About PermitAnswer
PermitAnswer tells you whether a project in your city needs a building permit — and traces every answer to the exact line in the ordinance that says so.
What the site does
For 101 US cities, we've read the local building code and extracted the permit rules for 1,253 project types — fences, decks, sheds, HVAC, pools, roofing, electrical panels, and more. Each answer comes with a confidence score, the code section number, and a link to the source document so you can verify it yourself.
The goal is to give homeowners and contractors a fast, honest starting point before they call the building department. We show you what the code says; the department has the final word on your specific lot.
Why we built it
Permit information is scattered across thousands of city websites in inconsistent formats. Most "permit guides" either repeat the same generic advice or send you straight to the building department with no context. We think you deserve to read what your city's code actually says before making that call.
That approach has a tradeoff: codes change, and our data reflects the source we read on the date shown on each page. If you see a discrepancy between our page and what the department tells you, the department is right — and we'd appreciate a note so we can correct it.
How the data is gathered
Each city's permit rules are extracted from its published code of ordinances, primarily through Municode — the codifier most US cities use. Where a state building code applies (Florida, Tennessee), we layer that on top of the local rules. The full process, including how we assign confidence scores and what limits the method has, is explained on the Methodology page.
Accuracy and updates
Each page shows the date we last checked the source. Ordinances are amended regularly; a rule that was current six months ago may have changed. High-traffic cities are re-checked more frequently than smaller ones.
If you find an error — a wrong threshold, a missing exemption, an outdated code section — please let us know. Corrections are the fastest way to improve accuracy across the site.
What this site is not
PermitAnswer is a reference tool, not legal advice. Permit requirements depend on your specific project, your lot conditions, and the judgment of the building official. Always confirm with your local building department before starting work.