A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR:

• Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy type of a building or structure.*
  
• Erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be done.*
  
• Retaining walls.*
• Re-roofing work. **
• Installation of automatic fire-extinguishing systems, permanently wired fire or smoke alarm systems, or related equipment.***
  
• Sign erection, construction, enlargement, movement, or replacement.****

  General Building Exceptions

• Fences not exceeding 7' in height.
• Retaining walls less than 4’ in height (see retaining wall section for exceptions).
• Water tanks supported directly on grade < 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter does not exceed 2:1.
• One-story detached structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing service. (Zoning compliance is required.)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30" above grade and not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar cosmetic finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets.
• Pre-fabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R3 occupancy, < 24” deep, < 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground.
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54” from the wall and do not require exterior support. Group R3 and U occupancies.
• Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5' 9" in height.

  Electrical Exceptions

• Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
• Installation of any temporary system for testing or servicing of electrical equipment.

  Gas Exceptions

• Portable heating appliances.
• Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.

  Mechanical Exceptions

• Installation of portable HVAC systems, including evaporative coolers.
• Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment.
• Replacement of any part that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.
• Installation of self-contained refrigeration systems containing < 10 lbs of refrigerant.

  Plumbing Exceptions

• The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes only.
• The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures.
• The removal and/or re-installation of toilets only.

  Emergency Work Exceptions

• Where equipment replacement and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit shall be applied for on the next business day.