(A) Adoption. The city adopts the International Building Code 2015 and the International Residential Code 2006.
(B) Homeowner permits.
(1) Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the following must be adhered:
(a) Must own and plan to reside within the property for at least six months;
(b) The water bill must be current and all fines and liens imposed by the city must be paid;
(c) Provide proof of valid homeowner insurance;
(d) Provide proof of residency (i.e., driver’s license, utility bills); and
(e) Provide proof of ownership (i.e., deed, title, closing statement).
(2) Homeowner allowed permits:
(a) Roofing;
(b) Siding;
(c) Flooring;
(d) Shed;
(e) Garage;
(f) Minor plumbing;
(g) Dry wall;
(h) Security door;
(i) Soffits/fascia;
(j) Gutter replacement;
(k) Window replacement;
(l) Driveway/sidewalk;
(m) Decks;
(n) Balcony; and
(o) Porch.
(C) Landlord/property investor permits.
(1) Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the following must be adhered:
(a) The water bill must be current and all fines and liens imposed by the city must be paid;
(b) Provide proof of valid property insurance; and
(c) Provide proof of ownership (i.e., deed, title, closing statement).
(2) Non-resident only permits:
(a) Minor roofing only;
(b) Siding;
(c) Flooring;
(d) Drywall;
(e) Shed;
(f) Garage (repair only);
(g) Security door;
(h) Soffits/fascia;
(i) Gutter replacement;
(j) Deck (repair only);
(k) Driveway;
(l) Window replacement;
(m) Porch (repair only);
(n) Balcony (repair only); and
(o) Sidewalk.
(D) General repairs.
Type | Residential | Commercial |
Type | Residential | Commercial |
Drywall | $10 | 1.5% construction cost (minimum $40) |
Floors (exception - tiling and carpet) | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
Gutter replacement | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
Security door | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
Siding | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
Soffits/fascia | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
Window replacement | $10 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $40) |
(E) Fire and rehab repairs. The building permit will be based on 1.5% of the total construction cost in addition to all associated fees for the project. A licensed and bonded contractor registered with the city is required for repairs.
(F) Roofing.
(1) Fees; requirements.
Type | Residential | Commercial |
Minor repair (up to a 4 x 4 section) | $15 | $50 |
Re-roofing | $30 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $50) |
(a) May be completed by homeowner (must reside in the property for six months);
(b) Contractors must have a state roofing license; and
(c) Roofing systems and installation should be in full compliance with the 2006 International Residential Code, 2015 International Building Code and city adopted ordinances and procedures. Installation must meet manufacturer’s guidelines.
(2) Code requirements.
(a) Roof slope.
1. Shingle and tile roofs: four in 12. Shingle roofs less than four in 12, but not less than two in 12, shall be applied in strict accordance with the International Residential Code.
2. In lieu of cementing individual tabs, self-sealing shingles listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) carrying their “wind-resistance” label shall be used.
(b) Vents. Installation of additional roof vents may be required on existing roofing systems. Soffit vents alone are found to be insufficient for proper attic ventilation.
(c) Nails (fasteners).
1. Fastening materials for attaching roof coverings shall be copper or hot-dipped galvanized.
2. Fastening materials shall be applied on a nail line, as indicated from manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Each roofing shingle shall be fastened at a maximum distance of one inch from each end. A minimum of four fasteners shall be applied per each shingle.
4. A minimum of six fasteners shall be applied for each shingle in high wind areas and/or on mansard roof construction. Note: staples are not permitted and will not be an acceptable fastening device.
5. All exposed fasteners shall be covered with an approved material, such as plastic cement.
(d) Headlap. Follow manufacturer’s specifications.
(e) Underlayment. Underlay shall be a minimum of 15-pound felt and shall be installed to completely cover the entire roof sheathing system. All roofs shall be installed with an approved ice/water protector to be applied along eave line. It is recommended a minimum of two rows for soffits two feet or less be installed. The 2006 IRC Code requires that the ice/water protection extend a minimum of two feet beyond the interior of the exterior wall.
(f) Flashing. Approved corrosion-resistant flashing shall be installed at junction of chimney and roof, roof and wall intersections, in all roof valleys and around all roof openings (i.e., vent piping, flue pipes and the like).
(g) Flashing in roof valleys.
1. Open roof valleys: open valleys shall be flashed with No. 28 gauge galvanized corrosion- resistant sheet metal and shall extend at least eight inches from the centerline in each direction. Sections of flashing shall be joined to provide an adequate water lock.
2. An approved ice and water protector shall be installed in all roof valleys. Note: the installation of roofing shingles over existing roofing shingles (re-roof) on existing structures may be exempt from this requirement.
(h) Re-roofing. Not more than two layers of shingles shall be applied to a roofing system. Note: for re-roofing applications where new roofing shingles are applied over an existing roof shingle system, flashing in the roof valleys or the installation of an ice and water protector are not required.
(i) Clean and dry sheathing. Regardless of the structure, the entire roof sheathing system shall be completely clean and dry prior to the application of any roofing material.
(G) Shed.
(1) Permit fee: $30;
(2) An updated copy of plat of survey indicating location of the project. Sheds must be constructed a minimum of five feet from all property lines. The maximum height is 15 feet;
(3) Two sets of project drawings and a written scope of work (if applicable);
(4) If project requires excavation, a J.U.L.I.E. locate will be required before digging;
(5) Only up to 120 square feet;
(6) A pre-inspection is required for the installation of a shed. If the shed is erected on a cement slab, an inspection will be required before the pour. Sheds located in rear yards shall be located a minimum of two feet from the principal structure or any other accessory building. The area between the structures shall be kept clear of any equipment, materials or debris; and
(7) Roofing requirements shall comply with 2006 International Residential Code.
(H) Fence.
Residential | Commercial | Storage Yard |
$50 | $100 | $150 |
(1) Must provide updated plat of survey and specifications for property and project;
(2) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit;
(3) Fence may not exceed more than six feet in height on sides and back. No higher than four feet in front of property;
(4) All holes must be dug a minimum of 42 inches;
(5) No cyclone, barbed wire, circular barbed wire or prison barbed wire is allowed;
(6) No fence, wall or similar structure greater than four feet in height shall be installed or erected along a street or right-of-way line, as defined by the city’s Zoning Ordinance; and
(7) No fence, wall or similar structure having a density greater than 25% shall be built, installed or erected within 20 feet of the intersection of lot lines adjacent to a street corner.
(I) Deck, balcony and porch.
(1) Permit fee: $50;
(2) Must provide updated plat of survey indicating the location of the improvement shown to scale and the dimensions and square footage;
(3) Copy of a scaled dimensional drawing to include:
(a) Overall dimensions and height above grade;
(b) Piers depth, diameter and layout;
(c) Post size;
(d) Size of beams and girders;
(e) Size of joists;
(f) Decking detail;
(g) Guardrail, handrail detail;
(h) Step detail; and
(i) Schedule of materials.
(4) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit.
(J) Signs.
Type | Fee |
Non-illuminated | $40 |
Illuminated | $40 + inspection fee |
Signs over 100 sq. ft. | Additional $1.00/sq. ft. |
(K) Driveway/sidewalk/stoop/parking lot.
Type | Residential | Commercial |
New/replacement | $75 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $100) |
Less than 50% | $50 | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $50) |
Parking lot | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $200) | 1.5% of construction cost (minimum $200) |
(1) General.
(a) Must provide updated plat of survey and specifications for property and project;
(b) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit; and
(c) Driveway must be made with either asphalt or concrete material. A pre-pour inspection is required for concrete driveways.
(2) Driveway code requirements.
(a) Four inches concrete over four inches of compacted base;
(b) Six bag mix-drive apron minimum five-inch non-reinforced concrete;
(c) Asphalt minimum: two-inch asphalt over six-inch compacted base. Drive width shall not exceed 21 feet within three feet of front property line;
(d) The paved area after that point may be increased by no greater than 45 degrees until the paved area reaches four feet into the residential property side, including brick pavers or similar decorative features along the sides of the driveway;
(e) When concrete is used to add to the existing driveway, No. 4 rebar shall be used to pin the new concrete;
(f) Minimum drive width is nine feet;
(g) Minimum walk width is three feet;
(h) Maximum side yard walk width shall be five feet; and
(i) Pitch of flat work shall be away from structure: concrete steps:
1. Maximum rise: seven and three-fourths-inch minimum run, ten inches; and
2. Three-eighths-inch maximum variable on rise or run.
(3) Sidewalk code requirements.
(a) Material requirements.
1. Four inches concrete over four inches of compacted base;
2. Six bag mix-drive concrete;
3. Minimum walk width is three feet;
4. Minimum stoop width and depth is three feet;
5. Flashing where required by code;
6. Maximum side yard walk width shall be five feet; and
7. Pitch of flat work shall be away from structure.
(b) Concrete steps.
1. Three-eighths-inch maximum variable on rise or run;
2. Guardrail required if stoop is over 30 inches above grade;
3. Handrails: 38 inches high maximum space between balusters, four inches;
4. Graspable hand rail required for stairs with four or more rises: 34 to 38 above; and
5. Stair nose:
a. For residential, maximum rise: seven and there-fourths-inch minimum, run ten inches; and
b. For commercial, maximum rise: seven-inch minimum, run 11 inches.
(c) Other information.
1. Total front yard coverage shall not exceed 40% of the front yard.
2. Total rear yard coverage shall not exceed 40% of rear yard.
3. Pavers must be installed per manufacturer’s specs. Airborne dust must be suppressed with water or alternative method.
(L) Demolition. A permit is required by the city when deconstructing, destroying, razing, tearing down or altering or renovating any structure. Alteration or renovation include the removal of any load bearing structural member of a facility, the removal of an exterior wall or the removal or partial removal of a structure.
Residential | $100 |
Commercial | 1.5% construction cost |
(1) Must have a registered contractor with the city; and
(2) Must satisfy all requirements with the county’s Environmental Control Department and all county ordinances and procedures.
(M) Garage.
Type | Residential | Commercial |
New/replacement | $100 + associated fees based on work | 1.5% cost of construction (minimum $100) |
Overhead door | $15 | 1.5% cost of construction (minimum $30) |
Repair only | $30 | 1.5% cost of construction (minimum $50) |
(1) Must provide updated plat of survey and specifications for property and project; and
(2) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.LJ.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit.
(N) Swimming pool.
(1) General.
(a) When installing a swimming pool or hot tub on the premises capable of holding 24 inches of water, a building permit will be required.
(b) All contractor’s must be licensed and bonded with the city prior to a permit being issued.
Above-ground | $25 |
Hot tub | $50 |
In-ground | $100 |
(2) In-ground pool requirements.
(a) Concrete walk area around pool;
(b) Concrete area around diving boards; and
(c) Decking, if used.
(3) Above-ground pools. If decking is to be installed, requirements:
(a) Height from ground; and
(b) Types of materials to be used.
(4) Spas or hot tubs requirements. Defined as a hydro-massage pool or tub for recreational or therapeutic use, not located in a healthcare facility, designed for immersion of users and usually having a filter, heater and motor-driven blower.
(5) Code requirements.
(a) Private swimming pools shall be operated for the exclusive use of the residents of the zoning lot upon which they are located and their invited guests. No private swimming pool shall be operated as a business or private club.
(b) Pool and appurtenances shall be located at least eight feet from all property lines as shown. Appurtenances include diving boards and bracings.
(c) Pool heaters, filters, concrete walls to be a minimum of five feet from property line.
(d) Pools shall be a minimum of five feet from underground electrical service.
(e) Pools shall be a minimum of ten feet from air conditioners and/or electrical outlets, except for electric receptacle that is installed for pool equipment.
(f) Pools are not allowed in side yards.
(g) Spas or hot tubs shall be located 8 feet from property line, five feet from Com Ed lines, open on two sides for access.
(h) Spas and hot tubs shall comply with the same provisions as defined for pools per the International Building Codes.
(i) Spas and hot tubs with locking type covers complying with ASTM-ES 13-89 are exempt from the barrier and safety requirements.
(6) Fencing.
(a) Private or public in-ground or above-ground pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence to make the pool inaccessible to small children. This fence may also be located within the interior lot at least five feet from the property line at a height of at least four feet, but not greater than six feet, and shall consist of an open or semi-open type.
(b) Above-ground pools need not be enclosed by a fence of the type described above if the pool has a deck fence or fence extending from the top of the pool side wall to a height of seven feet from the surface of the ground.
(c) All fence openings or points of entry to the pool of either above-ground or in-ground pools shall be equipped with gates or doors having automatic latching devices placed at the top of the gate or door or otherwise made inaccessible to small children.
(7) Demolition requirements for in-ground swimming pools.
(a) General. When demolition of an in-ground swimming pool is necessary, a city permit is required. The concern is that an abandoned pool will act as a bowl and unregulated backfill may create an area of super-saturated soil which could prove to be a hazard to the public’s safety. The other consideration is that there may be a future building on the site and the uncompacted fill would not be adequate to sustain the loading and the new structure would likely suffer structural damage.
(b) Submittal requirements. A copy of updated plat of survey indicating:
1. Real property lines;
2. All buildings relative to property line;
3. Location of the pool relative to the property line and structure; and
4. Access route to pool to carry out demolition and cleanup.
(c) Required inspections.
1. Rough grade to verify holes in bottom of pool shell;
2. In progress: 48 inches from finished grade. Verify disconnects and backfill material; and
3. Final pool backfill complete, final grading complete.
(d) Code requirements.
1. The bottom of the pool’s shell shall have holes punched or drilled completely through so water will be able to drain out of the bottom and not accumulate in the pool. An inspection of the holes is required prior to backfill;
2. Recommend the top 24 inches of the side walls be removed (18 inches minimum);
3. Pool shall be backfilled and compacted to a minimum of 90% maximum density. No organic or other reducible material shall be incorporated in fills. No rock or similar irreducible material with a dimension greater than eight inches shall be buried or placed within 48 inches of the finished grade; and
4. Disconnection and proper termination of the gas, water and electrical lines will be required prior to final inspection.
(O) Gazebo/pergola.
(1) Permit fee. Permit fee: 1.5% of estimated cost of construction, plus associated fees.
(2) Submittal requirements.
(a) An updated copy of the plat of survey; and
(b) Copies of drawings including elevations.
(3) Code requirements.
(a) The maximum allowable area for a gazebo, greenhouse or workshop shall be 200 square feet or no more than 40% of the rear yard (including all accessory structures within the rear yard), whichever is less.
(b) Changes in use of accessory structures must conform to all applicable requirements of the Municipal Code.
(c) Pergolas would not fit in the 40% coverage rule unless they have an impervious type floor and then if applicable the maximum size would only be regulated by the 40% rule.
(d) The maximum height of a detached accessory structure shall be measured at the front of the structure and from the top of the finished floor to the highest point of the building, and shall be no taller than 15 feet in height. In the event there are significant grade changes on the property as to expose 18 inches or more of the foundation of the structure, a grading plan shall be a required component of the building permit application.
(P) Retaining wall.
(1) Permit fee. Permit fee: 1.5% of estimated cost of construction and a grading plan.
(2) Submittal requirements.
(a) An updated copy of the plat of survey; and
(b) Representative drawing indicating the location of the existing and/or proposed wall on the property.
(Q) New construction.
(1) Permit fee is based on 1.5% of estimated cost of construction, in addition to all associated fees related to the project;
(2) Must provide updated plat of survey for property; and
(3) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit.
(R) Room addition.
(1) Permit fee is based on 1.5% of estimated cost of construction, in addition to all associated fees related to the project;
(2) Must provide sealed and signed architectural drawings;
(3) Must provide updated plat of survey for property; and
(4) The Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.) location must be completed prior to the issuance of building permit.
(S) Plan review and inspection fees.
(1) The cost of a plan review is 1.35% of the building permit fee. If a permit play review is necessary, the cost of a permit plat review is $1,000.
(2) The cost of onsite building permit review is $60 for residential and $100 for commercial.
(Ord. 16-O-2155, passed 12-7-2016; Ord. 20-O-2250, passed 3-4-2020)