Building Permits

 

Whether you want to remodel your kitchen, add an addition onto your family room or just add a deck out your back door, before you begin pounding nails, contact the Building Official to see if you need a permit.

 

As long as you provide all the necessary information, obtaining a building permit is rather a simple process.

 

Where Do I Get A Building Permit?  You may obtain an application from the Building Inspector's office. The office is located on the third floor of City Hall, 306 Pearl Street.  The office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

What Do I Need to Get a Permit?  A building permit application, completed by either the contractor or owner, a drawing detailing the project, a site plan if the project is new or if an addition if being added.  The estimated value of the project, as this will determine the amount of the permit fee.  The contractor, electrician, plumber, architect, and or engineer involved in the project.  A proposed completion date of the project as permits become null and void if the work or construction is not commenced within 180 days or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after work is begun.

 

Do I Need to Submit the Application to Anyone Other Than the Building Official?  Certain applications will need the prior approval of the State Electrical Inspector and the State Fire Marshal.  The Building Official will inform you of this when you submit your application.

 

How Soon Will My Permit Be Approved?  A minimum of ten (10) working days is required for plan review and permit issuance.

 

After My Permit Is Approved, What Else Do I Need to Do?  Once your permit is approved, you will need to pay the necessary permit fee and then post the Building Permit card at the job site.  The Building Permit card lists the Permit #, Builder, Job Address, and Sub-Contractors, and the necessary inspections to be performed.  You must also retain one set of plans at the job site at all times.  This ensures that the original plans are not being altered following approval.

 

What Necessary Inspections Are Performed?  Marked on the Building Permit card will be the inspections required for that particular job.  The inspections listed are:  footing, building rough-in, building final construction, electrical rough-in, electrical final, plumbing rough-in, warm air heating rough-in, warm air heating final, warm air heating air conditioner, State Fire Marshal rough-in, and State Fire Marshal final.  Not all of the inspections listed are required for each building permit. The Building Official will determine what inspections are conducted.  ALL inspections, especially footing inspections, are required to give a 24-hour advance notice to the Building Official.  You may telephone the Building Inspector at 402-375-1733 during normal business hours to schedule the inspection.

 

How Do I Know the Inspection Was Conducted?  Once the Building Inspector has completed the inspection, located on the permit card is a place for the Inspector to sign-off for approval or disapproval.

 

 

Just remember, if in doubt contact the Building Official before you begin pounding nails.

 

Below is a copy of a sample Building Permit packet.  Please note that you will need to obtain an original packet and application form from the City Building & Planning Office, located at 306 Pearl Street.  Should you have any questions, please contact our office at 402-375-1733.

 

The packet is in pdf format and will require Adobe Reader to view it.  You can download Adobe Reader by clicking on the icon below.