Free Resource

Homeowner's Pre-Permit Checklist

Everything you need to gather before submitting a building permit application — organized by project type. Print it, check items off online, or download it as a PDF.

Check If I Need a Permit First
How to use this checklist: Select your project type below. Check off items as you gather them. Everything should be checked before you submit your permit application. Use the print button to get a paper copy.
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📋 Before You Apply — Shed Permit

  • Verify your jurisdiction. Confirm you're in unincorporated county territory — not inside a city or town. Check your county GIS portal or property tax bill.
  • Confirm permit is required. Check your county's shed permit threshold. If your shed exceeds the sq ft threshold, you need a permit.
  • Know your property lines. Locate your survey monuments (metal stakes/pins at property corners). If you can't find them, consider hiring a surveyor before placement.
  • Calculate your setbacks. Measure from your proposed shed location to all property lines. Confirm these meet your county's minimums (typically 5 ft rear/side).
  • Check your zoning district. Use your county's GIS or call the building department. Know your zone designation (R-1, RE, etc.) and confirm sheds are allowed.
  • Get HOA approval (if applicable). If your neighborhood has an HOA, submit a request to the Architectural Review Committee before applying for the county permit.
  • Draw a site plan. Show: property lines with dimensions, existing house footprint, proposed shed location, all setback measurements labeled clearly. Can be hand-drawn, but must be to scale or dimensioned.
  • Gather shed specifications. Dimensions (L×W×H), construction materials, foundation type (on-grade / concrete slab / piers), and manufacturer specs if pre-built.
  • Know your contractor (if using one). Have their state license number and county registration number ready. Verify they're licensed at your state's contractor licensing board website.
  • Estimate project value. Fees are often based on project value. For a pre-built shed, use the purchase price. For site-built, estimate materials + labor.
  • Have payment method ready. Most counties accept credit/debit cards online. Know the payment method accepted by your county's portal.

🔍 After Permit Approval — Shed

  • Post your permit card visibly at the job site before construction or delivery begins.
  • Schedule required inspections. For most shed permits: a final inspection after placement. Call at least 24 hours ahead.
  • Don't backfill footings before a footing inspection passes (if your county requires one).
  • Keep permit records. After the final inspection passes, file your permit card and inspection records with your home improvement documentation.

📋 Before You Apply — Deck Permit

  • Verify jurisdiction. Confirm you're in unincorporated county — or know which city handles your permits.
  • Draw a site plan. Property lines, house footprint, proposed deck location, all setback measurements.
  • Create a framing plan. Shows: joist size and spacing, beam size, post size, footing diameter and depth, deck outline with dimensions.
  • Document ledger attachment detail. Shows how deck attaches to house: lag bolt size and spacing, flashing detail, rim joist or band joist connection. This is the most-scrutinized part of any deck plan.
  • Include railing and stair detail. Railing height (42 in. required for decks over 30 in. high), baluster spacing (max 4 in.), stair riser/tread dimensions.
  • Know your frost line depth. Footing depth must be below the frost line for your region. Verify with your county (ranges from 12 in. in TN to 36 in. in CO).
  • Verify decking material specs. Some counties require you to specify deck board species, size, and span.
  • Contractor license number. If using a contractor, have their state license number and county registration.
  • Determine if electrical sub-permit is needed. Any lighting or outlets on the deck require a separate electrical permit. Plan this before you apply.
  • HOA approval. If applicable, get written HOA approval for deck design and materials before applying for county permit.

🔍 Inspection Stages — Deck

  • Footing inspection. Required in many counties BEFORE concrete is poured. Schedule after holes are dug, before pouring.
  • Framing inspection. Required after all framing is complete and BEFORE decking boards are installed. Inspector checks joists, beams, ledger, and connections.
  • Electrical rough inspection. If deck has electrical, required before any wiring is covered.
  • Final inspection. After all work including decking, railings, stairs, and electrical is complete.

📋 Before You Install — Fence

  • Check if a permit is required. Many counties don't require fence permits, but some do (especially for fences over 6 ft). Use the Permit Checker tool to confirm for your county.
  • Confirm your property lines. Locate survey monuments (metal pins) at property corners. If you can't find them, hire a surveyor before installation.
  • Check your zone's height limits. Typical limits: 3–4 ft in front yards, 6–8 ft in rear yards. Confirm for your specific zoning district.
  • Corner lot visibility triangle. If on a corner lot, identify the sight distance triangle requirements near the intersection. No fence over 2–3 ft high in this zone.
  • HOA approval (if applicable). HOAs commonly regulate fence materials, height, and color. Get written approval before installation.
  • Notify neighbors. Not legally required in most states, but good practice — especially if installing on or near the property line. Written agreement with neighbors for shared fence lines prevents future disputes.
  • Call 811 (Dig Safe). Required by law before digging in most states. Call 811 at least 3 business days before digging post holes to have underground utilities marked.

📋 Before You Apply — Pool Permit

  • Verify jurisdiction and confirm permit is required. All pools require permits in virtually every US county.
  • Check setbacks for pool placement. Pool location (water's edge) must meet setbacks — typically 5–10 ft from property lines. Confirm with your county.
  • Plan your barrier before you apply. You must show the proposed barrier (fence) on your plans. Know your gate locations, fence height, and materials before applying.
  • Site plan with drainage. Pool permits usually require a drainage/grading plan showing how pool water (backwash, overflow) will be managed.
  • Identify your licensed pool contractor. In most states, pool installation requires a licensed pool contractor. Have their license number and county registration ready.
  • Identify licensed electrician. Pool electrical (bonding, GFCI, pump wiring) requires a licensed electrician in all states.
  • Know your sub-permits. Pool permits typically require: building permit + electrical permit + plumbing permit (if applicable) + barrier inspection. Plan and budget for all of them.
  • HOA approval. Many HOAs prohibit pools entirely or have strict placement and equipment enclosure rules. Get written approval before applying for county permits.

⚠️ Required Before Anyone Uses the Pool

  • Barrier inspection must pass before the pool is filled or used. This is non-negotiable in every jurisdiction.
  • Electrical inspection must pass. Pool electrical bonding and GFCI protection must be inspected and approved.
  • Final inspection must close the permit. The building permit must be marked complete in the county's system.

📋 Before You Apply — Home Addition Permit

  • Verify setbacks and lot coverage. Confirm the addition won't violate setback requirements or push you over your zone's maximum lot coverage percentage.
  • Prepare full plan set. Additions require: site plan, floor plan, all four elevations, foundation plan, wall sections, and energy compliance documentation.
  • Scale your drawings. Most counties require addition plans to be drawn to scale (typically 1/4" = 1'). Confirm your county's requirements.
  • Identify all sub-permits needed. Additions typically require: building + electrical + plumbing (if applicable) + mechanical (HVAC). Each is a separate permit application.
  • Licensed general contractor. In most states, additions over a certain value require a licensed general contractor. Confirm your state's requirements.
  • Energy code compliance. Additions must meet current energy code (IECC or state equivalent). Document insulation R-values, window U-factors, and HVAC efficiency ratings.
  • Budget for plan review corrections. Addition permits commonly go through 1–2 correction cycles. Budget time (1–3 weeks per cycle) and plan to respond promptly to correction requests.
Universal checklist: These items apply to every permit type regardless of project.

📋 Universal Pre-Permit Items

  • Verify your jurisdiction. Confirm whether your permit comes from the county or a city/municipality.
  • Check if a permit is required. Use PermitLocal's Permit Checker or call your building department.
  • Confirm setback compliance. Know your property lines and verify the proposed location meets all setback requirements.
  • Get HOA approval (if applicable). Before applying for any county permit.
  • Call 811 before digging. Required by law at least 3 business days before any excavation.
  • Have contractor license number. If using a contractor — verify they're licensed in your state and registered in your county.
  • Post permit before work starts. After approval, post the permit card at the job site.
  • Schedule all required inspections. Don't cover work before required inspections pass.
  • Keep permit records permanently. File permit cards and inspection records with your home improvement documentation.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance. Specific requirements vary by county and project type. Always verify current requirements with your local building department before applying for any permit.