At Permit Resources, we can help expedite any residential building permits needed for significant residential projects. We work with both property owners and architects to uphold the same high-quality standards that we apply to commercial projects.
Here are some common questions answered on what you do need a building permit for:
Aside from ensuring any changes to your residential property are completely legal, when proper building codes are not followed and permits not obtained, it could greatly diminish the investment value of the residence. What’s more, when selling a home that has not acquired necessary permits, it could cost more money in the end as the structure/addition must have legal renovations made or be torn down.
Typically small structures like sheds and playhouses are exempt from building permits; however, if you plan to have an electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment in these structures, then those will require permits. Also, your shed will likely need to follow certain property codes, for example, if the shed is located too close to the property line. 
Whether you need a permit to build a deck depends on the size of the deck. Different municipal areas are different, but as a rule of thumb, you will need a building permit for anything that is more than 30 inches off the ground. In addition, anything meeting this standard will typically also require railings. 
In almost all renovation cases, a building permit or other type of approval will be required. Of course, the exact procedure will vary depending on your governing authority. Things like replacing or knocking down walls or other cosmetic changes will likely need a permit.
Here are some types of projects that will require a permit:
– Home additions like bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, etc.
– Residential add-ons like garages, decks, fireplaces, water heaters, etc.
– Renovations like garage and basement conversions, re-roofing, and kitchen makeovers, etc.
– HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) systems
– Electrical and plumbing systems
Building a pool will most certainly require a permit, it’s just a question of how many permits and if there is an added cost (for example, if you live in a historic neighborhood). The types and number of permits you will need largely depends on where you live and the requirements there. 
Permits will likely be required if you plan on building a tiny house on residential property. The question is what the intended use for the tiny house will be because permits you need vary depending on this. For example, whether the tiny house will be used as a separate rental unit or used for private purposes like a studio or playhouse.
At Permit Resources Inc., we primarily handle the permitting process in the Western United States. Any residential project may involve a number of agencies, such as:
- California Coastal Commission
- Municipal agencies (particularly for hillside areas)
- Geotechnical research and submittals
- Residential planning
- City and council clearances
Luckily, we maintain good relationships with many of those agencies. Contact us and we’ll handle off of the processing from conception to completion.
I am glad that you explained that a lot of building permits are required in order to add a pool to your house. I want to put an inground pool in my backyard but I wasn’t sure if I needed a permit or not considering it is my property. I will consult with a contractor about building a pool and see if they can help me with getting the building approvals.
Hi David,
I hope you installed a pool last year and are enjoying it now during the “stay at home” if possible order.
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