Do I Need a Building Permit?

The question always arises as to whether a building permit is required or not on specific projects. The below should provide a basic guideline to follow. If you have additional questions please contact the Wayne Township Office at 7127-899-7430.

UCC RESIDENTIAL EXEMPT  WORK NOTICE

Bureau Veritas North American,  Inc.

A building permit is required  for any individual who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, move, demolish or change the occupancy of any building.

A building permit is NOT required  for the following residential construction,  repair or replacements, if the work does not violate a law or ordinance:

•    Fences that are no more than 6 feet high.

•   Retaining walls less than 4 feet high, unless the wall is used for structural bearing.

•   Water tanks less than 5,000 gallons that are supported directly upon grade.

•    Sidewalks and driveways that are 30 inches or less above grade and not placed over a basement or story below it.

•    Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

•    Prefabricated  swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.

•    Window awnings that are supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54 inches from the wall.

•    Replacement windows and doors that do NOT require any framing alteration.

•   Replacement of existing roofing material.  Shingles & steel

•    Replacement of existing siding.

•    Repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop which does NOT structurally  support a roof located above it. (All decks over 30″ of grade require

permit, all porch/roof structures requires a permit.)

•    Installation of additional roll or batt insulation.

•    Replacement of exterior rainwater gutters and leaders.

•    Installation of an uncovered  deck where the floor of the deck is 30 inches or less above grade.

•     Residential alterations  that do not include structural or egress changes. (ex: electrical, plumbing, mechanical to existing structures) .  All structural

changes on existing buildings require permits.

The following are not ordinary repairs and do require a UCC permit:

•   Cutting away a wall, partition or portion of a wall.

•   The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support.

•    The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.

General  UCC Exemptions:

•     Existing buildings, detached  uninhabitable accessory structures under 1,000 sq. ft., carports, greenhouses and historical  buildings. (Residential only)