What to do first. You need to determine the scope of your project with as much specificity as possible. It may be easy. A repainted bedroom with added crown molding would almost never require a permit. But if you find yourself considering work with uncertain permit requirements, consult with a professional or your local building jurisdiction. Pennsylvania Learners Permit Rules - Over 18. If you apply for your permit after you turn 18, there won't be that many restrictions for you to observe. Just like younger drivers, you will have to pass a Pennsylvania drivers permit test prior to receiving a permit.
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You have the vision. You know what you want. But getting that sparkling new kitchen or expansive master closet isn’t as easy as making a wish and snapping your fingers. From the beginning, your project is set up for numerous pitfalls and missteps, and nowhere is this more true than in the permitting process. Skip a permit in hopes of a smoother project and you could be faced with very real consequences.What follows is an introduction to a series about understanding and navigating the residential permit process. It’s an informative look at basic processes and guidelines that you should understand before beginning work. You won’t be able to snap your fingers and make things happen, but you might be able to sleep better at night knowing your project is in full compliance with local codes — and your family is safe.
Why get a permit? The greatest risk to non-compliance is that of bodily harm to the occupant. We recently discovered a fully exposed electrical wire running under a steel bathtub during a bath remodel. It was placed there by a previous homeowner and the imagination does not need to work hard to see how this DIY job could have easily resulted in electrocution.But there are other less dire consequences that might arise from failing to secure a required permit.
Every real estate agent has a story about a home sale that was affected by improperly permitted work. If the home’s reported square footage does not match up with what’s recorded, it’s a red flag that can negate a home sale.
You might be required to obtain a permit for work retroactively, which can be a costly endeavor involving demolition and repeating work steps. Fines, lawsuits and other legal troubles are all possible outcomes of completing work without the required permit.
When is a permit required? Still, a general understanding of the process and of the International Building Code (IBC) is essential to making informed decisions. The IBC is a uniform code that has been adopted throughout most of the United States.A permit is always required for any addition or structural modification to your existing living space. A permit is required for electrical modifications, plumbing work (even replacing that rusty old water heater), window modifications that enlarge openings and for mechanical system installations.You will always need a permit if you are modifying the roof line of your home. Sewer modifications, major demolitions and added fireplaces are other examples of work that typically requires a permit. When a permit might be required.
Exterior work such as adding a deck, cutting down trees and building new fences or retaining walls are all elements that may or may not require a permit depending on design, location and the extent of the work.Exterior work on your home, like repairing siding and repainting, may or may not require a permit and can only be determined in context with the rules of your community., plumbing fixtures and appliances are all examples of work that historically did not required a permit but now may technically require one in some cases. Safety first. The most critical objective of the building code is your safety and that of your family. Railing guidelines, for example, are detailed in the International Building Code, defining specific design characteristics that must be met.Railing requirements ensure the safety of small children as well as anyone who might use the stairs. At no location in the railing is a 4-inch sphere permitted to pass through the barrier. Specific handrail details such as height and maximum circumference ensure support can easily be gripped by those of all ages. What to do first.
You need to determine the scope of your project with as much specificity as possible. It may be easy. A repainted bedroom with added crown molding would almost never require a permit. But if you find yourself considering work with uncertain permit requirements, or your local building jurisdiction.More:Up next: I’ll examine the first steps in the permit submittal process, compare typical planning and building department requirements, and provide sound advice on how to progress efficiently through the miasma that the permit stage can often appear.
Adults’ Permit RequirementsIf you are at least 18 years old, meet the application requirements, and pass the required tests, you may be issued a California instruction permit. You must have an instruction permit while learning to drive. Your accompanying driver must be 18 years old or older and have a valid California DL. This person must be seated close enough to you that they are able to take control of the vehicle at any time.