Any person who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure is required to first make application to the Building Inspections office. In some cases, the requirement for a building permit can be waived by the building official, after review of the application.
The following types of work may be provided an exemption from the requirement for a building permit, when associated with an approved zoning plans review:
1. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
2. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
3. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
4. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
5. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
6. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
7. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
8. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
9. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.