Permits

Building a house is a big project, and before you can even think about hammering nails, there's an important first step: getting permits. Permits are like official stamps of approval from the city that say your building plans are safe and follow the rules. These rules are in place to protect you, your neighbors, and the whole community. Here's a breakdown of some common permits you might need for your new house:

• Building Permit: This is the main permit you need to build your house. To get this one, you'll need detailed drawings of your house made by a professional architect or draftsperson. These drawings show the size, layout, and materials you'll be using.

• Demolition Permit: If you need to tear down any old buildings to make space for your new house, you'll need a separate permit for that. Someone from your contractor's team can usually apply for this one for you.

• Trade Permits: As construction progresses, you'll have different tradespeople working on your house, like plumbers, electricians, and heating and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. Each trade usually needs its permit to make sure its work is safe and up to code.

  • Plumbing Permit: A plumber will need this permit to do things like installing pipes and toilets.

  • Electrical Permit: An electrician needs this permit to do the wiring in your house.

  • Mechanical Permit: If you have a heating and air conditioning system installed, you'll likely need this permit.

• Setback Variance Permit: Building codes have rules about how close your house can be to the property line. If you need to build closer than the usual distance, you'll need a special permit. Someone from your contractor's team can apply for this one too, but you'll need a good reason to build closer.

Obtaining a demolition permit might seem like an extra step, but it's an important one. By following the proper procedures, you can ensure your demolition project is safe and responsible and minimizes disruption to your community. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and successful demolition process.

What Information Do You Need to Provide?

The specific information required for a demolition permit can vary by city, but here are some general things you might need to submit:

• Project Details: This includes the address of the property, a description of the structure to be demolished (size, materials), and the proposed demolition method.

• Site Plans: Provide drawings or sketches showing the location of the structure and surrounding buildings.

• Debris Removal Plan: Outline your plan for disposing of the demolition debris responsibly.

• Safety Measures: Depending on the size and complexity of the demolition, you might need to detail safety measures to protect workers and the public.

• Contractors and Licenses: If you're hiring a demolition contractor, you'll need to provide their license information.

Why Does the City Require a Permit?

Demolition projects can pose safety hazards if not done properly. Permits help the city ensure:

• Worker Safety: Demolition work can be dangerous. Permits ensure proper safety protocols are followed to protect workers from falling debris, hazardous materials, and other risks.

• Public Safety: Demolition can impact nearby structures and pedestrians. Permits help minimize risks to the public by requiring proper planning and safety measures.

• Environmental Protection: Demolition debris can contain hazardous materials like asbestos or lead. Permits ensure proper handling and disposal of these materials to protect the environment.

• Structural Integrity of Surrounding Buildings: Demolition needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging nearby structures. Permits help ensure the demolition is planned and executed responsibly.

What Structures Need a Permit?

Generally, any permanent structure requires a demolition permit. This includes:

• Houses and other residential buildings

• Garages and sheds

• Commercial buildings

• Industrial structures

• Pools

Exceptions Might Exist:

Some cities might have exceptions for very small structures, like small sheds or carports. However, it's always best to check with your local building department to be sure.