Projects that don’t require a building permit

While most construction projects in Piedmont require a building permit, there are some exceptions. Even if a permit is not required, your project needs to follow all building codes and regulations. It may also still need to be inspected.

If your project requires design review or zoning approval, you’ll need a building permit even if the nature of the work would not ordinarily require one.

Some projects may still require permits from other agencies or divisions. For example, even if you don’t need a building permit, you may still need an encroachment permit.

If you aren’t sure if your project needs a building permit or not, contact us and we’ll let you know.

In your yard

  • Accessory structures, like sheds or playhouses, if:
    • 1-story
    • Less than 7 feet in height
    • Detached
    • Less than 120 square feet
  • Fence, if:
    • 6 feet in height or less
    • Not in the front setback

  • Retaining wall, if it’s not over 30 inches in height, measured from the top of the grade to the top of the wall (unless supporting a surcharge)

  • Platform, walk or driveway, if:
    • Not more than 12 inches above grade
    • Not over a basement or story below
    • Does not increase structure coverage 
  • Swings and other playground equipment

Homes and buildings

  • Movable case, counter, or partition, if not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
  • Finish work, like:
    • Painting
    • Papering
    • Tiling (except in the bathtub or shower)
    • Carpeting
    • Cabinets and countertops (except if appliances are moving or electrical and plumbing are upgraded)
  • Window awnings, if:
    • Supported by an exterior wall
    • Does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
    • Does not require additional support

Electrical

  • Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting
  • Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets for them
  • Repair or replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location
  • Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy
  • Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

Gas

  • Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid

Mechanical

  • Portable heating appliances
  • Portable ventilation appliances
  • Portable cooling units
  • Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe
  • Portable evaporative coolers
  • Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid

Plumbing

  • Stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, except if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, you need to:
    • Get a permit
    • Schedule an inspection
  • Clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of toilets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures

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