Any structure which is over 120 square feet, is 10 feet high or is attached to an existing structure requires a permit.  Any structural change to a residential structure, or any change to a commercial structure, also requires a building permit.

Any new installation or alteration to an existing plumbing system requires a permit.  The only exception is for minor maintenance.

Any new electrical service or wiring, and alterations to existing electrical systems, require permits.

Any new mechanical system that is to be permanently installed (chimneys or heating equipment, etc.) and changes to or replacements of existing systems requires permits.

A “two-story garage” is not a structure recognized under state building codes.  A second story over a garage must be classified and constructed under the rules regulating the use it most closely resembles.  In most cases, the classification will be residential.   The creation of a residential space above a garage may present a conflict with the zoning ordinance if there is already a dwelling on the property.

If a structure will be for sale, rent or lease, only a licensed electrical contractor may do the electrical wiring.  If the structure is not for sale, rent or lease, the owner of the building or equipment being wired may do the wiring.

The state requires that the permit be posted on the site.  County inspectors use the posted permit to verify that they are at the correct location, and to keep a field record of the completed inspections.

CDD’s orange address cards save valuable time for our field  staff by making it easier to spot and verify inspection sites.

Suppliers and contractors may be able to give general guidance about the codes.  But it is important to verify all such information with CDD as soon as possible.  Our state certified inspectors are the best source of information concerning code requirements.

Can I set the  time? After a building permit is issued and construction begins, several progress inspections are required.  When your construction is ready for an inspection, you can normally request an inspection for the next business day.  However, we cannot schedule a specific time of day for an inspection because of the unpredictability of the inspector’s field schedules.

A building is ready for final inspection when all work required for occupancy has been completed.

The field work for a final building inspection can be done before the septic system is finaled.  But the final building inspection, including necessary paperwork, is not completed until the septic has been completed and finaled.

An inspector may enter a vacant (empty) building without the owner being present.  However, if the building is occupied, there must be an adult present during the inspection.

That depends on zoning and the type of development you are proposing.  Coordinated Services and Planning staff will look at your lot on a zoning map to determine if any land use applications are required.  When land use questions have been resolved, construction and septic permits can be issued.

A plot plan is required to provide CDD with essential information.  We must assure that setbacks from property lines and the existence and relative positions of structures such as buildings, septic systems and wells comply  with state and county standards.

No.  With very limited exceptions, state law does not allow CDD to issue building permits without an approved site evaluation.  Generally, a lot is not buildable until we know that a septic system is feasible on the lot.