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*What is the purpose of a building permit?
Building permits are a requirement of the state building code. Most building permits are issued by local units of government, such as city, county, or township. The issuance of building permits help these local units of government keep track of construction activity in their areas. By issuing building permits, these local units of government can also be sure that the buildings being constructed, are meeting the minimum requirements of the state building code, thereby providing safe buildings in their communities.
*What is the permit process?
The permit process includes all the steps required for a building permit to be issued. These include application for the permit, processing of the application and all other paperwork required a review of the submitted plans, payment for the permit, and finally, the issuance of the permit.
*Can I apply for a building permit if the property is not in my name?
The building permit can be applied for, by the property owner, the building contractor, the architect, or anyone authorized to act as a representative of the property owner. Typically the permit is issued to either, the property owner or the building contractor.
*How long does it take to get a building permit? Typically it takes about 2 weeks for a building permit to be issued, depending on the time of the year that an application is submitted. During the busier times of the year, it may take slightly longer. This time allows for the processing of all the information submitted, requests for any other information not submitted, obtaining all other required permits, and the issuance of the permit.
*How much will the permit cost me?
The permit fee is based on a few things. These include the use of the building, the type of building being constructed, the size of the building and the value of the building when completed. Permit fees are typically calculated using a formula of square footage multiplied by an average cost per square foot for construction.
*When do I need a plumbing permit?
Any work that results in the alteration or disassembly of existing drain, waste, vent and water distribution piping would require a permit or any work that involves the alteration of a plumbing fixture. Exception: Drain cleaning, repair or replacement of faucets and toilets.
*Are mechanical permits required?
Except for replacement of minor parts, mechanical work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency. Permits are not required for portable equipment (heating, ventilation, cooling units, evaporative cooler, gas burners with less than 30,000 Btu/hr), self-contained refrigeration equipment and window-type air conditioners of not more than 1.5 hp, and oil burners not requiring connection to a flue (oil stoves, heaters equipped with wick). A mechanical permit is not required for the installation of a boiler or pressure vessel if a permit is required by the Boiler Law, Act No. 290, P.A. 1965, as amended. A mechanical permit is required for the installation of a boiler in a private residence or in an apartment building with a capacity of less than six families.
*What happens if I start my project before I obtain a building permit?
When the Building Dept. discovers a building project that has been started without a permit, we first make an attempt at contacting the property owner, in writing, to inform them that a permit is required for their project. If the required permit is still not applied for, a second violation letter is sent. If we still get no response a "Stop Work Order" is posted. If the "Stop Work Order is ignored, and no permit is applied for, civil citations and/or prosecution would be the next steps taken.
*Are there any papers I need to bring with me when I apply for a permit?
Building projects require approval from other government offices as well. When you apply for your building permit, approval from the Health Dept., the Zoning Dept., and a driveway permit from the Road Commission may also be required. If your project is located near the water or sand dunes, a Soil and Erosion permit may also be required. 2 sets of plans for your project, including a site plan, also need to be submitted. 1 set of plans is placed in the job file, while the other set is returned to the permit holder, along with the building permit, and depending on the project, a plan review may also be included. The plan review will note certain code requirements, that may not have been noted on the plans. If your project involves the use of engineered trusses, you will eventually be asked for a set of truss specs. These truss specs show how the truss company engineered your particular set of trusses. The building dept. requires a set of these truss specs to be a permanent part of the job file. For manufactured and pre-manufactured homes, a foundation plan, building systems approval report, and tie down specifications, (all of which are available from the building manufacturer) are required as well. Any paperwork required for a permit, that is not submitted with the application, will be requested, and must be submitted, prior to the issuance of the building permit.
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