Homeowners often have questions about permits for repairs. Since requirements can vary from community to community, we always suggest calling your city’s Building Department if you are unsure about permit requirements. The information below is based on permit requirements in Cleveland Heights:

1. When is a permit needed?

According to the Cleveland Heights Building Department, a permit is required:

• to demolish, alter, or make major repairs to any existing building structure, or any portion of that structure, or to build any new structure/addition
• to do any electrical (other than minor corrections), plumbing, heating or air conditioning work
• to do any concrete or asphalt work involving replacement or asphalt resurfacing, or any paving work (brick walks, etc.)

Permits are not needed for painting, gutters/downspouts, tuckpointing, sidewalk leveling, asphalt sealing, and minor repairs (such as replacing missing shingles or a rotted stair tread.) Always call the Building Department if you are uncertain whether your repair requires a permit, as it may depend on the scope of the work. (Read more….)