If you're going to lay the foundation of a house, whether it's an aboveground slab or a basement, you'll always need a building permit. Is your planned concrete patio less than 30 inches above ground level? If so, you're in luck: most likely, you won't need a building permit, although your concrete contractor may need to obtain an excavation permit. Don't forget to also call a unique phone number to make sure you're not digging near underground utility pipes or cables. The following list of construction or remodeling projects does not usually require a permit.
A building permit is required when any structural change or major alteration is made to an existing building or when a new construction is undertaken. Normal building maintenance does not require a building permit in most cases. Separate permits are also required for plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, where appropriate.
