Pick up permit applications, handouts and other office information concerning the Uniform Construction Code, local requirements and fees prior to beginning any construction or home improvement project.

If zoning is in place, make sure that your project plans meet all requirements. The Building Inspection Office will assist you with this determination.

For preliminary discussion, bring informal documentation or a sketch of your ideas for the project to the Building Inspection Office. Your proposal can be reviewed to determine compliance with building requirements. Our personnel will suggest helpful ideas or supply code information to aid you in the plan review process.

Either the homeowner or the contractor can submit the application and project plan but it is suggested that the contractor submit the project plan due to the construction and code knowledge of most contractors.

It is suggested that you contact your Regional Office to ensure that an inspector is present to answer any remaining questions you may have before submitting your application and project plan.

Bring your completed application and two (2) copies of the project plans as well as any other necessary documents (approvals, certificate of insurance) to the Building Inspection Office to begin the plan review process.

Some remodeling projects and smaller jobs will need an application and a scope of work or an original copy of the contract in order to supply information for the plan review process. Drawings are not always needed, be sure to check with our staff. You may have to provide our office with additional information if the plans are incomplete or the drawings insufficient.

The length of time for the plan review process can vary. A Building Permit can be issued almost immediately for some smaller projects. Residential additions and homes generally take approximately three (3) days. Larger commercial projects can take approximately 3 - 4 weeks. Our office will work diligently with you throughout this process. Our goal is to issue your Building Permit in a timely manner.

Once your application is deemed complete and your plans have been approved, the Building Permit will be issued. You must obtain the permit within 180 days of your application and plan approval or such approval becomes null and void. Should the 180 days elapse, you will be required to submit both a new application and fees. No construction can begin until the Building Permit has been issued.

One copy of your approved project plan will be returned to you. The approved plan must be located at the jobsite at all times. This policy is necessary because the inspector will use this plan for the actual field inspections. No exceptions will be allowed.

The initial inspection must be completed within 6 months (180 days) of the issuance of the permit. Building Permits expire if the construction project is not completed in 2 years from the issue date of the permit. You must have inspections showing substantial progress of the project at intervals of no more than 180 days.

If no building progress has been made on your building project for 180 days, you may request to the department authority, in writing, that your permit be extended, giving the reasons for the delay.

If your Building Permit expires, it may be renewed by paying additional fees based upon the remaining items that need to be completed on your building project.

There are 5 specific inspections necessary for new construction projects (i.e. home or addition).

1. Footings and foundation inspection – prior to placement of concrete.
2. Plumbing, mechanical and electrical system inspection - Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, prior to installing any fixtures, and prior to the framing inspection.
3. Frame and masonry inspection – This inspection shall be made after the roof, masonry, all framing, fire stopping, draft stopping and bracing are in place and after the plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough inspections are approved.
4. Wallboard inspection – This inspection shall be made after all wallboard is in place and prior to the application of any finish material.
5. Final inspection – This inspection shall be made after all permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy.

The final inspection will not be approved until all previous inspections have been successfully completed and passed. Additional inspections for multi-family and non-residential projects may be necessary. Our staff will advise you if additional inspections are required.

Field inspections take place during the actual construction process. We ask that you contact the office 48 hours prior to your requested inspection. This advance notice will allow us to schedule inspections in a timely manner to better serve you.

Upon completion of each inspection, the inspector will indicate whether or not approval is granted. If the inspection is approved, the next phase of your project may commence. If the inspection not approved, then the inspector will indicate, in writing, the reasons for the disapproval and issue you or your contractor a copy of the violations.

It is recommended that you or your contractor be aware of the Building Code requirements. Our staff will offer information and code interpretations to assist you through your project. Please dedicate proper planning prior to starting your building project.

When all work is completed and all required inspections have been approved, call our office to arrange a final inspection. The inspector will make a final on-site inspection of your project and sign the inspection document indicating that all work has been completed and has been performed consistent to the requirements of the Building Code.

A copy of the final inspection report will be given to you for your records. A copy will be issued to the contractor, lending institution and the municipality in which the project is located.

Once the final inspection approval has been received on your Building Permit, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for new dwellings, buildings and additions. This procedure takes place immediately following the final inspection approval.

It is very important that you are aware of the following Uniform Construction Code requirement: No dwelling or building may be occupied until all inspections have been approved, all state and local requirements are met and the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. Failure to follow these requirements is a violation of the Uniform Construction Code and subject to penalties.

A Temporary Occupancy Permit may be issued in certain instances, provided that all health and safety concerns are met and the building can be safely occupied. The occupant must provide a written report to our staff concerning the completion schedule for the project.