When most Venice homeowners have a major home renovation in mind, they call a general contractor. After all, a second story addition is a complex project; and the installation of a new bathroom requires great expertise. But while some weekend warriors may think that other home renovation projects are well within their scope of ability, they may want to take a look at this list.
Permits are required for many more projects than you may expect. And while you may not think it matters, you could run into issues later on if work has not been permitted properly – such as if you need a home appraisal or are trying to sell the property.
Here is a list of home projects that require permits in Sarasota County – some you may expect, and others may surprise you.
- Any construction or addition which alters the size (footprint) or occupancy of the home. Therefore additions or extra bedrooms require permits.
- Alteration or replacement of any exterior walls, even if the size of the home is unaffected.
- Enclosing screened porches or carports, even if the frame exists and no additional footprint is added.
- Replacement of any beams, columns or rafters; essentially any part of the home’s structure.
- Construction of any raised decking, with or without a roof or enclosure.
- Repair or replacement of stairs and handrails, whether exterior or interior.
- Replacement or addition of windows, skylights, or doors, including garage doors. Permits are required whether or not the original opening is altered in size.
- Hurricane shutters of any kind.
- Repair or replacement of roofing materials or roofing structure.
- Fire repairs of any kind, no matter how minor.
- Privacy walls and fences involving masonry
- Docks, davits, seawalls or boat lifts of any kind.
- Storage or utility shed regardless of size or material.
That’s quite a list! You may be wondering what type of home improvement does not require a permit. These include painting, floor coverings, soffit and fascia replacement, decks and patios which are non-raised, driveway repair or replacement, non-structural siding, and wood or chain link fencing.
Obtaining a Permit
Building permits provide written approval from the city or county to complete a home renovation project. Permits ensure safety and guarantee compliance with local building and zoning codes.
When you hire a licensed and insured contractor to handle your project, they will typically be responsible for obtaining the proper permits.
Should you need to apply for a permit on your own, you will need to gain said permit before beginning any work. First, you should prepare a site plan for the project. You must receive plan approval, which can happen at a meeting or personal review. However, most often the city will review the plans and get back to you, a process which may take days or even weeks.
The city will either approve your site plan as-is, or provide necessary revisions or changes which must be incorporated to obtain approval. As the project progresses, the city will require inspections to verify that you are building according to the approved plan. Final approval is necessary at the end of the project.
For most Venice homeowners, any project requiring a permit is more easily completed with the help of a professional contractor. Not only can we handle all the necessary red tape, but you can have peace of mind knowing that the job is done right. Have questions about an upcoming project? Call Kingdom Restoration today. We are happy to help.
