Application for Permit

Application for Permit

Permitting is one of the first and most important steps in building your own home. At this point you have decided on where you want to build your new dream home, you have located an architect and decided on the plan for your dream home, and you are ready to move foward and build a home on your own. Permitting is important because without the appropriate approvals from the city and municipalities, you could find yourself in violation with thousands of dollars already invested. Typically permitting requires that you submit three (3) sets of plans with diagrams, computations, specifications, and other data as may be required by the Building Official. This should be provided by your chosen architect, and if you have not yet chosen an architect you should verify that this is part of his services.

Example of Permit Package

1. Three (3) Site Plans (no larger than 8 1/2″ x 14″)

- Complete Address

- North Arrow

- Footprint of Building

-Setbacks to all Property Lines

- All Easements

- Location of Fence

2. Two (2) Sets of Construction Plans

- Framing Plans

- Floor Plan

- Elevation Drawings

- Electrical and Plumbing Plans (Not Always Req.)

3. – One (1) CD in PDF or TIF file format – with Plans (provided by architect)

4. Sub-Contractor Validation Sheet – Name of Mechanical Contractors using and there license #

5. Three (3) Engineered Foundation Plans with letter (no larger than 8 1/2″ x 14″)

6. Square Footage Breakdown – Entered on application permit provided by city

7. Homeowner’s association approval and Historical approval (if applicable)

Codes

While each city and municipality will adhere to different building code – most cities are 3 to 5 years back on the current building code. For example, many cities are using the 2003 International Building Code, 2003 International Plumbing Code, 2003 International Mechanical Code, etc while other cities may use more recent versions. Many cities are also under zoning regulations and any other applicable ordinances.

Inspections

The construction manager or contractor responsible for the home will typically be required to call in inspection requests for work done on private property. Typically you will be required to call in the inspection the day before you intend to inspect the property. However, this varies for city to city and you should check with the building officials prior to starting work to ensure you can schedule accordingly. This information is typically available on the city website under the permitting division.

Required Inspections (Will Vary by Location – This is only an example)

Pre-Construction – Trash Bins, Erosion Contro

Temporary Pole, Ground Plumbing – Form Survey required on-site

Foundation

Seconds – (i.e. – Building Frame/Electric and HVAC/Plumbing Top Out)

Flatwork (Walks/Driveways/Patios)

Temporary Power

Finals (Required for Occupancy)

To ensure quality construction – especially for first time homebuilders – it is recommended that you bring in third party inspectors at the frame and final stages.