Quick answer
To obtain a building permit, first identify the local building department responsible for your property and confirm that your project requires a permit.
Next, determine the local requirements, prepare the application and required plans, submit the application, pay the applicable fees, respond to review comments, and wait for the permit to be issued.
The exact process varies by city, county and project. There is no single building permit application process that applies to every property in the United States.
If you are planning to build, remodel or add something to your home, you may eventually ask:
"How do I get a building permit?"
The answer sounds simple, but the actual process depends on your property, project and local government.
A building permit is generally an approval issued by the appropriate government authority allowing specific construction work to proceed under applicable building and local requirements.
Some projects are simple. Others require detailed drawings, structural information, zoning review, engineering documents, multiple permits and several inspections.
The biggest mistake homeowners make is treating the permit as paperwork that can be handled after construction starts.
A better approach is to understand the requirements before you buy materials, hire contractors or begin work.
What this guide covers
- 1. Determine if you need a permit
- 2. Find the correct permitting authority
- 3. Check permit requirements
- 4. Prepare your plans
- 5. Complete the application
- 6. Calculate and pay fees
- 7. Submit the permit application
- 8. Understand plan review
- 9. Respond to corrections
- 10. Receive the permit
- 11. Schedule inspections
- 12. Final permit checklist
- 13. Common homeowner mistakes
- 14. FAQs
1. Determine If You Need a Building Permit
Before learning how to apply for a building permit, determine whether your project actually requires one.
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction and project.
Common projects that may require permits include:
Some small projects may be exempt from a building permit under local rules. An exemption does not automatically mean that every other requirement disappears.
"No building permit required" does not always mean "no rules apply."
Zoning, setbacks, easements, property restrictions and other local requirements may still affect your project.
3. Check the Building Permit Requirements
Before completing the application, find out exactly what your jurisdiction requires for your project.
This is one of the most important steps in the entire building permit process.
A typical residential permit application may ask for information such as:
Property address
The location where the work will take place.
Description of work
A clear explanation of what you plan to build or change.
Owner information
Information about the property owner where required.
Applicant information
The person responsible for communicating with the permitting authority.
Contractor information
Contractor details may be required depending on local rules and the project.
Project valuation
Some jurisdictions use project value when calculating fees.
Portland's current residential building permit guidance, for example, asks applicants for the address, description of work, contractor information where applicable, applicant/contact information and project valuation.
Your local application may ask for different or additional information.
4. Prepare Your Building Permit Plans
Many construction projects require plans or drawings as part of the permit application.
The required plans depend heavily on the project.
A residential project may require some combination of:
Site plan
Shows the property and the location of the proposed work.
Floor plan
Shows the layout and dimensions of the proposed space.
Elevations
Shows exterior views, heights and other relevant information.
Structural details
May be required when the work affects structural components.
Supporting documents
Engineering, energy, zoning or other documents may be required for certain projects.
Do not overbuild your application
Submit the documents required by the applicable jurisdiction and project type. More documents are not automatically better if they are inaccurate, inconsistent or unnecessary.
5. Complete the Building Permit Application
After you understand the requirements, complete the permit application.
Many jurisdictions now provide online permit applications, while others may use a combination of online and in-person processes.
Enter information carefully.
Your application should be consistent
The project description, plans, valuation, property information and other submitted details should describe the same project.
Incomplete or conflicting information can result in delays, correction requests or the application being returned for additional information.
Before submitting, review every field and compare the application against your plans.
6. Calculate and Pay the Building Permit Fees
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and project.
Depending on the local fee schedule, charges can include:
Do not assume the permit application fee is the complete cost of permitting your project.
Check the current fee schedule
Fees can change. Use the current schedule published by the applicable permitting authority rather than an old article, forum post or outdated calculator.
7. Submit the Permit Application
Once your application, plans and supporting documents are ready, submit them through the method required by your jurisdiction.
Depending on the local system, submission may be online, in person, by appointment or through another approved process.
Save copies of everything you submit.
Application
Keep a copy of the completed application.
Plans
Keep the exact version submitted for review.
Payment records
Keep receipts and confirmation numbers.
8. Understand the Building Permit Review Process
After submission, the permitting authority reviews the application and supporting information according to its procedures.
Depending on the project, reviewers may evaluate areas such as:
Not every project goes through the same review process.
A simple residential project may be much easier to review than a large addition or new construction project.
9. Respond to Permit Corrections
One of the normal parts of the building permit process is receiving a request for corrections or additional information.
Do not automatically treat a correction notice as a rejection of your entire project.
It may mean that the reviewer needs additional information or changes before the application can move forward.
When you receive corrections
- 1. Read every comment carefully.
- 2. Identify which drawing or document needs updating.
- 3. Make the required changes.
- 4. Keep the revised documents organized.
- 5. Resubmit through the required process.
If you do not understand a correction, contact the appropriate permitting authority or qualified professional rather than guessing.
10. Receive Your Building Permit
Once the application satisfies the applicable requirements and the required fees and approvals have been completed, the permitting authority can issue the permit according to its process.
Review the issued permit before construction begins.
Check these details
- ✓ Correct property address
- ✓ Correct project description
- ✓ Permit number
- ✓ Approved plans
- ✓ Permit conditions
- ✓ Expiration information
- ✓ Required inspections
Keep the permit and approved documents available as required by the local authority during construction.
11. Schedule the Required Building Inspections
Getting the permit is not always the end of the process.
Construction projects can require inspections at specified stages of work.
The inspection schedule depends on the project and jurisdiction.
Foundation or footing
May apply to certain new construction or additions.
Framing
May be required after framing and related work.
Electrical
May apply where electrical work is part of the project.
Plumbing
May apply when plumbing work requires inspection.
Mechanical
May apply to heating, ventilation or mechanical work.
Final inspection
The final stage depends on local requirements and project scope.
Do not cover work before the required inspection
If an inspection is required before a particular stage of construction is concealed, follow the local inspection instructions. Covering work too early can create avoidable problems.
Building Permit Application Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your application.
8 Common Building Permit Mistakes Homeowners Make
1. Starting construction too early
Do not assume that submitting an application means the project is approved.
2. Using the wrong jurisdiction
A property may fall under a city, county or another permitting authority.
3. Submitting incomplete plans
Missing drawings or supporting documents can delay the review process.
4. Giving inconsistent information
The application and drawings should describe the same project.
5. Using an outdated fee schedule
Permit fees can change. Check the current local schedule.
6. Forgetting zoning
A building permit and zoning approval are not necessarily the same thing.
7. Ignoring inspections
Plan your construction schedule around required inspections.
8. Assuming another property has the same requirements
Local rules can change based on property location, zoning, project type and site conditions.
Check your property before you start.
A permit application is only part of the process. Your project may also be affected by zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, structural requirements, easements and other property-specific rules.
Permitrust helps homeowners and contractors research permit and property requirements before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a building permit?
Start by identifying the local building department or permitting authority for the property. Confirm whether your project requires a permit, determine the required documents and plans, complete the application, pay the applicable fees, respond to plan-review comments, and obtain the approved permit before starting work.
What documents do I need to get a building permit?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project. Common items can include the property address, project description, owner and applicant information, contractor information when applicable, construction valuation, site plans, floor plans, elevations, structural details and other supporting documents.
Can a homeowner apply for a building permit?
In many jurisdictions, homeowners can apply for permits for work on their own property, but the rules vary. Some projects may require licensed contractors, registered professionals or additional documentation.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
There is no single nationwide processing time. The time can depend on the jurisdiction, project complexity, application completeness, plan review requirements, corrections and agency workload.
Can I start construction before my building permit is approved?
You should not begin permitted construction until the applicable authority has issued the required permit. Starting work without a required permit can create enforcement, inspection, correction or other problems.
Final Takeaway: How to Get a Building Permit
Learning how to obtain a building permit does not have to be complicated, but you should approach the process in the right order.
First, identify the correct jurisdiction and determine whether your project requires a permit. Then learn the local requirements, prepare the necessary plans and documents, complete the application, pay the required fees and submit everything through the approved process.
If the permitting authority requests corrections or additional information, respond carefully and resubmit the required materials.
Once the permit is issued, follow the approved plans and the required inspection schedule.
The most important rule
Do not assume that a building permit process from another city applies to your property. Local requirements can differ significantly.
Your property address, project type and local regulations determine what you need to do.
Taking the time to research those requirements before construction begins can help you avoid unnecessary delays, unexpected requirements and costly changes later.
Important Building Permit Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information about building permits and the permitting process in the United States. Building codes, permit requirements, application procedures, fees, zoning rules, inspection requirements and other regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change over time. Always verify the current requirements with the government agency responsible for your property before submitting an application or beginning construction. This article is not legal, architectural, engineering or official government advice.
Research Note
This guide provides general information for U.S. homeowners. Because building permit requirements are local, readers should use the official permitting authority responsible for their property as the final source for current requirements.
Last updated: August 18, 2026