Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

Work Exempt From Permit

Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building

• Residential: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Commercial: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high, except fencing at multi-family residential complexes
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, provided the wall is set back from any adjacent property lines or structures a distance at least equal to the height of the wall and the material retained slopes 1 vertical to 2 horizontal (or less) up and away from the wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route. Note: There is no exception for decks
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single-family dwelling or duplex, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support on single-family dwellings and duplexes, and utility structures such as private garages and barns
• Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height