Building Codes & Building Permits
There are a number of situations in which you should consider hiring a building code/ building permit consultant before starting your project.
- For example:
- You’re thinking about purchasing a vacant lot for a future home, or perhaps you already own the lot and are ready to hire a designer or architect to draw plans. What permits will you need to obtain? What restrictions will be placed on your future home with respect to its size and location? What are the code requirements governing utilities (water, gas, electrical and sewage)?
- You own an existing house, and want to add on to it. What are the code requirements with respect to additions? Will it comply with local setback requirements, building height limits, etc.?
- You own a lot with a single-family dwelling on it. You would like to add another building, for example, a detached garage, guest house, storage shed, workshop, etc. What are the code requirements for such a structure?
- You’re thinking about leasing a commercial space for your business. You already know what changes you’d like to make the space work for your business. However, if there’s a change in how the space is being used, will you have to make changes you didn’t anticipate in order to comply with handicap accessibility, fire codes, etc.?
If you have the time to research the codes and/or meet in person with your local building authority, you can probably get answers to all of the above questions on your own.
However, if you’re pressed for time or don’t know what questions to ask, CADbuilt can help. We can either act as your authorized agent in obtaining building permits on your behalf, or as a consultant in providing you with information and advice on how to obtain building permits yourself.
Navigating the building code waters can be tricky-- code requirements can vary from city-to-city, county-to-county and state-to-state. Plus, the building code (at least in California) changes every 3 years. Please contact us if you need help in understanding the building codes or getting your building permit.
