Quick answer
To obtain a building permit, start by identifying the local building department or other authority that regulates your property. Confirm whether your project needs a permit and determine which other approvals may apply.
Next, prepare the required application, site information, plans, drawings, and supporting documents. Submit them through the local permitting system, pay the required fees, respond to any review comments, and complete the required steps before the permit is issued.
If you are planning to build, remodel, add a room, construct a garage, install a deck, or make another major change to your home, one of the first questions you may ask is: How do I get a building permit?
The process is not identical everywhere in the United States. Cities, counties, townships, and other authorities can have different application systems, documents, fees, review procedures, and inspection requirements.
However, the basic process is similar enough that homeowners can use a practical checklist before starting.
This guide explains how to obtain a building permit in 2026 without assuming that one city's rules apply everywhere.
What you will learn
- 1. Determine whether you need a permit
- 2. Find the correct permitting authority
- 3. Research your property and project
- 4. Prepare your building permit plans
- 5. Gather supporting documents
- 6. Submit the permit application
- 7. Pay permit and review fees
- 8. Go through plan review
- 9. Respond to corrections
- 10. Receive your building permit
- What to do after the permit is issued
- Frequently asked questions
1. Determine Whether You Need a Building Permit
Before filling out an application, determine whether your project actually requires a building permit.
Permit requirements depend on the work being performed and the rules of the authority having jurisdiction.
A new building, room addition, structural change, major remodel, garage, or other construction project may require a permit. Smaller projects may have different rules or exemptions.
Ask these questions first
- What exactly am I building or changing?
- Will the project change the structure?
- Will I add new floor area?
- Will electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work be involved?
- Will the project change the use of a space or building?
- Are there zoning, setback, height, or lot-coverage rules?
Do not assume that something is exempt simply because it is small. Permit exemptions vary by jurisdiction and project type.
2. Find the Correct Permitting Authority
The next step is finding the government agency responsible for permits at your property.
Depending on where you live, this could be a city building department, county building department, planning department, development services department, or another local authority.
Start with the official government website. Search for terms such as:
Use the official government source whenever possible. Third-party websites can provide useful background information, but the authority issuing your permit controls the actual requirements.
Why the location matters
Permit requirements are local. A project that can be handled through one city's online application may require a different process somewhere else.
3. Research Your Property and Project
Before preparing detailed drawings, research the property.
Your property may have conditions that affect what you can build. These can include zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, height restrictions, easements, environmental conditions, historic protections, or other local requirements.
Seattle's current permit guidance, for example, recommends researching the property and project scope before applying. Its process can also involve a preliminary site visit for certain projects. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- ✓ Property address
- ✓ Parcel or tax identification number
- ✓ Zoning district
- ✓ Lot dimensions
- ✓ Existing structures
- ✓ Required setbacks
- ✓ Easements where applicable
- ✓ Flood, environmental, historic, or special-area restrictions where applicable
4. Prepare Your Building Permit Plans
Plans are one of the most important parts of a building permit application.
The exact drawings required depend on the project and local rules. A simple project may need fewer documents than a new home, structural addition, or complex remodel.
Common plan information can include:
Site plan
Shows the property, existing structures, proposed work, property lines, and relevant dimensions.
Floor plan
Shows the layout, rooms, walls, doors, windows, and dimensions as applicable.
Elevations
Show exterior views and relevant heights or materials.
Structural information
May include framing, foundation, connections, structural calculations, or other information when required.
Portland's residential permit guidance, for example, identifies items such as structural calculations, product specifications, geotechnical reports, and surveyed property-line information as possible supporting documents depending on the project. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Do not guess when professional plans are required
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to prepare or submit certain residential plans themselves. Other projects may require a licensed architect, professional engineer, or other qualified professional.
Check the local rules before preparing your final application.
5. Gather the Required Documents
A permit application is more than a form. The permitting authority may require plans and supporting information before the application can move into review.
Depending on the project, you may need:
- Permit application
- Site plan or location plan
- Construction drawings
- Project description
- Property information
- Contractor information
- Structural calculations
- Energy documents where applicable
- Survey or property-line information where required
- Geotechnical or environmental reports where applicable
- Other forms or approvals required by the jurisdiction
Do not submit documents simply because another city required them. Requirements are project-specific and jurisdiction-specific.
6. Submit the Building Permit Application
Once your application package is ready, submit it through the system required by your local authority.
Many jurisdictions now accept permit applications online, although some permit types may still use in-person or other submission methods.
For example, Portland says many permits can be submitted through Development Hub PDX. Seattle uses the Seattle Services Portal for its preliminary application process. NYC uses DOB NOW for many permit filings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Before you click "Submit"
- ✓ Verify the property address
- ✓ Verify the project description
- ✓ Check that drawings are complete
- ✓ Check that required forms are included
- ✓ Confirm required signatures
- ✓ Confirm file formats and naming requirements
- ✓ Confirm the application fee
7. Pay the Required Building Permit Fees
Permit applications commonly involve fees, but the exact amount depends on the jurisdiction and project.
Some authorities calculate fees based on construction value, while others may use square footage, fixed fees, project type, review time, or combinations of these methods.
Some projects can also have separate plan-review, zoning, inspection, development, impact, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical fees.
For example, Portland's current process requires intake fees to be paid to start reviews, and its fee structure can contain separate components depending on the project. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Related guide
If you are specifically researching permit fees, see our guide:
How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in 2026? →8. Go Through Building Permit Plan Review
After submission, the permitting authority reviews your application and plans.
Depending on the project, reviewers may examine building-code, zoning, structural, energy, land-use, site, or other applicable requirements.
Portland explains that permit applications can go through multiple review phases. If reviewers need more information or changes, the applicant receives feedback and must address the items before approval. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
NYC's current online process similarly allows applicants to receive objections, make corrections, and resubmit information before approval. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Submitted
Application enters the local review process.
Reviewed
Staff review plans and applicable requirements.
Approved
Required corrections and conditions are satisfied.
9. Respond to Corrections or Review Comments
Do not panic if the building department sends correction comments. Corrections are a normal part of many permit processes.
A reviewer may ask for additional dimensions, revised drawings, calculations, clarification, missing forms, or changes needed to meet applicable requirements.
Read every correction carefully. Do not fix only the first item and ignore the rest.
Best way to handle corrections
- Read the complete review letter or correction list.
- Identify every item that requires a response.
- Update the correct drawing or document.
- Clearly explain the correction where required.
- Upload the revised documents using the required process.
- Confirm that every requested item has been addressed.
Seattle's current process specifically instructs applicants to respond to intake or plan-review corrections and upload corrected or additional documents through its portal. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
10. Receive Your Building Permit
Once the required reviews are completed, corrections are resolved, and required fees or conditions have been satisfied, the authority can issue the permit.
Depending on the jurisdiction, the permit and approved plans may be available through an online portal or may be provided through another process.
Seattle's guidance states that after reviews are completed and correction items are addressed, applicants receive the permit, coversheet, and approved plans through the Seattle Services Portal. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
NYC's DOB NOW system similarly allows approved permit documents to be accessed and printed through the system. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Do not start construction just because you submitted an application
Submission is not the same as permit issuance. Wait until the applicable authority has issued the required permit and confirmed any other required approvals before beginning permitted work.
What Happens After You Get the Building Permit?
Getting the permit is not necessarily the end of the permitting process.
Construction normally needs to follow the approved plans and applicable building requirements. Required inspections must also be completed during construction.
Seattle's construction inspection guidance explains that the permit holder is responsible for requesting required inspections. Depending on the project, inspections can include foundation, framing, insulation, structural, and final inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Keep your permit available
Follow the local requirements for displaying or maintaining the permit and approved plans at the site.
Schedule inspections
Request inspections at the stages required by your jurisdiction.
Build according to approved plans
Changes during construction may require approval or amended plans.
Complete final approval
Complete the required final inspections and close-out steps for the project.
Common Building Permit Mistakes Homeowners Make
Many permit delays are avoidable. Before applying, watch for these common mistakes.
1. Applying to the wrong authority
Confirm who has jurisdiction over your property before submitting an application.
2. Submitting incomplete plans
Missing dimensions, drawings, forms, or supporting documents can delay review.
3. Ignoring zoning
A project can have building-code requirements as well as zoning, setback, height, or land-use requirements.
4. Using outdated information
Fee schedules, forms, portals, and local requirements can change. Always check current official information.
5. Starting work before approval
Do not treat an application submission as a permit. Confirm that the required permit has actually been issued.
Building Permit Checklist for Homeowners
Use this checklist before submitting your application.
Know your permit requirements before you apply.
Your property address, municipality, project type, zoning, setbacks, and local rules can all affect the permit process.
Check My PropertyFrequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a building permit?
First determine which local authority regulates your property and whether your project requires a permit. Then review the local requirements, prepare the required plans and documents, submit the application, pay the required fees, respond to plan-review corrections, and receive the permit after the application is approved and all required conditions are satisfied.
What documents do I need for a building permit?
Requirements vary by project and jurisdiction. Common documents can include a permit application, site plan, construction drawings, project information, property information, structural details, contractor information, and supporting documents such as surveys, calculations, or reports when required.
Can a homeowner apply for a building permit?
In some jurisdictions, homeowners can apply for permits for work on their own property. Other projects or jurisdictions may require licensed contractors, architects, engineers, or other qualified professionals. Check the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction before applying.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Permit timelines vary widely. The time can depend on project complexity, application completeness, review workload, required departments, corrections, inspections, and whether additional approvals are required. An incomplete application can take longer because corrections or missing documents may delay review.
What happens after a building permit application is submitted?
After submission, the local authority may review the application and plans for code, zoning, and other applicable requirements. You may receive correction comments and need to submit revised information. Once required reviews are completed, fees and other conditions are satisfied, and the application is approved, the permit can be issued.
Final Takeaway
Learning how to obtain a building permit is much easier when you break the process into steps.
Start by determining whether your project requires approval. Identify the correct local authority, research your property, prepare the required plans and documents, submit the application, pay the applicable fees, respond to review comments, and wait for the permit to be issued before beginning permitted work.
The most important rule is simple: Do not assume that another city's permit process applies to your property.
Local rules control. Always verify the current requirements directly with the authority responsible for your property.
Important Permit Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information about residential building permits in the United States. Permit requirements, application procedures, fees, zoning rules, building codes, plan requirements, professional requirements, inspection procedures, and approval processes vary by jurisdiction and project. Information can also change over time. This article is not legal, engineering, architectural, or official municipal advice. Always verify current requirements with the applicable building department, planning department, zoning authority, or other authority having jurisdiction before submitting an application or beginning construction.
Last updated: August 17, 2026