Building

The Building Department was created to administer and enforce building codes and ordinances established by both City and State agencies.  Building codes provide safeguards in providing minimum standards for the protection of life, limb, health, environment, public safety and welfare, and for the conservation of energy in the design and construction of buildings and structures.  Whether in our homes, offices, schools, factories or places of entertainment, we rely on the safety of structures that surround us in everyday living.

The Permit Process

1. Talk to Us! Our staff wants your project to be a success. We will ask you some simple questions and help you avoid problems that can save you time and money.  We will provide you with the resources necessary to complete your permit.
2. Submit Building Permit Application. At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, Where and How” of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work.
3. Review Process. Most permit application submittals are reviewed over the counter; however larger projects can take up to a week. The Building Department will make sure all the paper work is complete and issue your permit. If it’s not, we will help you by making suggestions to fix the issue.
4. Receive Permit. Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction.  Fee(s) based on the total square footage of the project, are collected to cover the cost of the application, plan review and inspection process. 
5. Job Site Visits. On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, city and state codes, and your construction plans. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the inspector to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project, and to minimize potentially costly mistakes. The inspector will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. 
6. Final Approval. Depending on the scope of the project, the Building Department will provide a Certificate of Occupancy when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. Enjoy your new surroundings with the peace of mind and the knowledge that the City is helping to ensure that they meet the safety standards in your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Projects that Require Permits

• Building Additions
• Remodel
• New Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Structures
• Demolition
• Excavation (any work affecting city streets and or public right-of-way)
• Decks, Gazebos, Pergolas
• Fence
• Signs:
  • Permanent (business signage)
  • Temporary (Garage sale, special events)
• Storage Sheds
• Swimming Pools (in-ground and above-ground)
• Electrical (temporary service,permanent service and inside wiring)
• Plumbing
• Sewer Connection & Tap
• Water Connection, Meter & Tap
• Lawn Irrigation Meters
• Foundation
• Fire Suppression (fire sprinkler systems)
• Special Water and Sanitary Sewer Assessments