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Building Permit Q & A

Depending on your municipality, different requirements may apply for obtaining a building permit.  Contact your local Code Enforcement Officer to determine whether you need a building permit for the type of work you will be doing.  Building permits are generally needed for jobs that fall under the State Building Code, including new constructions, additions, and renovations that require an inspection.  The following are some answers to questions you may have:
 

Q:  What information do I need to complete a building permit application?

A:  You will need the name, address, and phone number of the owner, contractor and designer, estimated cost of the project, a detailed site plan, and 2 sets of construction drawings to complete a building permit application. 

Q:  What should be included in a site plan?

A:  All property lines, existing structures, and proposed construction need to be included in your site plan.  Most importantly dimensions must be provided for all of the information on your site plan.  This information allows Code Enforcement Officers to determine whether the proposed work conforms to all by-laws and regulations.

Q:  How do I determine the fee for a building permit?

A:  The building permit fee is based on the estimated construction cost.  For instance, $4.00 may be charged per $1,000 of estimated construction cost.  This cost may vary depending on your municipality.  The fees charged must be paid at the time of application.  The building permit fees apply to signs, pools, fences, decks, additions, repairs, renovations, and demolitions.  

Q:  How do I apply for a building permit?

A:  The applicant must file an application in writing.  If the applicant is not the owner of the property, the owner must authorize him or her, in writing, to apply for a permit in the owner’s behalf.   All applications must be accompanied with a site plan and permit fee.

 Q:  How long does it take for the application to process?

A:  A residential permit generally takes 15 days to process and a commercial permit generally takes 30 days to process.  The amount of time required will also vary depending on the quality of the submitted plan and the degree of compliance of the plans with laws and regulations.

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