(a) Residential structures.
(1) A building permit shall be obtained prior to the initiation of construction of any new structure, any addition to an existing structure, any structural alteration to an existing structure, or any driveway, sidewalk or other concrete flat work, any portion of which lies within the public right-of-way, or prior to moving or demolishing any structure. This requirement shall apply to all structures, whether inspected by the State or the City.
(2) A permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of any major heating or air conditioning appliance or equipment, including solid fuel burning equipment. A permit shall also be obtained prior to the installation or major alteration of any electrical circuit.
(3) A permit is not required for ordinary repair or normal maintenance, so long as no structural alterations are made. A permit is not required for ordinary repair or normal maintenance of any installed appliance or equipment.
(4) Once any structural element, material, appliance, equipment or part of the electrical system is approved by a building inspector, the same shall be maintained in the same state of safe operation as it was when it was approved. Upon evidence to the contrary, a building inspector may order the repair, alteration or replacement of the items which are not so maintained.
(b) Commercial structures.
(1) A building permit shall be obtained for any of the following:
A. The construction or alteration of any building, including accessory buildings.
B. The change in an existing building or accessory building to a use of a different building classification.
C. The cutting away of any wall, partition or portions of walls; the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support.
D. The removal or change of any required element of accessibility, means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.
E. The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer drainage, drains leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping.
F. The addition to or alteration of, replacement or relocation of electrical wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
(2) A building permit is not required for minor repair of a structure as defined in Chapter 1420 or for ordinary repair or normal maintenance of any installed appliance, equipment or part of the electrical system.
(c) Once any structural element, material, appliance, equipment or part of the electrical system is approved by a building inspector, the same shall be maintained in the same state of safe operation as it was when it was approved. Upon evidence to the contrary, a building inspector may order the repair, alteration or replacement of the items which are not so maintained and may require said change to follow the permit process.
(Ord. 92-62. Passed 9-16-92; Ord. 2007-37. Passed 9-17-07.)