Project guides
What are you planning?
Start with the type of work, then check the local rule for your municipality.
Choose a project
Deck permitsDeck permit rules are local. Height, attachment, size and whether the deck is covered are common things cities look at.→Shed permitsSmall sheds can be exempt from a building permit in some cities, but size, height, location, use and servicing still matter.→Basement renovation permitsPainting and flooring are different from adding bedrooms, plumbing, walls or a second dwelling unit. The scope of the renovation matters.→Secondary suite and ADU permitsAdding another dwelling unit usually involves more than one rule: building safety, zoning, fire separation, exits and services can all matter.→Home addition permitsAn addition usually needs municipal review. Zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, structure and servicing are common parts of the application.→Interior renovation permitsCosmetic work is often treated differently from moving walls, changing plumbing, altering exits or changing how a room is used.→Structural wall permitsRemoving or opening a load-bearing wall is usually permit work and may require structural design before demolition starts.→Pool and hot tub permitsPool and hot tub rules often involve barriers, setbacks, grading and electrical safety as well as the building department.→Garage and carport permitsDetached garages, attached garages and carports can follow different building and zoning rules.→Plumbing, electrical and HVAC permitsElectrical, gas, plumbing and mechanical work may need separate permits, sometimes from an authority other than the city.→Fence and retaining wall rulesFences are often handled through zoning or bylaws, while taller retaining walls can trigger building permits or engineering.→Demolition permitsDemolition can require its own permit, utility clearances and site-safety steps before work begins.→
Already know your city?
Go straight to the municipal guide for local permit rules and official sources.