Residential Projects

If you're a homeowner or property owner, here's a partial list of common improvement projects that require permits and, in some instances, plans. Please review the Work Exempt from Permit document for a comprehensive list.

• All new residential buildings, including detached structures larger than 200 square feet
• Electrical updates, rewiring and additions
• Porch and carport enclosures
• Patio covers
• Room additions
• Plumbing - permits are required to move or add sinks, toilets and tubs
• Wall removals
• Projects that include gas line modifications
• DIY electric water heater replacements (no permit is required if you use a licensed contractor)
• Fences taller than three feet
• Ceiling fans (to replace an existing light fixture or installing new wiring)

Home improvement projects that do NOT require a permit:

• Painting
• Flooring - adding or replacing carpet, tile or other flooring
• Plumbing - replacing existing fixtures and existing landscape irrigation
• Air conditioner repairs or replacements that don't increase size and capacity or change location
• Minor repairs of "non structural" elements such as glass, wood trim, hardware, kitchen cabinets
• Kitchens –replacing cabinets and fixtures in existing locations with no new electrical or structural changes
• Water heater replacements completed by a licensed contractor