Getting a building permit wrong can shut down your entire project—or worse, force you to tear down work you've already paid for. The process varies by location, but the core steps are consistent enough that you can walk in prepared. Here's exactly what to do.
Understand When You Actually Need a Permit
Not every construction job requires a permit, but most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work does. Common projects that always need a permit include:
- New home construction or additions
- Garage conversions or ADU (accessory dwelling unit) builds
- Deck construction over 30 inches off the ground
- Roof replacements (in most jurisdictions)
- Electrical panel upgrades or new circuits
- Moving or removing load-bearing walls
- Installing a new HVAC system or water heater
Minor cosmetic work—painting, flooring, cabinet replacements—typically doesn't require a permit. When in doubt, call your local building department before starting. Getting caught without a permit can result in fines from $500 to $5,000 or more, plus mandatory stop-work orders.
Step 1: Contact Your Local Building Department
Your city, county, or municipality runs the permitting process. Search "[your city] building department permit" to find the right office. Many jurisdictions now offer online portals where you can apply, upload documents, and track status without visiting in person.
Ask specifically about:
- Which permits apply to your project type
- Local zoning restrictions that might affect your plans
- Required documentation and plan sets
- Current processing timelines (these can range from 2 days to 12+ weeks in busy markets)
Step 2: Prepare Your Application and Documents
A complete application moves faster. The exact requirements vary, but most permits require:
- Site plan: A scaled drawing showing your property lines, existing structures, and proposed work location
- Construction drawings: Detailed plans showing dimensions, materials, and structural specs. For major projects, these often need a licensed architect or structural engineer's stamp.
- Project description: A written scope of work
- Property information: Parcel number, legal description, current owner details
- Contractor information: If you're hiring out the work, many jurisdictions require the contractor's license number and insurance certificate upfront
For a simple deck or bathroom remodel, you may be able to use pre-approved plan templates your local department provides. For new construction or complex renovations, budget $1,500–$10,000+ for professional drawings depending on project size.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay Fees
Permit fees are calculated several ways—by project valuation, by square footage, or as a flat rate. Expect to pay:
- Small projects (deck, water heater): $50–$400
- Mid-size remodels (kitchen, bathroom addition): $400–$2,000
- New construction: $1,000–$15,000+, sometimes calculated at $5–$15 per $1,000 of construction value
Submit everything at once. Incomplete applications are the single biggest cause of delays. If your jurisdiction offers pre-application meetings, take one—staff will tell you exactly what's missing before you officially file.
Step 4: Wait for Plan Review
After submission, a plans examiner reviews your documents for code compliance. This is where projects in high-demand cities can sit for weeks. If reviewers flag issues (called "corrections"), you'll receive a correction letter and need to resubmit revised plans.
Stay proactive: check your application status online every few days and respond to correction requests within 48–72 hours to keep your place in the queue.
Step 5: Get the Permit and Post It On-Site
Once approved, you'll receive a physical or digital permit. Most jurisdictions require you to:
- Post the permit visibly at the job site (usually on a window or job box)
- Keep approved plans on-site during construction
- Schedule inspections at specific project milestones
Step 6: Schedule and Pass Inspections
Inspections happen at defined phases—foundation, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, insulation, and final. You must pass each inspection before moving to the next phase. Missing an inspection can require you to open up finished walls so the inspector can see concealed work.
Call or book inspections online at least 24–48 hours in advance. Be on-site or have your contractor available to answer questions.
Step 7: Receive Your Certificate of Occupancy or Final Sign-Off
After the final inspection passes, you'll receive a Certificate of Occupancy (for new structures) or a final permit sign-off (for remodels). This document matters for insurance, future resale, and refinancing—keep it in your permanent property records.
Finding the Right Help
If you're hiring a contractor to pull permits on your behalf, choosing someone familiar with your local jurisdiction saves significant time. Mercoly makes it easy to compare and find trusted Building Permits & Code Enforcement providers in one place, so you're not starting from scratch.
Start your permit search today and find a qualified local expert who can get your project approved and built right.