprints and building plans: These must detail the structural design, elevations, and floor plans, highlighting compliance with building codes.
Engineering reports: Depending on your project's complexity, you might need reports from civil, structural, or environmental engineers.
Ownership documents: Proof of property ownership and a detailed project description.
This post was originally published on February 21, 2024. It has been updated on March 21, 2025.
