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1. Is a permit required for a storage shed?

Yes, but sheds of less than 200 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds cannot be placed over easements and can only be located behind the front face of the house. There is a minimum 6 foot side yard setback. This setback may be reduced with a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

2. Do garages require a building permit?

Yes, garages over 200 square feet must have a building permit. No lot can be covered more than 35% of the gross lot area (see Article 4. 102 & 103, Zoning Regulations). Garages must be set back from the rear property line 20 feet and 6 feet from any side yard.

3. What are the permit requirements for interior remodeling?

A building permit is only required when portions of the interior structure are to be removed. Any electrical work requiring access to the breaker panel or the running of a new service line (outlet) will require an electrical permit. A new bathroom installation will require a plumbing permit. Replacement of furnaces, heaters, air conditioning units and hot water tanks require a permit as well.

4. I want to build a deck, do I need a permit?

Porches and decks less than 30 inches in height do not require a building permit; this means that decks more than 30 inches off the ground or a patio cover need a permit. Porches, decks and covers in the front yard exceeding the face of the farthest part of the house towards the street require a variance to install.

5. I want to do some exterior remodeling, for what do I need a permit?

Roofing and siding of homes requires a building permit as does adding new windows, enlarging window openings and window replacement. Painting and replacement of rotten wood does not require a permit.

6. Who may get a building permit?

A homeowner may pull a building permit for any work done on their property. We do not recommend that homeowners pull their own permit if a contractor is involved. The holder of the permit is responsible for all the work.

7. I need to replace my driveway; how wide can I make it?

Maximum width of driveways is 24 feet, unless you have a three car garage.

8. What kind of material can I use for my driveway?

The driveway approach (area behind the curb to the property line) must be concrete and constructed by a licensed contractor. From the property line towards the house does not require a permit.

9. How many parking spaces can I have?

Each new home built must have parking for two cars. The minimum driveway must be 8'6" wide by 19 feet long. No homeowner may use the public right-of-way between the back of curb and the property line for parking. Parking is permitted only in driveways and no where else within 25 feet of the property line (front yard setback).

10. I want to put a fence around my backyard, do I need a permit?

Standard fencing of the backyard does not require a permit. Backyard fencing cannot exceed 6 feet in height without a variance. Permitted fence types are chainlink, wood privacy, wrought iron and picket fences in backyards. Fences may be placed on the property line. Fences at the rear of each lot may be placed upon the City's easement with the understanding that should the City or any utility company need access to the easement, the fence will be removed and any re-installation will be at the expense of the homeowner.

11. My neighbor's have a fence around their front yard do I need a permit for a fence out front?

Yes. All fencing in the front yard requires a zoning permit. All fences must be placed off the road right-of-way. If you have questions concerning the right-of-way location, you will get this information when you get your permit. Fences in the front yard cannot be over 48 inches tall. The fence must have 75% open space. Typical fences that are allowed are chain link, picket, split rail and wrought iron. To compute the required openings between pickets, take the width of a single picket times three. This is the required open space between each picket.

12. Does a swimming pool require a permit?

All pools 5,000 gallons or larger require a building permit. Pools requiring permits must have at least a 48 inch high security fence. It is reommended that for any kind of a pool a secure fence should be considered. Pools cannot be placed under electrical wires.