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Why and When Do I Need a Permit?

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1. Why do I need a permit?

Very simply, "for your own protection." A permit guarantees the work will be inspected by the city. The inspector may discover shoddy work, faulty materials, deviations from approved plans, and violations of the code that may result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you and your family. It is a violation of city ordinance not to have a permit when the work being performed requires one to be issued. Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in prosecution with a fine of up to $500 plus court costs.

2. When do I need a permit?

Generally, a building permit is required when any structural change, major alteration, or renovation is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal maintenance does not require a permit in most instances. Separate permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are required when applicable. You generally do not need a permit if you are doing: Minor tuckpointing, repairing plaster, painting, replacing gutters and downspouts, siding, replacing doors and windows, repairing or replacing sidewalks and driveways within the property line, and replacing shingles/roof surface materials. You generally do need a permit if you are:

Constructing, enlarging, moving, removing, or demolishing a structure

Repairing fire, tornado, flood or earthquake damage

Repairing, cutting, removing or replacing any structural or bearing support (i.e. cutting away any wall or partition, or boarding up or otherwise closing an exterior wall opening)

Installing dropped ceilings or creating concealed spaces

Installing combustible wall paneling

Installing protective bars or grills on windows or doors

Altering, replacing or relocating any equipment which is regulated or required by code

Adding to, altering, replacing or relocating any sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, standpipe, fire suppression, water supply or similar piping, as well as any electrical, mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety

FENCES: A building permit shall be required for the erection of a new fence, a replacement fence or replacement of a section of a fence that is greater than ten feet in length. Minor repairs to sections of existing fences less than ten feet in length shall be considered minor repairs and shall not require permits.

3. How far in advance do I need to apply for various permits?

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits require two working days lead time. Building permits require seven to ten working days lead time for plan review in order to verify that the proposed project is designed in compliance with the code. When applying for a building permit two copies of detailed plans must be submitted which clearly indicate what work is to be done. When applying for permits to do construction work on multi-family, commercial or industrial buildings, all construction drawings must bear the original seal and signature of an architect or engineer registered in the state of Missouri. Also, two copies of a site plan are required, drawn to scale, showing distances from the closest point of the new structure to all property lines and to all other structures on the property.