Homeowners intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a structure must first apply for a building permit before starting work. This includes roofing and siding also. A permit is also required to enlarge, alter, install, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.

Types of work exempt from permit requirements are:

• One story detached accessory structure if the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• A fence that is not more than 6 feet high
• A retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• A water tank supported directly upon grade if the capacity is not more than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of the height to diameter or width is not greater than 2 to 1
• A sidewalk or driveway that is not more than 30 inches above the adjacent grade and is not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work
• A prefabricated swimming pool that is less than 24 inches deep
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a 1 or 2 family dwelling
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support