Residential Permits

House under constructionResidential Construction

If you are building a new house, planning to make improvements or additions to your existing house, or if you need to make repairs to an existing house, a permit or permits will probably need to be secured from the Growth Management Department prior to construction. The permits, and the inspections associated with them, are to assure that the work is done according to the Building Code. By complying with the Building Code, you will have some assurance that your house is structurally sound and safe, and that the systems within your house (electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical) will work properly.

A contractor normally obtains all of the required permits for the work to be preformed. As a property owner, you should require proof that the required permits are obtained before work begins. As an owner, you may obtain a permit if you occupy the building, do the work yourself or supervise the work done by licensed contractors, and will not offer the property for sale or lease for 1 year after the completion of the work.

The following is a brief summary of the various permits that may apply to what you wish to do; the information and fees that are required for each permit; and the inspection that will be necessary. A Growth Management Department staff person is available to review the project you have planned; to discuss with you what permits and inspections may be required; and to provide you with the application forms you will need.

Applications/Permits

Combination Residential Building and Environmental Permit:
Required for any new construction, additions, alterations, or repairs with an estimated cost of labor and material greater than $1000 or is structural. Replacement of a window(s) and/or a door(s) is considered structural and will require a permit. An environmental permit is required when development activity exceeds 1000 square feet of disturbed area. For projects less than 1000 square feet of disturbed area, a permit exemption shall be posted at the job site. You may review a sample copy of this permit application, which also includes submittal requirements. View as a PDF.

Roofing Permit:
Required for any repairs or roofing with an estimated cost of labor and material greater than $300. View as a PDF.

Electrical Permit:
Required when any new electrical circuits are added, extended or service is changed. View as a PDF.

Plumbing Permit:
Required when any new piping, re-piping, fixtures are added or changed, including backflow devices. View as a PDF.

Mechanical Permit:
Required when any heating or air conditioning equipment is being extended, relocated or changed out, including ductwork. No permit is required for the installation of window A/C units. View as a PDF.

Gas Permit:
Required for any new gas piping, extending existing gas piping, or the installation or replacement of gas appliances (only a contractor licensed may apply for this permit). View as a PDF.

PLEASE NOTE: Each construction trade requires its own permit. Additional forms, checklist and affidavits may be foundon our Applications and Forms page.

Fees

Please refer to the Growth Management Fee Schedule (PDF).

IVRS Inspection Scheduling information

View as a PDF.

1. Environmental Inspection (891-1800):

  1. First environmental (602): Inspection is made in conjunction with the first building inspection to ensure proper installation of sediment and erosion control barriers.
  2. Throughout the project sediment & erosion control barriers are monitored. (602)
  3. Final Inspection (604): Can be made with the final building inspection.

2. Building Inspection (891-1800):

  1. Footing Inspection (100): Required when separate concrete footings are being poured. The inspection should be made after the trenches have been dug and reinforcing steel is in place, and prior to actually pouring the concrete.
  2. Slab Inspections (105): Required when a concrete slab or a monolithic slab/footing is to be poured. The inspection should be made after all formwork, termite treatment, vapor barriers, reinforcing steel and applicable rough plumbing inspections have been completed, but prior to pouring the concrete slab.
  3. Exterior Sheathing Inspections (106): To be made during or after the roof and wall sheathing is applied, and before covering with felt or siding.
  4. Framing Inspection (107): To be made after all the construction is dried in and after all applicable rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas inspections have been made. There should be no insulation installed prior to the framing inspection.
  5. Insulation Inspection (109): To be made once the required insulation is installed. Blown in attic insulation will be inspected during the final inspection.
  6. Final Inspection (900): To be made after all work is complete. Electrical, plumbing, roofing, driveway, mechanical and gas inspections may be made prior to the final building inspection.

3. Roofing Inspection (891-1800):

New, Additions, and Reroofs for Townhouse or Duplex (917): The inspection is to be done, if possible, during the installation of the roofing, but in any case, prior to the final building inspection.

ReRoof for Single Family - Detached only: A Nailing Inspection (115) is required, the spacing pattern should be 6" on center with 8-penny ring shank nails. The Secondary Barrier Inspection (116) is required, using an approved Type 226, type 1 or 2 felt, synthetic underlayment or for flat roofs, base sheet.

NOTE: The Nailing and Secondary Barrier Inspections MUST be inspected and approved prior to the installation of any Final roof covering (917). Once these have been approved the final covering may be installed and a final roof inspection scheduled.

4. Electrical Inspection (891-1800):

  1. Temporary Pole (500): If electrical power from the house cannot be used and temporary construction power is required, the temporary service pole must be inspected prior to the service being connected.
  2. Rough-In Inspection (200): To be made after all electrical boxes and rough wiring is installed.
  3. Electrical Release (501): All breakers, circuits and receptacles have been installed and completed. Address must be on building.
  4. Final Inspection (901): To be made once power is connected to residence and all electrical work has been completed and all electrical trim is installed.

5. Plumbing Inspection (891-1800):

  1. Rough-in Slab Inspection (401): To be made after all underground piping is in place and pressure test is applied, prior to covering of piping under slabs.
  2. Tub Set Inspection (403): To be made after all rough piping is installed, including tubs, and the system is filled with water or pressure test is applied.
  3. Sewer Inspection (400): If a new sewer connection is made, piping must be inspected prior to covering.
  4. Final Inspection (905): To be made after all plumbing work has been completed and all fixtures installed.

6. Mechanical Inspection (891-1800):

  1. Rough-in Inspection (301): To be made after all rough ductwork is installed and after any required condensate lines and exhaust vents are installed.
  2. Final Inspection (903): To be made after all connections and appliance are installed and complete.

7. Gas Inspection (891-7040):

  1. Rough-in Piping Inspection (300): To be made after all piping is in place and pressure test is applied.
  2. Gas Meter Set (502): To be requested with the Final Inspection. 24 hr notice for residential
  3. C. Final Inspection (902): To be made after all connections and appliance are installed and meter has been set.

8. Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) (891-7125):

After all inspections are finished a C.O. will be issued. A new house or addition cannot be occupied and permanent power cannot be provided without a C.O. This is the final step.