Residential – Direct Replacement

Direct Replacement

A residential direct replacement is any type of construction that does not change or expand the location of electrical, plumbing, windows, walls, doors, decks, propane tanks, etc. Usually, direct replacements are upgrading an existing element due to wear and tear. Residential direct replacements will need to be permitted and reviewed by Building, Planning, and General Engineering. There are three stages to permitting this type of construction.

Information Gathering Stage

There are various types of direct replacement projects. Below are some of the more common ones, and information relevant to each type. A list of all potential forms or informational handouts are provided on the Permit Application Stage Tab.

Direct Replacement Structural

Examples of structural projects include a deck, roof, garage, shed, etc. Please provide the Permit Center the following items when applying for a building permit:

  • Site Plan
  • Structural Plan
  • Building Permit Application

Direct Replacement of Windows or Doors

This is an over-the-counter permit, and is not subject to the Plan Review Stage. Please note that if replacing a flat window with a bay window, this is considered an ‘Addition’ and will need additional review. Please provide the Permit Center the following items when applying for a building permit:

  • Floor Plan
  • Building Permit Application

Direct Replacement of Electrical

If electrical work is dealing with 200 amps or less, this is an over-the-counter permit, and is not subject to the Plan Review Stage. If the work involves more than 200 amps, the permit is subject to the Plan Review Stage. Please provide the Permit Center the following items when applying for a building permit:

  • One Line Drawing
  • Building Permit Application

If electrical work is dealing with 400 amps or more, engineered plans must be submitted, and the permit is subject to the Plan Review Stage.

Direct Replacement of Plumbing

This is an over-the-counter permit, and is not subject to the Plan Review Stage. Please provide the Permit Center the following item:

  • Building Permit Application

Direct Replacement of Mechanical

Examples of mechanical projects include the replacement of a boiler, HVAC, hot water heater, etc. This is an over-the-counter permit, and is not subject to the Plan Review Stage. Please provide the Permit Center the following item:

  • Building Permit Application

Direct Replacement of Fuel Gas

Examples of this include the replacement of an oil tank, propane tank, etc. This is an over-the-counter permit, and is not subject to the Plan Review Stage. Please provide the Permit Center the following item:

  • Building Permit Application

Required Submittals for Permit Application Stage

The following items may be required for your direct replacement project, but not all of them. Please reference the Information Gathering Stage tab for details on what is required for your specific project.

Site Plan (Example Site Plan)
  • Site plan must be to scale
  • Include the dimensions of the structure
  • Include accurate property line locations in relation to the proposed structure
  • Show where parking will be provided for residents
  • Show where required natural or landscaped vegetation will be provided
  • Using an existing plat or as-built survey can be a good starting point for drawing the lot lines
Structural Plan (Example Cross Section)
  • Show cross sections of foundations, walls, floors, and roof
  • If there are walls over 10 feet in height, plan will need an engineer’s stamp

Note on Remodels
Structural plan is needed only for the areas being remodeled.

Floor Plan (Example)
  • Label all interior rooms
  • Label all interior square footage
  • Show all water facilities (sink, toilet, tub, shower, etc.)

Note on Remodels
We will need an existing floor plan that shows what currently exists, and a proposed floor plan that will show the remodel work.

Building Permit Application (Paper Version) [BLD]

Plan Review Stage

Once your application has been accepted for intake at our Permit Center, your project will enter the Plan Review stage. Expect to hear back from Planning, Building, or Engineering concerning the following:

  • They have questions about your project
  • Part of your project may need modification

Once all parties have approved the plans for your project, your building permit will be issued and you may begin construction. Expected timeline for this stage is two weeks.