Where permits come from and how to find yours
Your permit comes from your city or county, not from a state office. The department that issues permits varies by location — it might be called the Building Department, Planning and Zoning, Development Services, or Public Works — but they all do the same job: they check that your project meets local codes and issue the paperwork you need before work starts.
The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your city name] building permit" or "[your county name] building permit" online. Most cities now have a permit portal where you can see what permits exist, read applications, and sometimes submit them without visiting in person. If your city doesn't have an online system, call the main city or county number and ask for the building or planning department.
Some permits are issued at the city level, some at the county level, and some require both. A small kitchen renovation usually needs only a city permit. A septic system or well usually needs a county permit. A major addition might need both. The department you contact first will tell you if you need to go elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Your city or county building department issues permits, not a state agency, and most now have online portals where you can read applications and check status.
- Search "[your city] building permit" to find the right office; if your city has no online system, call the main city or county number and ask for building or planning.
- Some projects need only a city permit, some need only a county permit, and some need both — the first office you contact will direct you to the others if needed.
- You will need to show proof of ownership, a detailed plan of the work, and proof that any contractor you hire is licensed in your state.
City versus county: which office handles your project
City permits cover work inside city limits: interior renovations, additions to houses, new decks, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC systems, and most roofing. You explore at your city's building or planning department, usually online or in person at their office.
County permits cover work outside city limits and certain systems that cross property lines: septic systems, wells, large agricultural structures, and sometimes land clearing. If your address is outside any city boundary, you explore to the county. If you are inside a city but your septic or well needs a permit, the county issues it even though the city issues your building permit.
If you are unsure whether your address is in the city or county, the city building department can tell you in one call. They will also tell you if your project needs a county permit in addition to theirs.
How to find your city or county building department online
Most cities and counties now have a permit portal on their website. Search "[city name] permit portal" or "[city name] building permits online" to find it. The portal usually shows what types of permits exist, lets you read blank applications, and may let you submit applications and track their status without visiting the office.
If your city has no online portal, go to the city's main website and look for a link to "Building," "Planning," "Development Services," or "Public Works." Click through to find the permit office's phone number and address. Call and ask what documents you need and whether you can submit them by mail or email, or whether you must come in person.
County permit offices work the same way. Search "[county name] building permits" or "[county name] permit portal" to find the office and its process process.
What documents you will need to bring or submit
Every permit office asks for proof that you own the property or have the owner's permission to do the work. Bring a copy of your deed, a recent property tax bill, or a letter from the owner giving you permission. If you are the owner, a deed or tax bill is usually enough.
You will also need a detailed plan of the work. For small projects like a deck or a bathroom renovation, a hand-drawn sketch with measurements is often acceptable. For larger projects like an addition or a new house, you may need a plan drawn by an architect or engineer. The permit office's website or process form will say what level of detail they require.
If you are hiring a contractor, bring proof that they are licensed in your state. Ask the contractor for their license number and verification that it is current. Some states require contractors to carry liability insurance; ask the permit office whether yours does and request proof from the contractor before work starts.
Fees and how long permits take
Permit fees vary widely by location and project size. A small interior renovation might cost $50 to $200. A major addition or new house can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. The fee is usually based on the estimated cost of the work or the square footage involved. The permit office's website or process form will show the fee schedule for your area.
Processing time also varies. straightforward permits like a deck or a roof replacement often take one to two weeks. More complex projects like an addition or a new septic system can take four to eight weeks or longer if the office asks for revisions to your plan. During busy seasons, processing can take longer. Ask the permit office for an estimate when you submit your process.
Some permit offices charge a rush fee if you need the permit faster. Ask whether this option exists and what it costs.
What happens after you get your permit
Once you have your permit, you can start work. Keep the permit posted visibly at the job site — usually on a window or the front door. The permit office will send an inspector to check the work at certain stages: after the foundation is poured, after framing is done, after electrical and plumbing rough-ins are complete, and after everything is finished. You must pass each inspection before moving to the next stage.
When the work is done, call the permit office to request a final inspection. Once the inspector approves the finished work, you receive a certificate of completion or occupancy. Keep this document — you may need it to sell the house, to file an insurance claim, or to prove the work was done legally if a future buyer asks.
If your city or county has no online system
Some smaller towns and rural counties do not have online permit portals. If this is your situation, call the building or planning department during business hours and ask what documents you need to mail or bring in person. Ask whether they accept email submissions or whether you must visit the office.
Many offices will mail you an process form if you call and ask. Fill it out, gather your documents, and mail everything together with a check for the permit fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the office to mail your permit back to you, or ask whether you can pick it up in person.
If the office is far away, ask whether a contractor or architect in your area can submit the process on your behalf. Many contractors handle permit applications as part of their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start work before my permit is approved?
No. Work done without a permit is illegal and can result in fines, forced removal of the work, or problems when you sell the house. If you have already started work without a permit, stop and contact the permit office when ready. Some offices allow you to explore retroactively, though you may face penalties.
What if I don't know what type of permit I need?
Call your city or county building department and describe the work. They will tell you what permit or permits you need and what documents to submit. This conversation is free and usually takes five to ten minutes.
Do I need a permit for small repairs like replacing a roof or fixing plumbing?
It depends on your location and the scope of the work. Replacing a roof usually requires a permit. Fixing a leaking pipe usually does not. Call your building department and describe the work; they will tell you whether a permit is required.
What if the permit office asks for changes to my plan?
This is normal. Revise your plan according to their comments, resubmit it, and they will review it again. This back-and-forth can add one to three weeks to the process. Ask the office how many rounds of revision are typical for your type of project.
Can I hire someone without a license to do the work?
The permit office will not issue a permit if the contractor is not licensed, or they may issue it but require a licensed contractor to oversee the work. Check your state's licensing requirements before hiring anyone. Unlicensed work can void your homeowner's insurance and create liability if someone is injured.