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Soil Grading

You’ve probably noticed many of these permit projects involve exterior work. Sometimes exterior work feels more like fun than actual renovation. A great example of this: Changing the grading of your property.

Again, the scope of the work makes a difference. If you spread soil along the side of your home to prevent a damp basement, you’re probably fine. However, if you bring in a truckload of soil to elevate a section of your yard, you’re more likely to run into permit issues. This is particularly true if all that diverted rainwater runs toward your neighbor’s basement.

Permits for projects like grading are usually easy to obtain. At most, they require a sketch so that city engineers can make sure your plan doesn’t create a bigger problem than the one you’re solving. As always, play it safe and check to see if a permit is required before starting work. And always call to have underground utilities marked before you dig.

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Emergency Repairs

Almost all municipalities allow for “stabilization” without a permit. If a tree limb punches a hole in your roof and you patch it with a piece of plywood and a tarp, no one is going to complain. However, once you’re ready to make the permanent repair, you almost always have to go through the regular permit procedure.

The good news is, many areas allow for expedited permits for emergency repairs, or even allow work to begin while the permit is still in process.

It’s good to remember the building department is run by human beings sympathetic to homeowners in a bad position. As long as you keep them apprised of the situation, you can almost always make the system work for you.

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Gas Stoves

That you need a permit and a licensed plumber to work on gas lines shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, improperly installed or repaired gas lines pose a hazard not only to you and your family, but to the entire neighborhood. If you have any doubts, do an internet search for “gas line explosions” to see how sloppy work can go catastrophically wrong.

Some cities may even require a permit or licensed installer to hook a gas stove into an existing gas line.  These municipalities represent the minority, but they tend to have one thing in common: A gas line explosion happened in their recent past. The fallout often includes a crackdown on anything that could potentially go wrong.

When buying a gas stove, ask the salesperson at the store about the requirements. Even if your location does not require a permit, if you’re uncomfortable working on gas lines, bring in a pro to take care of the installation.

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