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Building Permit Requirements
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How to get a building permit

A building permit is the local government’s written approval to do regulated construction work. You get it from the building department of the city, town or county where the property is, before work starts, and it comes with inspections that confirm the work matches the code the department enforces.

Last checked

On this page
  1. The steps, in order
  2. Before you buy materials
  3. How major cities describe their process
  4. Applying online and same-day permits
  5. Sources

The steps, in order

  1. Confirm who issues the permit. Inside city limits it is usually the city; outside them, usually the county. Check the property record or the city’s map if you are not sure.
  2. Check whether your project needs one. Look up your city’s rule for the project (our permit checker and project pages quote it). Small projects under a stated limit are often exempt from a building permit but may still need zoning approval.
  3. Check zoning. Setbacks, height limits and lot coverage come from the zoning code, which is separate from the building code. See zoning vs building permits.
  4. Prepare the application. Most departments ask for an application form, a site or plot plan and, for structural work, construction drawings. Some need an engineer’s stamp or a licensed contractor on the application.
  5. Submit and pay. Many cities take applications online. Fees are set by the city’s fee schedule, often by project value; see building permit cost.
  6. Plan review. Simple work may be issued the same day (over the counter); larger projects are reviewed and may come back with corrections.
  7. Post the permit and build. Keep the permit on site, and call for each inspection before covering the work.
  8. Final inspection. Passing the final closes the permit; new living space may also need a certificate of occupancy.

Before you buy materials

  • Check that the property is inside the city limits you think it is; outside them, the county (or another local office) issues permits.
  • If the project is near a limit in the city’s rule (height, area, depth or value), ask the building department before you buy materials; the conditions in the rule’s wording decide it.
  • An exemption from a building permit does not exempt the work from zoning, HOA covenants, historic-district review or the code itself.
  • Keep the permit card on site and do not cover work until the inspection for that stage passes.

How major cities describe their process

The same steps, in each department’s own words. Cities name and order them differently, so follow your own city’s list.

New York City, NY

  1. Hire a NYS registered design professional (PE or RA), who files the plans1
  2. DOB plan examiner reviews; approval when objections satisfied1
  3. Permit obtained through DOB NOW: Build1
  4. Inspections; final inspection of all permitted work2

Los Angeles, CA

  1. Zoning: verify the property is in the City of Los Angeles and check zoning in ZIMAS3
  2. Documentation: prepare documents; Express Permit for simple projects, Plan Check for complex ones3
  3. Apply for permit (Express Permit online/at counter, or submit plans for Plan Check)3
  4. Pay fees; permit issued3
  5. Partial inspections at each phase3
  6. Final inspection and, if applicable, Certificate of Occupancy3

Chicago, IL

  1. Check whether the work is exempt4
  2. Small projects: apply through the Express Permit Program (no or limited drawings)5
  3. Most construction: plan-based permit with plans by an Illinois-licensed architect or engineer5
  4. Plan-based applications filed only by an Illinois-licensed architect/engineer or City-licensed expediter5
  5. Post the permit certificate at the work site before starting6
  6. Request rough and final inspections online7

Houston, TX

  1. Submit a complete application, construction documents and required department approval letters8
  2. Plans may need a registered engineer8
  3. City staff review and approve8
  4. A few days to three to five weeks8

Phoenix, AZ

  1. Submit two sets of plans with the Construction Permit/Plan Review Application9
  2. Completeness check; minor work may get an over-the-counter permit, otherwise review fees are collected and plans routed9
  3. Plan review and corrections9
  4. Pay permit fees; permit issued9
  5. Post the permit and request inspections at each stage10
  6. Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion after final inspections11

San Antonio, TX

  1. Verify zoning and platting, then apply for a building permit12
  2. Identify every permit needed (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing)12
  3. Apply online through BuildSA (preferred) or at the One Stop13
  4. Plan review for new homes, additions over 1,000 sq ft and any 2-story addition12
  5. Pay fees; permit not valid until fees are paid14
  6. Request inspections when work is ready14
  7. Request final inspection within 30 days of completing the work14

San Diego, CA

  1. Check whether the work is exempt (SDMC §129.0203)15
  2. Submit the application electronically through the online portal16
  3. Plan review by the Building Official15
  4. Permit issued after approvals and fee payment15
  5. Schedule inspections before covering work17
  6. Final inspection before occupancy and use18

Dallas, TX

  1. Apply for the permit through DallasNow19
  2. Pay applicable fees upon application20
  3. Post the permit on the front of the premises before starting work20
  4. Request each inspection at least one working day ahead20
  5. Pass the final inspection20

Steps for every city we cover are on its city page: Jacksonville, FL, Fort Worth, TX, San Jose, CA, Charlotte, NC, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Oklahoma City, OK, Nashville, TN, El Paso, TX, Las Vegas, NV, Boston, MA, Detroit, MI, Louisville, KY, Portland, OR, Memphis, TN, Baltimore, MD, Milwaukee, WI, Albuquerque, NM, Tucson, AZ, Fresno, CA, Sacramento, CA, Atlanta, GA, Mesa, AZ, Kansas City, MO, Raleigh, NC, Colorado Springs, CO, Miami, FL, Virginia Beach, VA, Long Beach, CA, Oakland, CA, Minneapolis, MN, Tulsa, OK, Tampa, FL, Arlington, TX, Aurora, CO, Philadelphia, PA, Austin, TX.

Applying online and same-day permits

CityApply onlineOver the counter
New York City, NYYes21–
Los Angeles, CAYes: PermitLA (Express Permits) and ePlanLA (plan check)22Express Permits (no plan check), e.g. same-size window/door replacement, re-roofing with Class A or B materials, kitchen/bath remodels, plumbing fixtures, rewiring outlets; Counter Plan Check same day3
Chicago, ILYes: Express Permit Program online (ipi.cityofchicago.org); plan-based via E-Plan23Express Permit Program guided worktypes (repairs, fences, reroofing, porch/deck repair, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, small solar, etc.)23
Houston, TXYes24Repairs with matching materials (CE 1059 Residential Repair Spec List) need no plan review25
Phoenix, AZYes26Minor work may be issued over the counter9
San Antonio, TXYes13General repair and small remodel permits12
San Diego, CAYes16No-Plan Building Permits (IB 203) and Simple (no-plan) MEP permits16
Dallas, TXYes19–
Jacksonville, FLYes27Sheds under 150 sq ft and under $5,000 (issued during visit)28
Fort Worth, TXYes29Walk-In Permit Team: small building projects, occupancy and residential permits30
San Jose, CAYes31Over-the-Counter Service for qualifying small single-family/duplex projects (e.g., accessory buildings under 500 sq ft, conventional framing)32
Charlotte, NCYes - Mecklenburg County Accela Citizen Access (building); City of Charlotte Accela Citizen Access (LDIRL/zoning)33–
Columbus, OHYes34Minor Work Permit list items: no plan review34
Indianapolis, INYes35Re-roofing/siding with no structural change is a Structural Renovation Permit with no plan review36
San Francisco, CAYes37Projects needing less than 1 hour of plan review38
Seattle, WAYes39Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permits for simple projects, issued with minimal review40
Denver, COYes41Quick permits (trade, roofing/siding, water heaters) issued without plan review42
Oklahoma City, OKYes43–
Nashville, TNRegistered contractors only via ePermits; homeowners apply through the office/Zoning Help Desk44–
El Paso, TXYes45Plumbing, electrical, mechanical and special building (incl. roofing) permits not requiring plans are submitted and paid in the department46
Las Vegas, NVYes47LOW VOLTAGE OUTLETS, RE-ROOFING/COMMERCIALS (tile to tile; or greater than 64sf of structural sheathing), BUILDING WATER AND SEWER REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS (no new connections), CONSTRUCTION TRAILER, ELECTRIC METER TAG, PANEL CHANGE OR SERVICE CHANGE (Schedule a 231 inspection for service change), EXCAVATION ONLY (residential pools), GAS LINE REPAIR OR TAG, HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) EXACT CHANGE OUTS/ REPAIRS, MINOR ELECTRICAL – 12 DEVICES OR LESS (not for dedicated circuit to a fixed appliance (i.e. dryer, dishwasher, etc.) which requires plans), MISC REPAIR, INCLUDING REPAIR OR ALTERATION OF DRAINAGE OR VENT PIPING, EACH FIXTURE, WATER HEATER (Same for same only including Tankless), WATER PIPING REPLACEMENT, WATER SOFTENERS (INCLUDING PIPING), MISC REPAIR/EXTERIOR UPGRADES (three-coat stucco; one-coat stucco with certified contractor & applicator card, over 32 SQ FT), RE-ROOFING/RESIDENTIAL (tile to tile; or greater than 64sf of structural sheathing)47
Boston, MAYes48–
Detroit, MIYes49Same Day Permits (types not listed)50
Louisville, KYContractors only; homeowners apply in person51–
Portland, ORYes52–
Memphis, TNYes53–
Baltimore, MDYes54–
Milwaukee, WIYes, through the Land Management System (LMS)55Permits not requiring plan review are available during all business hours56
Albuquerque, NMYes57Residential re-roof without any truss repairs, Roof-mounted solar permits under 50 kWs, Residential water heater replacement, Small repair/minor alterations, like window or door replacements58
Tucson, AZYes59No over-the-counter plan review; Express Lane (24-hour target) for SolarAPP+ solar, residential electrical and plumbing (trade) projects and electrical reconnections60
Fresno, CAYes61Same day express permits for Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing (in person)61
Sacramento, CAYes62Minor permits (no plans): water heaters, residential HVAC (1-2 family), re-roofs, residential minor electrical and plumbing, non-structural kitchen/bath remodels63
Atlanta, GAYes: most services digital only; in-person allowed for certain projects64–
Mesa, AZYes65–
Kansas City, MOYes66–
Raleigh, NCYes, via the Permit and Development Portal (not all permit types)67–
Colorado Springs, COYes68–
Miami, FLYes69Walk-Thru Express same-day in-person review for small residential projects (e.g., fences 6 ft or under, driveways, windows/doors/shutters, roofing, kitchen/bath remodels, interior demolition, prefabricated sheds, MEP repairs)70
Virginia Beach, VAYes71Residential counter review: additions, alterations and accessory structures 500 sq ft or less, uncovered decks of any size; plan set max five pages71
Long Beach, CAConditional: online self-issue without plan review for PV/ESS (not over 38.4 kW / 38.4 kWh) and EVCS at one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures; water heater changeouts; electrical panel changeouts; reroofing of one- and two-family dwellings and related accessory structures; minor kitchen remodel, minor bathroom remodel and minor drywall/plaster repair for one- and two-family dwellings72Express Permits (no plans) and Over-the-Counter Plan Review permits73
Oakland, CAYes74Same-Day Digital Permits (issued automatically on fee payment) for simple work without structural changes: pre-1978 painting, MEP (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), solar panels75
Minneapolis, MNApply by email; plans via ProjectDox76Express limited permits (pre-approved licensed contractors, existing 1-2 family homes): siding, same-size windows, drain tile, tuckpointing, stucco/plaster, reroofs; gas/plumbing fixtures, gas meter, water heater; HVAC; street use dumpster permits77
Tulsa, OKYes78General repair building permits78
Tampa, FLYes79No-plan-review permits (e.g. water heater replacement, A/C change-out, roofing) issued without visiting City offices80
Arlington, TXYes81–
Aurora, COYes82Water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, roof and electrical service upgrades (online over-the-counter permits)83
Philadelphia, PAYes84EZ permits (no plans) for listed project types85
Austin, TXYes86Residential Express Permits (minor repairs) same day at PDC walk-in87

Sources

  1. Obtaining a Permit - BuildingsCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. 2022 NYC Construction Codes, General Administrative Provisions (Admin. Code Title 28), Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Homeowner Step-By-Step | LADBSCity of Los Angeles, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Apply for a Building PermitCity of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Current Operations: Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Chicago, Department of BuildingsPosted September 29, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Does my building permit expire?City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  8. houston311.powerappsportals.usCity of Houston, Houston 3-1-1 Customer Service (Knowledge Base)Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Residential Process OverviewCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Residential InspectionsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  11. InspectionsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Residential Permits - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Contact & Connect - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  15. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Information Bulletin 203: No-Plan Building PermitCity of San Diego, Development Services DepartmentRevised July 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  17. InspectionsCity of San Diego, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  18. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 1: General Construction Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Frequently Asked Questions - Permitting & InspectionsCity of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Use DOB NOW - BuildingsCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Express Permits | LADBSCity of Los Angeles, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Express Permit ProgramCity of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  24. houston311.powerappsportals.usCity of Houston, Houston 3-1-1 Customer Service (Knowledge Base)Checked November 7, 2026
  25. houston311.powerappsportals.usCity of Houston, Houston 3-1-1 Customer Service (Knowledge Base)Checked November 7, 2026
  26. Help with My Home ProjectCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  27. Building Inspection DivisionCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Residential (Single Family) Property Owner Obtained Permits: ShedsCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  29. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  30. Walk-In Permit Assistance TeamCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  31. Online Permits at SJPermits.orgCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Accessory Buildings & StructuresCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 14, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. WebPermit (B) - HomeMecklenburg County, Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) Code EnforcementChecked November 7, 2026
  34. BZS Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  35. Accela Citizens Access Portal (ACA)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  36. Homeowner's Building Permit GuideCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesLast updated March 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  37. Where to apply for your permitCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  38. Permit Services at DBICity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 7, 2026
  39. How Do You Get a Permit? - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  40. How Much Will Your Permit Cost? - Construction and InspectionsCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  41. Contact us - Community Planning and DevelopmentCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  42. Quick Permits - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  43. Building & Trade PermitsCity of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterChecked November 7, 2026
  44. E-Permits SystemMetropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyLast updated September 3, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  45. Planning & Inspections | City of El PasoCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  46. Ordinance 019528 adopting the 2021 International Building Codes (text as introduced; executed Aug. 1, 2023)City of El Paso, City Council (Planning & Inspections agenda item)Published June 20, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  47. Online Permits ListCity of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  48. Short-Form PermitCity of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentLast updated November 4, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  49. Building PermitsCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
  50. Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED)City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
  51. Permits | LouisvilleKY.govLouisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewChecked November 7, 2026
  52. Start Guide: How to get a building permitCity of Portland, Portland Permitting & DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  53. Construction EnforcementMemphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  54. Building Permits - Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated October 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  55. Resources for HomeownersCity of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 8, 2026
  56. Permits - Department of Neighborhood ServicesCity of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 8, 2026
  57. PermitsCity of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  58. Express Permitting SystemCity of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  59. Planning & Development Services City of TucsonCity of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Checked November 7, 2026
  60. Remote Video Inspection City of TucsonCity of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Checked November 7, 2026
  61. Building & Safety ProcessCity of Fresno, Planning and Development Department, Building & Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  62. Permit ServicesCity of Sacramento, Community Development Department, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  63. Minor PermitsCity of Sacramento, Community Development Department, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  64. Online Permitting | Atlanta, GACity of Atlanta, Department of City PlanningChecked November 6, 2026
  65. Residential ConstructionCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  66. City Planning & Development DepartmentCity of Kansas City, MissouriChecked November 6, 2026
  67. Permit Portal: A Quick Reference GuideCity of Raleigh, Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  68. Homeowner Permit Information - PPRBDPikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)Checked November 7, 2026
  69. Building FAQsCity of Miami, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  70. Walk-Thru Express (Residential)City of Miami, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  71. Building Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  72. Online PermittingCity of Long Beach, Community Development Department, Building and Safety BureauChecked November 7, 2026
  73. Permit CenterCity of Long Beach, Community Development Department, Building and Safety BureauChecked November 7, 2026
  74. One-Stop Permit Center: In-Person & Online Services | City of Oakland, CACity of Oakland, Planning & Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  75. Rapid "Same-Day" Permits | City of Oakland, CACity of Oakland, Planning & Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  76. ProjectDox InstructionsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated July 1, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  77. Express Limited Permits for ContractorsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated August 3, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  78. Plans Review - City of TulsaCity of Tulsa, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  79. Construction ServicesCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated November 4, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  80. Construction Services FAQCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated September 21, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  81. Permit Applications & FormsCity of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  82. City of Aurora DIY & Do It Right Home Improvement Handbook (March 2019)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionPublished March 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  83. Step by Step Creating Over the Counter PermitsCity of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  84. Get a Building PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  85. Get permits without plans (EZ permits)City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  86. Express Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  87. Visit The PDC | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026