Wanting to start a home improvement project?

Don’t forget to obtain the appropriate approvals and permits. First comes a zoning determination.  This takes only a day or 2 if adequate information is provided to make the determination.  Then you should fill out a building permit application. Click here to determine if you need a building permit.

In Greenhills building permits are issued by our building official.  The permit(s) allow you or your contractor to proceed with a construction or remodeling project on your property.  Project plans must comply with local standards for land use, zoning, and construction. These standards are intended to ensure the safety of current and future owners and occupants and to provide enforcement of zoning and land use policies.

Specific issues that the building permit process addresses include the structural integrity of the framing work, zoning, sanitation, water, and sewer lines, fire protection, and electrical service. 

Unfortunately it is fairly common for homeowners to complete home improvement projects without applying for a permit, paying the application fee, or having the work inspected and approved. And while it is possible that such projects can be completed with good quality and to never cause problems, it is not a good practice to try and bypass the official permit process. Some possible hazards include: 

• If and when you try to sell your house, the buyers’ inspection may uncover remodeling or additions that were done without proper permits and which may not be completely up to code. This can prevent you from selling the house and may require that you undo the previous work and start again—this time with a permit.
• In the event of a fire, structural collapse, or major plumbing problem, if it is discovered the mishap is the result of work that was done without the benefit of permit or inspections, it’s possible your homeowner’s damage and liability policy may decline to cover the damage.