Do You Need A Building Permit?

Wondering if you need a permit for your home project? I get asked that question all the time as a building inspector. And the answer is: Maybe! It all depends on where you live and what you are doing. The International Residential Code (IRC) does cover the general permit requirements but depending on where your project is located, those requirements can change. In this video, I discuss the basic permit requirements as called out in the IRC and help homeowners and DIYers better understand when a call to their local building department might be needed.

The best part of my job as a building inspector is helping homeowners work through their own projects and learn about framing, plumbing, mechanical and electrical parts of the job. The worst part of my job is having to place a stop work on someone's house for work without a permit - or worse: telling them they have to completely re-do something because they didn't follow code.

I hope this video keeps you moving in the right direction!

Disclaimer: Videos produced by Building Code Tips are for informational purposes only. Viewers must be aware that any projects performed utilizing the guidance and/or suggestions given by Building Code Tips and its representatives is at the viewers sole risk and Building Code Tips cannot be held liable if any damage is caused to their homes, surrounding structures, persons, etc. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project and Building Code Tips cannot be held liable for information inaccuracy.

[dbcrn]

Where I live, it's when building a new structure or increasing the square footage of an existing structure. That is all.

[lonnierandall]

For the most part, the permitting process feels like a protection racket to me. If I have to pay nearly a thousand dollars to get permission to do an alternative septic system off grid, it seems like extortion. Because I can do it just as well without the "paid for permission". And I would have a lot more money to spend on actual construction.

[johnaaro]

Do you need a permit to built a barbecue and put in gas and electric

[edgetown]

I own two adjoining condos that share a wall. I would like to create a door in that wall. Do I need a permit? I live in San Diego, Ca.

[IsiahMcGowan]

I stay in Texas you need all 4 dude 😂almost 300 dollars later I was able to put a bathroom together

[djpoolservice]

Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, No. 22-1074

You don’t have to buy a building permit! Supreme Court just made that illegal!