The basics of obtaining a build permit

by Susan Hu 01/01/2023

Most major construction or renovation projects require obtaining a building permit. However, because not every project requires a permit, it can be difficult to know if your particular plans require one. Here is a simple guide to help you determine if you need a permit:

You will likely need a building permit for:

Demolishing any walls or structures. This includes interior and exterior walls, as well as separate structures like free-standing garages.
Changing or replacing the pipes in your home. Building permits are required for major plumbing projects to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
Re-roofing your house.
Converting a garage into a living room or similar projects. Changing the major use of a room often requires changes to plumbing and electrical systems, which always requires a building permit.

You don’t usually need a permit for:

Repainting the outside of your house.
Replacing minor kitchen appliances.
Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Installing new flooring.
Building a small fence in your yard.

How to get a build permit

There are multiple steps to obtain a building permit for any of the above scenarios. Here is a basic guide to the permit process:

Download or obtain a permit application from the local permit office for the specific project you’re planning.
Prepare a site plan. You may need an architect or other contractor to help you draw the plans.
Schedule an appointment for plan approval. The timing for this part of the process can vary depending on the extent and type of your project.
Once you obtain your permit, you’ll need to schedule one or more inspections during the process. These inspections make sure you’re following the agreed-upon project plan.
Once your project is completed, all that’s left is to get final city approval.

This is only a basic guide to building permits for major home projects. For a thorough list of the proper permits, consult a contractor or construction professional for details regarding your specific project and plans.

About the Author

Susan Hu

Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.

Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.

With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.