Construction Information

Prior to Beginning Projects:

Owners of both residential and commercial properties should be aware of the fact that almost all renovation, alteration and new construction requires some type of a Construction Permit before any of the work is started. Failure to do so could result in fines and violations. Therefore, we welcome you to contact our department before you start your project.

Projects that require a Construction Permit:
 
  • Construction of a new dwelling or additions;
  • Decks;
  • Demolition of any structure or interior demolition prior to any construction work;
  • Fences in our multifamily housing developments;
  • Fuel tank removal and replacements;
  • Heater and water heater replacements;
  • Interior or exterior alterations (except those listed as ordinary repairs);
  • Lawn sprinkler systems;
  • Re-roof and siding (except those listed as ordinary repairs);
  • Sewer and water service replacements;
  • Sheds over 100 square feet;
  • Swimming pools and equipment including fences that serve as a barrier for the pool.
“Ordinary Repairs” that may be done without a Permit or Inspection:
 
  • Exterior and interior painting and wallpaper;
  • Repair or replacement of any interior finish less than 25% of the wall area in any given room;
  • Repair or replacement of less than 25% of any exterior siding;
  • Repair or replacement of kitchen cabinets (excluding additional electrical and plumbing work which will require permit and inspections);
  • Repair of any exterior porch which does not involve replacement of structural members;
  • Construction or placement of sheds up to 100 square feet.

Please feel free to contact us if you are planning or before you start any project so that we can discuss the code requirements or any questions you may have.

During Construction:

During the course of construction you are responsible to obtain Progress Inspections.

Progress Inspections include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Footings before the placement of concrete;
  • Electrical and fire inspections before a framing inspection;
  • Foundations before backfill;
  • Insulation before sheet rock is installed;
  • Rough plumbing;
  • Slabs before placement concrete;
  • Trench inspection for electrical equipment before backfill;
  • Trench inspections for sewer and water services before backfill.

Completed Projects:

Once the project is complete, and before the project is used or occupied, you must obtain:

  1. Certificate of approval or occupancy (according to the type of work);
  2. Final building, plumbing, electrical and fire inspections.

Failure to obtain the required inspection could result in a fine and violation.