Residential Alteration

Step 1.Allocate Time

This application will take about 30 minutes to complete once you have gathered your information. You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 2.Review the Requirements

If you are not the owner, you must have a Residential Builders License issued by the State, or written authorization from a license holder, to obtain a Building Permit.

An Energy Code Worksheet is required to build or add on to a single family home. You will need to attach the completed document as part of the application process.

Depending on the scope of your project, these other permits may also be required:

• Electrical Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Mechanical Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Plumbing Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Land Use (LUDS) Permit - Required to build or add on to a single family home or duplex only if located within 500 feet of a lake, river, stream, or open drain
• Demolition Permit - Required to demolish a complete structure, such as for a complete tear-down and rebuild

Step 3.Plan your Project

Plans are not required for re-roofing or re-siding

Plans are required for most other types of projects. During the application process you will need to upload plans showing the location, size, and details of the proposed project. A helpful rule-of-thumb is that plans should have enough detail for another person to do the work without talking to the person who prepared the plans.

A site plan showing the location on the lot is required for a new building, addition, deck, or shed.

We have resource available to help you prepare plans:

• Project guides for various project types
• Development Center Plans Examiners are available 8:00 AM - 4:00 Pm at our office. We are located on the first floor at the address listed in the Contact Us section

Step 4.Calculate the Value of Improvements

Include these costs to determine the value of the improvements you'll make for this project:

• Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading and other costs
• Construction labor cost

You won't need to include these in your calculation:

• Architectural fees, cost of lot, landscaping and/or personal property

Step 5.Have Payment Ready

For some types of Building Permits the fee is required upfront. For others, the fee is paid after the City has reviewed your application.

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa and MasterCard.

For most Building Permits, the fee is calculated based on the value of improvements. 

There is a flat fee - not based on the value of improvements - for these project types:

• $100 flat fee for re-roofing and re-siding projects (2 may be combined for $175)
• $125 flat fee for deck construction and above-ground pool installation (2 may be combined for $225)

Step 6.Apply Online

Get Started

Step 1.Make sure you have the time to apply

This application will take about 30 minutes to complete once you have gathered your information. You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 2.Review the requirements

If you are not the owner, you must have a Residential Builders License issued by the State, or written authorization from a license holder, to obtain a Building Permit.

An Energy Code Worksheet is required to build or add on to a single family home. You will need to attach the completed document as part of the application process.

Depending on the scope of your project, these other permits may also be required:

• Electrical Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Mechanical Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Plumbing Permit - May only be issued to a licensed contractor or homeowner for their primary residence
• Land Use (LUDS) Permit - Required to build or add on to a single family home or duplex only if located within 500 feet of a lake, river, stream, or open drain
• Demolition Permit - Required to demolish a complete structure, such as for a complete tear-down and rebuild

Step 3.Plan your project

Plans are not required for re-roofing or re-siding

Plans are required for most other types of projects. During the application process you will need to upload plans showing the location, size, and details of the proposed project. A helpful rule-of-thumb is that plans should have enough detail for another person to do the work without talking to the person who prepared the plans.

A site plan showing the location on the lot is required for a new building, addition, deck, or shed.

We have resource available to help you prepare plans:

• Project guides for various project types
• Development Center Plans Examiners are available 8:00 AM - 4:00 Pm at our office. We are located on the first floor at the address listed in the Contact Us section

Step 4.Calculate the value of improvements

Include these costs to determine the value of the improvements you'll make for this project:

• Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading and other costs
• Construction labor cost

You won't need to include these in your calculation:

• Architectural fees, cost of lot, landscaping and/or personal property

Step 5.Have your credit/debit card ready

For some types of Building Permits the fee is required upfront. For others, the fee is paid after the City has reviewed your application.

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa and MasterCard.

For most Building Permits, the fee is calculated based on the value of improvements. 

There is a flat fee - not based on the value of improvements - for these project types:

• $100 flat fee for re-roofing and re-siding projects (2 may be combined for $175)
• $125 flat fee for deck construction and above-ground pool installation (2 may be combined for $225)

Step 6.Await approval, finalization

 Once your plans have been approved, you will be required to complete several finalization steps, which may include paying any outstanding fees that may be applicable