Contributing Writer, Helen Callier
While presenting at a workshop in Houston recently, a commercial project owner asked, “Do I need a city permit for minor interior work that involves shelving?” Typically, if performing cosmetic work, no city building permit is required. If construction work appears to be more than minor interior refresh and includes additions, moving fixtures, and any millwork, then you will have to obtain a city permit.
Most construction projects often seem straightforward, yet challenges of all sorts can occur that can change the project scope of work and have an impact on the overall building permit. This, along with city permitting processes, building codes and zoning ordinances are enough to twist any project owner around.
To assist commercial project owners, below are ten types of construction projects that require a city building permit.
- New construction of commercial buildings or structures
- Alterations, repairs or additions to existing buildings or structures
- Changes in the use or occupancy of an existing building or structure
- Interior tenant lease build-outs, remodeling and repairs
- Exterior remodels, alterations or repairs
- Moving/relocating existing buildings
- Demolition (interior and complete buildings)
- Fences over 8′ high or fences constructed of concrete or masonry
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Parking lot paving and repairs
The above list is not a complete list. We always suggest that project owners check the appropriate jurisdiction web site and call the permitting center as a backup measure to make sure when a building permit is needed.
In addition, you can contact building permitting experts. Permit expediters stay on top of the building permit processes, have established relationships with plan reviewers, inspectors and other key staff. They are solid resources to consult during the scoping and design phases of your commercial project. Also, using a permitting expediter can save you time and money by completing required building permit applications and making sure all prerequisite documents are in place for submitting with plans.
If you are a commercial project owner and have questions whether or not a city building permit is required or you are making revisions to your designs, consider engaging a building permitting and code expert before you sweat away time and money at a city permitting department. This is a proven option for saving time, money and removing your frustrations on permits.
The Permit Us Now team is here to answer your questions on building permits, the impact of variances, if a building permit is required and code compliance. Happy building!
Helen Callier is CEO of Permit Us Now. The company is the one-stop building permit expediting firm that helps architects, engineers, contractors, and project owners save half the time and money in obtaining building permits in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and North Texas. Connect with @PermitUsNow on Twitter and Facebook, visit on the web at www.permitusnow.com or call 1-844-PERMIT-4.
