What usually needs a permit
- Moving or adding plumbing, gas, or electrical.
- Removing or altering walls, especially load-bearing ones.
- Additions, second stories, and ADUs.
- New windows or doors in new openings, and many HVAC changes.
Cosmetic work (paint, flooring, swapping a faucet or cabinet doors) often doesn't, but rules vary.
Who pulls the permit
Usually the licensed contractor doing the work. Be cautious if a contractor asks you to pull permits as the owner for work they're doing; that can shift responsibility to you.
Inspections
Permitted work is inspected at stages, such as rough plumbing and electrical before walls close, and a final. Schedules depend on the jurisdiction.
Where to find your permit office
Suburbs and unincorporated areas have their own offices; the core city's office only covers the city. Our area guides link the official office for each core city, for example the Houston Permitting Center, the Chicago Department of Buildings, and Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement for Charlotte.
HOAs and historic districts
HOAs often approve additions and exterior changes, and historic districts may review exterior work. Check before you design.
Sources
- Houston Permitting Center (City of Houston)
- City of Chicago Department of Buildings
- Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (permits and inspections)