Understand permits and approvals
Find the right office and confirm requirements for your exact property and scope.
Start with the local authority
Building approvals are usually handled by a city or county office with jurisdiction over the property. Search that agency’s official site using your address and project type. A remodeling project may also involve planning or zoning, fire, environmental, utility, or historic-preservation review.
Ask specific questions
Describe the work in plain terms and ask whether it needs a permit, a licensed design professional, plan review, trade permits, inspections, or a separate certificate at completion. Ask who may submit the application and who is responsible for scheduling each inspection. Save the office’s written response when available.
Do not confuse filing with approval
Submitting plans does not mean work can begin. Confirm when approval is issued, what plans must remain on site, whether changes require revised plans, and when the permit expires. A contractor’s assurance is no substitute for confirming the permit status with the issuing office.
Verify before using a checklist
Requirements change by jurisdiction and project. Use this guide to form questions, then rely on the current official office instructions for fees, forms, code, and deadlines. ConstructionDept.com does not issue permits or represent an agency.
Project checklist
- Identify the authority for the exact property address.
- Confirm permits and reviews required for each trade.
- Ask who submits plans and schedules inspections.
- Save approvals and the approved plan set before work starts.
Questions to ask
- Which office has jurisdiction over this address?
- Which drawings, trade permits, and inspections apply?
- What changes require resubmission?
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