What construction projects require development permits?

A development permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit.

Listed are some typical projects and whether they require a permit:

Projects that REQUIRE a permit

• Building a new house, garage, or shed.
• Building an addition to an existing house or garage.
• Completing interior renovations that alter the structure of a building.
• Moving or relocating a building or mobile home onto a lot.
• Constructing a fence exceeding 1.2 m (4 ft) in height in a front yard.
• Constructing a fence exceeding 2.0 m (6.5 ft) in height anywhere on the property.
• Installing a shipping container on a property, unless it has already been approved as part of the development or building process.
• Installing an in-ground or other permanent outdoor swimming pool.
• Installing solar collectors on a property.

Projects that typically DO NOT REQUIRE a permit

• Cosmetic interior renovations that do not involve structural changes.
• Minor exterior repairs, such as replacing siding, shingles, or eavestroughs, where no structural changes are made.
• Backyard play structures.
• Temporary above-ground hot tubs and swimming pools.
• Planting trees, shrubs, or other landscaping plants.