Construction is prohibited unless in conformity with a valid building permit obtained from the Building Commission prior to commencement of construction. A permit shall be required before beginning any new construction of any building or structure or before beginning any structural improvement to any building or structure not hereinafter exempted, the cost of which construction or improvements exceeds $2,500; or is more than 120 square feet; or before beginning construction of any improvement to any building or structure involving modification, changing or new installation of any electrical, plumbing or mechanical improvement, the cost of which exceeds $750, including installation of any furnace, hot water heater, new meter base, meter base relocation, panel upgrade; load control device or before electrical meter is installed following a fire; an in-ground swimming pool, an above ground swimming pool deeper than three and one-half feet, hot tubs, spas, demolition of any structure over 120 square, feet tanks, communication towers and co-locates on existing towers, and signs. (See § 150.17 for more specific definitions). However, a person desiring to make an improvement which would be exempt from permit requirements under this chapter, either by cost or square footage, may voluntarily apply for a permit, pay the required fee, and secure the inspection(s) provided for under this chapter. All permits shall be issued by the Building Commissioner and all fees provided for herein shall be paid to the County Building Commission Fund. Check or cash payments may be made at the Building Commissioner’s office, or may be made online pursuant to a vendor of the Building Commissioner’s choosing. Online credit card payments may include additional processing fees or other fees as charged by the vendor which shall be paid by the permit applicant.
(BC Ord. 2003-14, passed 7-15-03; Am. BC Ord. 2010-19, passed 12-20-10; Am. BC Ord. 2016-01, passed 1-25-16) Penalty, see § 150.99