Projects That Do Not Require Permits

• Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) and a wall height of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured from the finished floor level to the top of the top plate. Exception: Where the structure is located on a parcel of 2.0 acres or greater in area, and the structure is located a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) from all property lines, floor area may be increased to 400 square feet (37.16 m2).
• Except for barriers around swimming pools as required in Appendix G, fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high and typical field fencing not over 8 feet (2438 mm) high where constructed of woven wire or chain link.
• Retaining walls that do not support a regulated building, do not retain material which, if not restrained, could impact a regulated building.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, interior wall, floor or ceiling covering and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy where the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade. Barrier requirements found in Appendix G are not exempt.
• Concrete walkways, slabs, platforms and driveways on the private side that add less than 1,000 square feet of new area. Work in the public right-of-way will require a permit.
• Swings and other playground equipment.
• Patio covers, as defined in AH102, and porch covers not over 200 square feet (11 m2) and supported by an exterior building wall.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
• Non-bearing partitions, except when such partitions create habitable rooms.
• Replacement or repair of siding not required to be fire-resistive.
• Retrofitted insulation.
• Masonry repair.
• Porches and decks, where the floor or deck is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally of the floor or deck, and where in the case of a covered porch, the covered portion of the porch does not come closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to property lines.
• Gutters and downspouts.
• Door and window replacements (where no structural member is changed).
• Re-roofing, where replacement or repair of roofing does not exceed 30 percent of the required live load design capacity and the roof is not required to be fire-resistive.

• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, interior wall, floor or ceiling covering, and similar finish work.
• Nonbearing partitions (walls) except when such partitions create habitable rooms. (Habitable rooms are used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.)
• Shelving or cabinets.
• Retrofitted insulation.

Permits are not required for:

• Removing and replacing broken or damaged electrical outlets like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes. If a GFCI protected outlet is required by code, a permit is required.
• Removing and replacing broken or damaged light fixtures like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
• Removing and replacing broken or damaged light switches like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
• Replacing approved fuses or defective breakers like for like only.
• Replacing an existing garbage disposal, dishwasher, electric tank water heater, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less.
• Installing low-voltage wiring for garage door openers.
• Installing phone outlets or CATV (Community Access TV) however, wire must be listed type wire.

• Adding to or altering an irrigation system with an approved backflow device. (Permits are required for installation of a backflow device.)
• Replacing a hose bib.
• Installing a fountain or other water feature that is filled by a hose.

• Repairing/replacing a shower head.
• Repairing/replacing a faucet if not concealed in a wall.
• Resurfacing/replacing countertops, shower walls or re-grouting tile.

• Changing out furnace filters.
• Portable heating appliances, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
• Portable ventilation appliances, evaporative coolers and cooling units (for plug-in appliances only).
• Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the code.
• Replacing any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
• Portable appliances, such as freezers, washing machines, refrigerators, portable barbecue grill, etc. (For plug-in appliances only.)
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.