Building Permits Law and Legal Definition
The building permit application and review process ensures that the plans for construction comply with the local area's land use and construction standards. Specific building code issues include appropriate zoning, structural integrity, proper exiting, fire resistance, sanitation and other health concerns, tapping into water and sewer lines, the extension of electrical service, industrial waste review for commercial buildings etc. Specific aspects of building plan review may include building, plumbing, electrical, fire, health, mechanical, energy code and zoning reviews.
If you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion or tenant space within the structure, you may be required to obtain local permits and a site plan approval or site plan exemption. Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits, or others:
- building
- electrical
- mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
- plumbing
- concrete(sidewalks and driveways in the public right-of-way)
- development(site plan or site plan exemption)
Specific requirements and applicable codes vary by area. Local laws should be consulted for specific requirements in your area.
