When is a Building Permit Required?

A building permit is required to construct, alter, repair or demlish a structure. This includes the removal, construction or reconstruction of load bearing AND non load bearing walls, removal or replacement of wall board or plaster,  installation or replacement  of insulation, windows, doors, siding, roofing and other cladding on the exterior. Exceptions to this are:

• A routine repair such as replaceing a couple of roof shingles, patching some broken siding or replacing a few deck boards where no framing is replaced.
• Single story detached accessary structures not exceeding 200sf in floor area.
• Retaining walls not over 4' in height as measured from the base of the footing, unless supporting a surcharge(added weight above the actual material behind the wall such as a patio, pool or driveway). ***Please note that walls seperating properties along or near the lot lines will require a fence permit per The Town of Lancaster Zoning Bylaw.
• Sidewalks and driveways. Permits may still be required through the Lancaster Board of Public Works.
• Painting, papering, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. Be advised a plumbing or electrical permit may still be required if this work effects an plumbing or electrical fixtures.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24" deep. All swimming pools and spas require a 48" high barrier in accordance with the State Building Code unless protected by a safety cover even if no permit is required.
• Swings and other playground (accessibility requirements for public playgrounds apply).
• Decks not exceeding 200 that are not more than 30" above grade at any point, that are not attached to a dwelling, and that do not serve an exit door.
• Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic films. This does not apply if the greenhouse is to be used for large assemblies of people or uses other than normally expected for this purpose.

When in doubt about if a permit is required please call or email and ask.