Permit Services

Building Permits

A permit is required if you plan to: construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, convert, replace, install, or change the occupancy of a building structure, or electric, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, and is regulated by the Construction Codes and the Construction Administrative Code.

• Sheds: Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit. See the Shed Handout for more information on other requirements.
• Deck: A building permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade including a 5 foot perimeter around the deck.
• Retaining Walls: A building permit is required if a retaining wall is 4 feet or taller measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless there is a slope above the wall. See the Retaining Wall Handout for more information.

Tree Permits

A Routine Vegetation Management Permit is required for:

• The removal of landmark trees.
• The removal of more than two (2) significant trees within a calendar year.
• Removing/Trimming trees, mowing/cutting of ground cover, or any vegetation management on a vacant property.

Refer to the Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Handout for more details, or visit our Tree Removal page for step-by-step instructions.

Site Work, Utility, and Right-of-Way Permits

• Civil Construction Permit (including clearing and grading) is required for site work involving more than 50 cubic yards of grading, more than 500 square feet of area cleared or disturbed, more than 500 square feet of new or replaced hard surface, or if the work includes utility main extensions or occurs within the right-of-way.
• Utility Permits are required prior to connecting or disconnecting a property to or from the public or private utility (storm, sewer, and water) systems, alterations, repairs, or expansions to existing utility systems. 
• A Right-of-Way Permit is required for any activity or private use of the public right of way, including but not limited to: construction, excavation, sidewalk cafes, street eateries, other similar activities or uses.