Guides

• What happens if you build without a permit?
  What official city sources say about work done without a permit: investigation fees, double fees, after-the-fact permits and opening up finished work.
• How to apply for a building permit
  How to apply for a residential building permit, with official application links for 25 US cities and what their building departments require.
• Building permit myths, checked against official rules
  Common building permit myths about sheds, fences, roofs and water heaters, checked against official city sources.

Do I need a permit for…?

• Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion?
• Do I need a permit to build a deck?
• Do I need a permit for a driveway or patio?
• Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel?
• Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
• Do I need a permit to build a fence?
• Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace?
• Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
• Do I need a permit for a pool or hot tub?
• Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
• Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
• Do I need a permit for a shed?
• Do I need a permit to replace siding?
• Do I need a permit for solar panels?
• Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
• Do I need a permit to replace windows or doors?

Permit fees by city

• Austin, TX
• Charlotte, NC
• Columbus, OH
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Houston, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Phoenix, AZ
• San Antonio, TX
• Seattle, WA