When Is a Permit Required?
A permit is required for the following project categories. When you apply for a permit, remember you will also need an inspection. If you need a permit, then you will need an inspection, whether it is for commercial building, site road development or a homeowner permit.
The four project categories below cover general homeowner types of permits.
Project Categories
The projects listed below are grouped into four general categories:
- Accessory Buildings (includes sheds);
- Home Improvement and Repair Projects;
- Appliance Installations (includes replacements); and
- Miscellaneous.
Type of Permit and Symbols
The symbols listed below appear in the permit/plans column to indicate the type of permit required. The symbols denote:
- B — Building Permit
- E — Electrical Permit
- M — Mechanical Permit
- P — Plumbing and Gasfitting Permit Issued by Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
- G — Grading Permit
- N — No Permit or Plans Required
- Y — Plans Required
| 1. Accessory Buildings | Permit | Plans |
| Build shed that is more than 150 square feet | B | Y |
| Build storage shed that is 150 square feet or less (only one allowed per lot without permit) | N | N |
| Any shed that is attached to a building or carport | B | Y |
| Build farm building (on farm property, agricultural use only) | E* | N |
*Electrical and Mechanical Contractors License required to obtain electrical and mechanical trade permits.
| 2. Home Improvement and Repair Projects | Permit | Plans |
| Install exterior siding | N | N |
| Replace roof shingles (no structural repair involved) | N | N |
| Replace roof sheathing | B | Y |
| Panel interior walls without partitions | N | N |
| Put up partitions and finish rec room (electric/plumbing, separate permits required) | B | Y |
| Exact window and/or door replacement (no structural alteration) | N | N |
| Install prefabricated fireplace | B | Y |
| Build masonry chimney for stove | B | Y |
| Build masonry fireplace | B | Y |
| Construct entrance way/area way into basement | B | Y |
| Construct, dig or enlarge a basement under existing dwelling | B | Y |
| Driveways and paving | B | Y |
| Foundation waterproofing | B | Y |
| Build patio less than 500 square feet on grade (no steps; cannot be used to park vehicles) | N | N |
| Build above-grade patio | B | Y |
| Build patio covers | B | Y |
| Replace or install carpeting | N | N |
| Painting | N | N |
| Replace or install kitchen counter or bathroom counter | N | N |
| Replace interior or exterior door | N | N |
| Enclose carpet | B | Y |
| Build or replace porch or deck | B | Y |
| Relocate stairs | B | Y |
| Pier | B, G | Y |
| Bulkhead | B, G | Y |
| Boathouse | B | Y |
| Mooring pile | B, G | Y |
| Boat lift | B | Y |
| Build dormers | B | Y |
| Install a hardwood or asphalt tile floor on a subfloor | N | N |
| Install kitchen cabinets | N | N |
| Replace switch plates | N | N |
| Replace electrical wiring | E* | N |
| Relocate switches, outlets, lighting fixtures and sub-panels | E* | N |
| Relocate service entrance cable or change the size of service | E* | N |
| Install smoke detectors (if connected to house wiring) | E* | N |
| Replace circuit breakers | E* | N |
| Replace kitchen stove exhaust | E* | N |
*Electrical and Mechanical Contractors License required to obtain electrical and mechanical trade permits.
| 3. Appliance Installations | Permit | Plans |
| Install electric air conditioning** | E, M* | N |
| Install gas air condition | M, P* | N |
| Install heat pump | E, M* | N |
| Install well-water pump | E* | N |
| Install humidifier | E* | N |
| Install boiler (gas, oil, etc.) | E, M, P* | N |
| Install portable cooling unit (i.e., window A/C)** | N | N |
| Install electronic air cleaner | E* | N |
| Install attic fan | E* | N |
| Install oil furnace | E, M* | N |
| Install gas furnace | E, M, P* | N |
| Install electric furnace | E* | N |
*Electrical and Mechanical Contractors License required to obtain electrical and mechanical trade permits.
**Cord and plug connection does not require permit.
| 4. Miscellaneous | Permit | Plans |
| Build retaining walls (over 2 feet high) | B | Y |
| Build brick or block privacy wall (over 4 feet high) | B | Y |
| Install hot tub/spa/pool | B, E* | Y |
| Construct fences (over 4 feet high/6 feet limit) | B | Y |
| Install outdoor gas barbecue (if served by Washington Gas Light Co.) | P | N |
| Install swimming pool (if connected to WSSC, permit required) | B, E* | Y |
| Install solar heating system | M, B, E* | N |
| Erect freestanding radio or TV antenna or satellite dish 18 inches or more in diameter | B, E* | Y |
| Demolish building (RAZE Permit) | B, P** | N |
*Electrical and Mechanical Contractors License required to obtain electrical and mechanical trade permits.
**Requires disconnect letters from all utility companies.