What is a building permit, and who needs one?

Two men at a building construction site look at a building permit on a laptop.

Make sure your construction or renovation project is legal and approved with an appropriate building permit.

To build anything, you need the correct permit. Navigating the jungle of construction licenses and approvals without knowing what you need can be challenging. What is a building permit, exactly? Here, we explain what it is and when you should get one.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is an official approval to construct a new building or expand or remodel an existing one. Its purpose is to ensure that the construction project follows all relevant regulations, including building standards, land use, and environmental protection.

Building permits are often required for projects that require an inspector and when safety is a concern. Plumbing, structural work, and electrical wiring are projects that require a building permit.

Different types of building permits.

The type of building permit(s) you may need for a new build or project will depend on the work being constructed or updated. Learn more about different types of building permits:

Structural permit. A structural permit is needed for new builds, such as a home, an entire neighborhood, or a shopping plaza. This permit typically includes site plans, floor plans, foundation plans, and more.
Mechanical permit. This permit is needed for heating, cooling, or ductwork projects.
Plumbing permit. Projects that involve piping, such as bathrooms or kitchens, will need this permit. If you’re looking to turn a space in your home into an additional bathroom, be sure to obtain a plumbing permit since you’ll be adding sewer and water lines.
Electrical permit. This permit is needed when updating or adding new electrical features in a building, such as lighting and transformers. For example, a restaurant looking to add light features to an outdoor dining space would need an electrical permit to ensure the project is safe and up to code.
Conditional use permit. This permit may be required to navigate specific zoning requirements.

What are building permits required for?

Not every minor renovation needs a building permit. Simple projects, like replacing the front stairs of your house, can often be done without one.

However, any project involving significant changes to a building’s structure or the construction of new buildings needs a permit. The requirements and standards vary from location to location, so you should always contact your local building office before you start any construction. If you work with a professional contractor, they’ll usually handle the permits for you.

Where to get a building permit.

You usually get a building permit from the local government or other regional regulatory body. This organization might be your city or town council, but it could also be a larger local agency, like the county government. The easiest way to find out who grants building permits in your area is to do a quick internet search.

You should also check what kind of permit your project needs. For example, specific permits may be required for water lines, zoning, and electrical work. Gather any necessary paperwork and information for your building permit application.

Typical steps to get a building permit are:

Complete a permit application
Prepare a site or project plan
Receive approval and get the permit
Schedule inspections once the project is near completion
Gain final approval from your local government

So, what happens if you build without a permit?

Now that you know the answer to “What is a building permit?” you might wonder what happens if you build without one.

Violating building permit laws varies by state, but you’ll be subject to daily fines if you build or start a project without a permit. Your project cannot proceed until the penalties are paid and a building permit is obtained.

If you do not have a building permit, the local government may order your project to be demolished. Check your local state and city laws for information specific to your location.

Sign building permits electronically.

Electronic signatures make it fast and easy to sign your building permit or construction contract. Acrobat Acrobat lets you share PDF documents, request signatures, and track the process with just a few mouse clicks.