Engineering Department

A permit is required before beginning to construct a house or any building or structure of any kind, or enlarge, alter, repair, remodel, improve, rehabilitate, move, raze, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or a portion of it. A separate demolition permit is required before demolition of any building or portion thereof.

Also, a permit is required for the following items: additions, carports, change of occupancy, commercial construction (i.e. apartments, condos, churches, businesses, restaurants), cooling systems, commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, decks, electrical work, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, garages, interior alterations, manufactured home installations, modular home installations, moving buildings, plumbing, remodeling, roofing (including re-shingling), sewer tap-ins, single family dwellings, storage building (with or without a permanent foundation), swimming pools, and towers.

Building permits are not required for door replacement, window replacement, spouting and gutters, interior and exterior painting, insulation, sealing of bricks, flooring, repair of decks, porches or steps, and driveway resurfacing.

All new fence installations require a permit. Fence placement regulations vary by the size of the fence and if it is next to an alley. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements.:

A fence may be placed on the property line provided you have a written agreement with your neighbor and that agreement is submitted with your permit application to the Engineering & Zoning Office.

All new structures require a building and a zoning permit. Placement of the shed varies according to the development standards of each zoning district. No shed may be placed on a vacant residential lot without the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements

Yes, all new structures require a building and a zoning permit. Placement of the patio varies according to the development standards of each zoning district. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements.

Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs containing water more than 24 inches in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least 48 inches in height with an operable gate and lock. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs shall not be located in any front yard. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable cover shall be exempt from the above requirements. All new swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs require a zoning and building permit prior to installation.

New driveway installations require a permit. The driveway cannot be placed closer than three feet to a side property line. The apron material must be constructed of Portland cement from the street to the right-of-way line. The cost for a new driveway permit is two dollars per linear foot as measured along the street. Residential, commercial, and industrial driveways all have specific requirements. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements.

If you are replacing the shingles you only need a building permit. If you are making any structural repairs you need a building and a zoning permit.

Yes, all new structures require a building and a zoning permit. Placement of the deck varies according to the development standards of each zoning district. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements.

Yes, all new structures require a building and a zoning permit. Placement of the handicap ramp varies according to the development standards of each zoning district. Handicap ramps in residential areas, otherwise not in compliance with the zoning regulations, may be approved by the Zoning Inspector in cases of exceptional physical conditions on a case by case basis.

For simple projects such as a residential fence or patio, a general site plan showing the project area with lot lines will be sufficient. Larger projects may require full engineered drawings. Please contact the Engineering & Zoning Office for requirements.

Fill out an application and bring your drawings or sketch of your project to the Engineering & Zoning Office during regular business hours for approval. If you need assistance filling out your application, we will be glad help you.

You will be glad to know that most permits are approved the same day as they are submitted provided a registered contractor is used and the project meets the development standards for the zoning district where it is located. Larger projects may take up to 30 days for approval.

Please go to this link for a list of permit fees.

Failure to obtain required permits is a misdemeanor and punishable by fines as much as $500.00 per day, every day the violation persists.

Building permits are valid for six months after the date of issue, and zoning permits are valid for one year after the date of issue.