Home Improvement Guides

Most cities require a permit for decks over 30 inches above grade or larger than 200 sq ft. Smaller, ground-level decks are often exempt.

Typical fee: $75 – $500

Fences under 6 feet in backyards are typically exempt. Front-yard fences, taller fences, and fences near property lines usually need a permit.

Typical fee: $25 – $200

Small sheds (under 120–200 sq ft depending on your city) are usually exempt. Larger sheds, sheds with electrical, or sheds on permanent foundations need a permit.

Typical fee: $50 – $300

Roof replacements and re-roofing almost always require a permit. Some cities exempt minor repairs (patching, replacing a few shingles).

Typical fee: $100 – $500

Replacing windows or doors in the same size opening is often exempt. Changing the opening size, adding new windows, or structural changes require a permit.

Typical fee: $50 – $300

Cosmetic bathroom remodels (paint, fixtures, tile) are usually exempt. Moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or changing the layout requires a permit.

Typical fee: $100 – $800

Kitchen remodels involving plumbing changes, electrical work, or structural modifications need a permit. Cosmetic updates like new countertops or cabinets are typically exempt.

Typical fee: $150 – $1,000

In-ground pools almost always require a permit. Above-ground pools vary by city. All pools need barrier fencing that meets safety codes.

Typical fee: $200 – $2,000

Most electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps requires a permit. Panel upgrades, new circuits, and rewiring always need one.

Typical fee: $50 – $500

Replacing fixtures (faucets, toilets) is usually exempt. New plumbing lines, water heater installation, and sewer work require permits.

Typical fee: $50 – $500

Replacing or installing HVAC systems, furnaces, and central air conditioning requires a permit in most cities. Filter changes and minor repairs are exempt.

Typical fee: $100 – $500

Building a new garage or converting an existing garage always requires a permit. Garage door replacements may or may not need one depending on your city.

Typical fee: $200 – $1,500

Room additions always require a building permit, plus often electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Plan review is typically required.

Typical fee: $500 – $5,000+

Finishing or remodeling a basement requires permits for framing, electrical, plumbing, and egress windows. Cosmetic changes may be exempt.

Typical fee: $200 – $2,000

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured from footing to top) almost always require a permit and engineered drawings. Shorter walls are often exempt.

Typical fee: $100 – $800

Solar panel installations require both building and electrical permits in virtually all jurisdictions. Many cities offer streamlined or expedited permitting for residential rooftop systems under 10 kW.

Typical fee: $150 – $500

Uncovered at-grade patios are often exempt from permits. Covered patios with a roof structure, elevated patios over 30 inches, and large patios exceeding impervious surface limits require permits.

Typical fee: $50 – $500

Accessory dwelling units always require building permits — no exceptions. Many states have preemption laws that streamline ADU permitting and override local zoning restrictions.

Typical fee: $500 – $8,000+

New curb cuts always require a right-of-way permit. New driveways and widening typically need permits. Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint is usually exempt.

Typical fee: $50 – $500

Full building demolition always requires a permit. Pre-1978 structures need an asbestos survey. Utilities must be disconnected before work begins.

Typical fee: $100 – $1,000+

Level 1 chargers plugged into existing outlets don't need a permit. Level 2 chargers (hardwired or new 240V outlet) require an electrical permit in virtually every US city. California has fast-track permitting under AB 1236/AB 970.

Typical fee: $50 – $500

Portable generators plugged into appliances don't need a permit. Whole-house standby generators require electrical, gas, and often building permits — plus setback compliance and (in California) air quality review for larger units.

Typical fee: $150 – $800

New gas lines, extensions, and appliance connections almost always require a permit and pressure test (minimum 3 psig for 10 minutes per IRC G2417). Most states require a licensed plumber. Only relighting a pilot or replacing a flex connector is typically exempt.

Typical fee: $50 – $400

Virtually all water heater installations and replacements require a permit. Chicago exempts same-for-same residential replacements. Tank-to-tankless conversions trigger additional gas line and venting review. Heat pump water heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit.

Typical fee: $25 – $500

Tree removal rules vary dramatically. Houston has none; Portland protects trees 12"+ DBH; Atlanta protects trees 6"+ DBH; Austin protects 19"+ DBH. Florida statewide law allows permit-free removal of trees documented as hazardous by an ISA arborist.

Typical fee: $0 – $500 permit + $300-$5,000 removal

Full siding replacement almost always requires a permit. Minor repairs under 100 sq ft are often exempt. Florida requires product approval (HVHZ) and pre-1978 homes may need asbestos testing before siding removal.

Typical fee: $100 – $800

Masonry fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and gas inserts all require permits. EPA 2020 NSPS requires all new wood stoves sold to meet 2.0 g/hr emissions. Some California air districts ban new wood-burning fireplaces.

Typical fee: $75 – $800

Small at-grade patios under 120 sq ft are often exempt. Larger slabs, elevated slabs over 30 inches, and any work in the public right-of-way (sidewalks, curb cuts) always require a permit. Impervious surface limits apply in Austin, Portland, and coastal cities.

Typical fee: $50 – $300