Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit must be obtained before you construct, enlarge, alter, move, replace, repair, improve, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure.

Building permit applications are reviewed for code compliance in the order that they are received. Once a complete application has been submitted it could take between four to six weeks for approval. The review time may be longer during the busy season (summer) or shorter during the slow season (winter).  Exceptions may be made for emergency repairs and demolitions.

The Building and Zoning Department can accept cash, check, money order and credit card payments.   Credit card payments will be assesed a 2.45% service charge automatically by the vendor.  Cash payments should be submitted in person at the Building Department.  When a payment is submitted with a check and the bank denies the transaction for any reason, subsequent payment attempts may not be in the form of another check.

All fences require the issuance of a Building Permit. The cost of the permit is based on the length of the fence. We strongly recommend that a survey is used to determine the location of property lines before installing a fence. If a fence is proposed to be installed over a utility easement a permit will not be issued without permission from the affected agency to encroach into the easement. The Zoning Code as it relates to the installation of a fence can be viewed in Section 280-27.

All sheds do require a permit regardless of the size or if the shed is installed on a foundation. To issue the permit, the inspector must be provided with the length, width, and height of the shed as well as the proposed location for the structure. Setbacks for sheds are based on the size of the building. Sheds are only permitted in rear yards. The cost of the permit will be based on the size of the shed.

All permanent signs, including panel replacements that are not identical to the previous design, require a sign permit. Temporary banners also require a sign permit. The following types of temporary signs do not require a sign permit: sandwich boards, political candidate signs, and real estate for sale signs.