First, the frustrating part. There’s only a general rule about building permits. That’s because this written authorization varies. What doesn’t change, though, is the reason why you need one. A building permit ensures that your structure will be completed in compliance with your local building, construction, and zoning codes.
The good news is that most of these building and construction codes are universal. Codes that impact you are easy to find. Just head to this website. You’ll find what you need broken out by types of construction, as well as by state.
Generally, When You Need a Permit
Not all types of construction needs a permit, and one of the reasons these requirements vary has to do with what Mother Nature contributes. For example, in rural California areas prone to forest fires you may need to abide by additional fireproofing codes. Meanwhile, in coastal areas like Florida or the Gulf areas of Texas, you’ll find more codes that are focused on heat or humidity, as well as wind from potential hurricanes.
Don’t Hesitate
The only way to be sure about building permits is to consult your local building and permit office. Most of this information is easy to find online. Even so, you’re likely to have questions. Sure, there are plenty of stories floating around about horrible experiences – but the truth is that the people who staff your local building department are experts on what’s required. It’s their job to help you understand what you need. You might be surprised by how helpful they can be if you decide to pay them a visit in person.
When in Doubt
One of the top reasons Miracle Truss® is preferred by a growing number of property owners is that our prefabricated building kits are made for the do-it-yourselfer. You can hire a contractor – in which case they would be responsible to obtain all the necessary permits before putting up the building.
That job will fall on your shoulders if you plan to do it yourself. Don’t skip this step. The local municipality responsible for building permits might require you to dismantle the building. There can even be heavy and expensive fines involved.
Structures without building permits continue to be a liability. If you decide to sell your property, the buyer’s inspection could uncover this unpermitted building. In some cases, this could terminate the transaction. If there’s damage to an unpermitted building, your insurer can decline to cover repairs.
All of these nightmare scenarios are avoidable if you do your homework beforehand and make sure you have all required permits. We’ll help you, as well. One of the reasons why we ask where you’ll put up the building and what it’ll be used for is so we can provide you with the appropriate engineer-stamped drawings that will help to streamline the building permit. Find out more by requesting free information.
