The Permit Process

NOTE: The following information is supplied as a guideline of what MAY BE ENCOUNTERED during the permit process. It is meant as a GUIDELINE ONLY. The process may vary greatly depending on region, state and city.

On basement renovation projects it is usually considered to be very important within the building construction plans to identify either graphically or by notation both existing and new construction. Show basement area room layout and identify use of each room/space by name and indicate both new and existing walls/partitions, as well as furred and insulated concrete foundation walls. Rooms shown with clothes closets, etc. which resemble a bedroom, or that could easily be converted to a bedroom in the future, will typically be reviewed for bedroom requirements regardless of the room name presented on the drawing.

The review process begins when the basement drawings (sometimes the building authority will authorize the use of one of their own "typical finished basement details" drawings in lieu of original drawings) are completed and have been submitted, along with a building permit application, to the appropriate department. The permit is usually logged in and a permit number assigned to identify the project. A plan tracking number will be assigned to identify the drawings. The building permit application is then returned to the applicant for obtaining the approval signatures from the applicable offices required for permit issuance. The signatures are placed on the lines adjacent to their corresponding departments as listed on the building permit application.

After the building permit is issued, separate electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits can be issued. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits usually do not require a plan submittal or review process. These permits can be obtained by the homeowner or by a licensed contractor hired to perform the work. Code compliance will be determined at the time of the inspection.

It is the applicant's responsibility to check with other agencies or jurisdictions concerning their requirements that may be affected by the proposed basement remodel. Contact the appropriate agencies such as the Fire Department, Municipality, Sewer District, Subdivision Trustees, etc.

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