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You’ve chosen. You’ve showed your family. You ordered it. You love it.
However, does your local government office like it too?
You should make sure if a permit is required for your building. The unit must follow your state’s building code in order for you to receive a permit.
But why are they required?
Building codes are a set of rules that specify minimum standards for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. They are to guarantee that the public and your home is protected from unpredicted accidents such as fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. If your structure met the rules, then a building permit is granted. These permits are issued by your local city’s planning department, which are needed for generally any structure added onto your home.
Is it a hassle to get a permit?
Getting permission for your structure takes a little more than you think. Although it takes more than just receiving a piece of paper, the process isn’t a difficult one. Along with turning in your application, you must submit a blueprint of your desired structure showing the sizes and setbacks from the property lines. A contractor will look over your paperwork and, if accepted, will inspect and make sure the building is complying with the code throughout construction. After your unit is complete, you will need to have an inspector sign off on your building, which then makes it legal.
Does it cost money?
Like everything, building permits are not free. The price is based on the valuation of the structure and a permit issuance fee. Prices vary city by city. Failure to getting a permit will result possibly future costs. Although you can still apply for a building permit after your structure has already been installed, you run the risk of it not following the codes. You might have to remove the structure, be fined, or face problems when trying to sell your property. In a worst-case scenario, you might just have to alter the building to make it follow your city’s building code. Whatever the outcome may be, save yourself the money and the hassle ‒ get permission.
Things to Remember:
Keep in mind that structures are not the only things that sometimes require building permits. Improvements such as adding a room or pavement on your driveway require permission as well. Generally, projects that won’t change the purpose or make a significant alteration to your home won’t need permission. Stand-alone buildings have a lower tendency to need a building permit than those attached to your house. This is because an attached unit may affect the structural concepts of a house.
Don’t forget the difference between certified and noncertified structures. Engineers create certified carports to meet snow and wind loads. They are used when building permits are required and are built to meet specifications by professional engineers. It is recommended to purchase certified carports simply because they are more effective than uncertified ones. We believe in quality over quantity, and live by it. That’s why we only sell engineer-certified buildings.
We understand it can be a small stress builder when it comes to getting a building permit, but it’s simpler than it seems, seeing that almost everyone has other buildings sitting on their property. You will be grateful you did it, and so will your wallet. No neighbors will be complaining and you won’t have to spend money on getting your building dismantled.
Not sure of your city’s building code or what to do next?
All it takes is a phone call to your local government authority, prior to ordering your carport to make sure it meets the building code requirements.
We may have the answer you need regarding local building codes. Call and ask us, we are happy to help.
