Reference
Which home projects need a building permit?
13 project types, 137 counties and cities, 1418 rules read from the jurisdiction's own published code rather than summarized from a national model code. Start with your project below, then narrow to your state and county.
What the data says, project by project
Every line below is counted from the rules we read, not from a national summary.
- Do you need a deck permit?
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73 of 136 require one outright.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 30 inches
- Do you need an electrical permit?
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100 of 137 require one outright.
137 localities across 27 states
- Do you need a fence permit?
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34 require one, 83 depend on the job, 15 require none at all.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 7 feet
- Do you need an HVAC permit?
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102 of 137 require one outright.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 5 tons
- Do you need a patio permit?
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27 require one, 79 depend on the job, 8 require none at all.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 30 inches
- Do you need a plumbing permit?
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100 of 137 require one outright.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 20 linear feet
- Do you need a pool permit?
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80 of 137 make it depend on size or scope.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 24 inches
- Do you need a roof replacement permit?
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58 require one, 71 depend on the job, 6 require none at all.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 7500 USD
- Do you need a shed permit?
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106 of 135 make it depend on size or scope.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 200 sq ft
- Do you need a solar permit?
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129 of 135 require one outright.
137 localities across 27 states · most common published threshold 3.5 lbs per sq ft
- Do you need a bathroom remodel permit?
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16 of 16 make it depend on size or scope.
16 localities across 6 states
- Do you need an EV charger permit?
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12 of 16 require one outright.
16 localities across 6 states
- Do you need a water heater permit?
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13 of 16 make it depend on size or scope.
16 localities across 6 states
Why these pages disagree with most permit guides
Most national guides state the International Residential Code figure and stop. Local governments amend it constantly. The model code's 200 square foot shed threshold is the number published by just 38 of the 107 jurisdictions that state one, 36 percent, and the rest run from 36 to 600 square feet. We publish the spread instead of the average, with each jurisdiction's own source next to its number.
How we verify every rule · What building permits cost · The full verdict landscape
Rules last verified .