If you are doing work on your home or property or removing trees on your property, there is a good chance you will need a permit. The most common permit types are for tree removal and for residential new builds, interior remodels, additions, and demolitions. However, the City issues many other different permit types. 

Some projects may qualify for a permit exemption and do not need a permit to begin work. Here are some common exemptions that you may be allowed for construction projects or tree projects around your house.   

Exemptions do not apply to properties with environmentally sensitive or critical areas. In that case, you would likely need a permit. These areas can be steep slopes, wetlands, streams, beaches, or lakes. Check our Critical Areas Map to see if your property might have a known sensitive area. If you do have one of these areas on your property, please book an appointment with a planner so we can provide you with more information.  

If your project requires a permit, your next step is to submit your application and application submittal checklist to the City.  

When you have gathered all required items listed on the application submittal checklist, you are ready to turn in your application. The City will then charge an intake fee for reviewing your permit application. Please note that depending on your permit type you may need to pay additional fees before your permit is issued. Once your permit application has been verified as complete it will then move to permit review.

Once your plans have been approved, we will issue your permit. At this point, you may need to pay extra fees for additional time spent reviewing your permit and/or provide any missing information or paperwork. Once your permit has been issued, you will receive a list of inspections and your approved plans. These approved plans will tell you what work you are authorized to do, and you may begin work. 

Once you have completed the permitted work, the City will inspect and approve it. You will need to schedule your inspection(s) at least one business day before you would like the work to be inspected.