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1. Why do I need a permit?

State laws and local ordinances require you to have a permit for any construction project. These laws are designed to protect public safety and welfare by ensuring a project does not endanger you or the public.

2. What happens if I go ahead and build without a permit?

There is a strong possibility that utility companies will refuse to provide water, sewer, trash, electric or gas service to your structure. Also, we will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance for your structure. Both of these documents are important when acquiring proper insurance coverage.

3. I’ve worked on construction projects for a long time. I’m not an amateur and there has never been a problem with my work. Why do I still have to get a permit?

A permit provides proof to a buyer, insurance company, or anyone that your structure is building code compliant by way of an independent inspection process. If someone does not know your reputation or simply does not want to take your word for it, you have a way to prove you have followed all building codes in your construction projects. In addition to this, it is required by law.

4. With all the construction going on in my jurisdiction, how would I get caught if I don’t get a permit?

Our Inspectors, along with our Code Enforcement Officer(s) and City Employees, cover every inch of their jurisdiction at some point in a typical week. Inspectors and Code Enforcement are generally assigned to specific areas, and are familiar with construction in their area. They will notice your structure and become suspicious when they are not called to your construction project for an inspection. We also work on citizen’s complaints.

5. What powers do the permit offices have to enforce their permitting rules?

If a builder refuses to work with our inspectors, a cease and desist order can be put on the building to stop the job completely. (This is an option of last resort. You will not receive a cease and desist order because you failed an inspection. By cooperating with our inspectors to make the necessary corrections your project can continue.) If the builder refuses to fix the problems listed on the cease and desist order AND continues to build the job anyway, the owner will be required to attend a court hearing. The end result of the hearing will be that the owner is in violation of the law and additional fees and penalties could be imposed by the court.

6. How are permit fees used? What exactly am I paying for?

The City Permitting is a revenue neutral program. In other words, the money from your permit fee is only used to cover the operating costs of the program, not to fund any other projects. 

State law requires jurisdictions to conduct all inspections and plan reviews with certified staff. Permit fees cover the costs to administer and house our knowledgeable, certified staff.

All permit fees are reviewed on an annual basis where they could increase or decrease depending on that year’s budget.

7. It’s my property. I do not have a mortgage. I do not plan to carry insurance on my structure. Why can’t I build whatever I want? Why do I have to get my building inspected?

If your construction project is built incorrectly, it could damage surrounding structures and property. In addition to this, it is required by law..

8. I think my neighbor is building without a permit. What should I do?

Call the Planning and Development office at 1-806-273-0905 and let us investigate.