Plumbing Permit!

You will need a plumbing permit in order to do the following:

• Replace water heaters and underground piping
• Alter piping inside a wall or ceiling, or beneath a floor, and for plumbing in all new installations.
• Emergency repair, alteration, or replacement of freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, if new piping exceeds 5 feet.
• Remodel or add on to your one- or two-family dwelling when existing plumbing is to be relocated. This includes installation of building sewers, water service, and exterior rain drains.
  

You will NOT need a plumbing permit under the following circumstances:

• When a property owner does "ordinary minor repairs" to plumbing systems on his or her own property, which means repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing accessible fixtures, parts, and appliances and their related water and drain attachments. Do not alter an existing plumbing system without a permit.
• When a property owner or licensed plumber performs emergency repairs to, or replacement of, freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, provided new piping doesn't exceed 5 feet in length.

You can get a plumbing permit from the Building Codes Division offices or your local building department. You will have to fill out some paperwork and pay a fee, both based on your exact location.

Remember, if you are using a contractor to do the work, that person is responsible for obtaining the permit and ensuring that the required inspections are done.

Things to keep in mind:

• A plan or blueprint is usually not required for a one- or two-family dwelling permit.
• Fees are based on the size and complexity of the job. Some local building departments base fees on the number of fixtures to be installed or the number of feet of piping for water, sewer, or rain drains.
• A plumbing inspector or office staff member can discuss your project with you.
• If you have the necessary information for the proposed project, you can usually leave with your permit.
• Plumbing permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

For more information on this and other types of permits, visit our website!


Source: Building Codes Division

Permit Types - Electrical Permit

Electrical Permit

An electrical permit is required to do the following:

• install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device

• run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or convert from fuse box to circuit breakers

• install or alter low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo or computer systems

For homeowners, a permit is not required to replace electrical devices or to perform the maintenance on an existing electrical installation.

If you are not sure if you need a permit, call the building department responsible for your area.

Permits are issued by Building Codes Division (BCD) field offices or your local building department, depending on the jurisdiction responsible for your area.

• Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to do residential electrical work.
• Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to perform residential electrical work, unless the service involves 400 amps or greater. Some building departments require a plan review for service over 400 amps.
• An electrical inspector or office staff member can help you make sure you have all the necessary information for the proposed project. If everything is in order, you can usually leave with your permit.
• Electrical permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

Any work performed under a permit must be inspected by a certified electrical inspector. You may call the inspection request line at the building department in your area within 24 hours of completion of any phase of the project. A minimum of 24-hours' notice is usually required for inspections.

When you call, you will be asked for the permit number, homeowner's name, project address, type of inspection needed, and date on which the inspection is desired. Be prepared to furnish detailed directions to the job site and a detailed description of the electrical work performed.
Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.

For more information on how to acquire an electrical permit, call Your Permit Solution!

Source: Permits Protect

Why and When You Need A Permit

A permit protects the homeowner and the future occupants. If a professional suggests that you do not need one, check with the building department yourself, as this suggestion is usually a red flag that your contractor or architect are trying to cut corners.

It is always to your advantage to get a permit. A permit ensures oversight of the work. The scrutiny of an inspector can guard against mistakes and shoddy workmanship and ensure that the work adheres to building codes.

A permit will also help you avoid headaches in the future. If building officials discover you have done work without a permit, you could be required to dismantle your remodel and start over again. If you sell your house, you might be legally obligated to disclose that you have remodeled without a permit, and the buyer could demand that you bring work up to code.

Some things you need a permit for:

Change the footprint of your house

Replace an electric stove with a natural-gas model

Move a load-bearing wall

Install new electrical wiring

Create a new door or window opening

Move a sink

source: Home Tips