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Before the permit expires, you must submit a Permit Extension Request Form (Issued Permits only) or a Permit Application Extension Request Form (Pending Permits only) to the Building Official with specific details as to why an extension is necessary. A fee is required for all permit extensions (minimum of $50.00) approved by the Building Official. Permit Extension forms can be accessed under the Documents section of our website.
Residential permits are usually approved within 2-4 business days. Simple permits such as a residential fence or re-roof are issued over-the-counter on the same day. Depending on permit type, your permit may require review by departments other than Building such as Zoning, Engineering, Environmental Health, Planning, and Public Safety. Due to size and additional requirements for Commercial structures, there is a longer approval time for these permits. If any corrections are required to the plans, the approval process will be longer and additional fees may be incurred.
If you have an approximate address (the block range, i.e., 1200-1300 Block XYZ Street) it is possible for the Planning Office to research projects currently under review or recently approved for that location. Contact the Planning Office by clicking here for their office and phone information. Once building construction has begun, the Building Office can provide more detailed information about residential and commercial permits, including the contractor(s) and owner of the property, size of the structure, etc. Contact Permitting by clicking here for the Building Office's phone and location information.
Any owner, licensed contractor or authorized agent may bring in the permit application or pick up the permit, but only the applicant (licensed contractor or owner) may sign the permit application. If the applicant (licensed contractor or owner) does not submit the permit application in person, his/her signature must be notarized on the application form. Permit applications by a licensed contractor must be signed by the license holder; no one else may accept responsibility for the work being permitted.
A building permit protects the public by ensuring standard methods and materials are used in construction, that qualified people perform the work, and that the work is verified through inspections at various stages through completion. Permit records, including approved plans and inspections are maintained by the Building Office for the life of the building.
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