Zoning & Building

When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required when constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing or changing the occupancy of a building or structure AND for gas, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing installations, repairs, enlargements, removals, conversions or replacements. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Roofing and re-shingling
  • Replacing windows, doors or siding
  • Adding a room
  • When installing or removing sheet rock
  • Finishing a basement
  • Building a garage or deck
  • Building a storage shed over 200 square feet
  • New sump pump installation
  • Replacement or addition of drain, waste and vent
  • Installation/replacement of heating and/or cooling appliances

When don't I need a building permit?


  • One-story detached structures less than 200 square feet
  • Fences less than 7ft tall
  • Retaining walls under 4ft
  • Prefabricated swimming pools
  • Swings/playground equipment
  • Painting/Wallpapering
  • Cabinet or vanity replacement
  • Installation of carpeting, vinyl or wood flooring
  • Plumbing service, i.e. faucet repair, drain auguring
  • Portable heating and cooling appliances, i.e. window mounted air conditioners 
  • Portable appliances for heating, cooking, laundry, ventilation, etc.
  • Click here for a full list of work exempt from a permit

Vision Clearance in Residence Districts

On a corner lot, no fence or other structure more than 3 1/2 feet high above the plane of the established grades of the street shall be erected on any part of the front yard or side yard herein established that is included within the street lines of intersecting streets and a line connecting such street lines at a point which is 20 feet from their point of intersection, measured along such street lines. 

No planting of foliage shall be placed or maintained within such area that in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator will materially obstruct the view of a driver or a vehicle approaching the street intersection.

No fence which is more than 6 feet in height above the plane of the finished grade of the lots at the division line between lots shall be erected along such division line unless no part of such fence is within 20 feet of any residence building on such lot or abutting lot, and in no instance shall the fence be nearer than 20 feet to any street line.