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1. What projects do I need a building permit for?

A building permit is required for any new construction or relocation of buildings, including mobile homes and any structures such as sheds or buildings 200 square feet or greater. Building permits will also be required for interior construction or reconstruction.

2. Is there a penalty for not getting a building permit?

A stop work order will be issued until a building permit is issued and the building permit fee will be twice the cost of the permit had it been issued prior to the start of construction.

3. What do I need to get a building permit?

Any lot under forty acres must be platted before a building permit can be issued.

When applying for a building permit you must

• Complete the application
• Provide two full sets of building plans drawn to scale
• Provide a plot to plan drawn to scale
• Provide proof of sewer permit number and septic design if applicable
• Provide a wildfire mitigation plan or survivable space plan if applicable
• Provide a list of all contractors working on the job site

For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

4. How long does it take to get a building permit?

In most cases, if all the required information is supplied, a building permit can be issued on the same day. However, the permit issuance may be delayed for receipt of information or on-site inspection.

5. When does my building permit expire?

If the work described in any building permit has not been commenced within 180 days from issuance of the building permit, the building permit will then expire.

6. Can I get an extension for my building project?

Yes, the building official is authorized to grant in writing, extensions that do not exceed 180 days per extension. The requestion for an extension will need to be requested in writing and have a justifiable cause demonstrated.

7. What codes have been adopted by Lawrence County?

The 2012 IRC Residential Code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2012 Fire Code, and all appropriate amendments and additions to those codes are all codes that have been adopted by Lawrence County.

8. What inspections will be done by the building official?

The building official will conduct the following inspections for all building permits issued on or after February 3, 2014

• Footing and Foundations 
• Framing and Final

For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

9. How much notice is needed to schedule inspections?

There is a 24 hour notice required to set an appointment for inspection.

10. Is there a penalty for not requesting the necessary inspections?

Yes, a stop work order will be issued, a fine may be imposed, construction may have to be removed or exposed in order to rectify the inspection and a no occupancy permit will be issued.

11. Did the building permit fees go up because of building inspections?

No, the fee schedule has not increased because of inspection at this time.