Most common building code permit violations?

[ClaxtonRR]

For us it's unpermitted renovations, which include everything from adding a ramp to the porch, to building a deck, to creating an addition. I wish homeowners understood that they've got to have a permit to make those changes. I guess we need to do better about educating the public, because these violations happen way to often in my municipality.

Which violations are most common in your municipality?

 

[SitePlanCreator]

Nationwide, we see a LOT of decks. A lot of people don't know that most deck renovations and new builds require a permit, even if they keep the same footprint.

 

[BlueLight]

I'm sure this varies from state to state. I've always assumed that people who build detached decks do so to just get around the codes. Why else would a person want a detached deck? I personally don't see the appeal.

 

[SitePlanCreator]

I'm sure this varies from state to state. I've always assumed that people who build detached decks do so to just get around the codes. Why else would a person want a detached deck? I personally don't see the appeal.

Even detached decks often need a permit. It varies by permitting authority and is usually based on deck height.

 

[mattsharon]

For us it's unpermitted renovations, which include everything from adding a ramp to the porch, to building a deck, to creating an addition. I wish homeowners understood that they've got to have a permit to make those changes. I guess we need to do better about educating the public, because these violations happen way to often in my municipality.

Which violations are most common in your municipality?

In area (Nevada), the most common issues we see are:

• Unpermitted tenant improvements in commercial spaces
• MEP work done without inspections (especially electrical panel upgrades)
• Deck and patio extensions without approvals
• Garage conversions turning into living spaces

A lot of owners assume “small changes” don’t require permits, but once it affects structure, egress, electrical, plumbing, or occupancy use — it almost always does.

I agree with you — better public education would probably prevent half of these violations before they even start.

 

[Emily C]

Let's see....

• re-roofs; in our county, residential re-roofs are not required, but in city limits, they are..but ironically, most of the occurrences I see are commercial re-roofs without a permit.
• commercial tenant improvements
• signs!

that's what I can think of right now...

 

[Kimberly L]

Hello from Medford Oregon.

Residential: We see lots of garage, basement, attic conversions and enclosing covered porches without permits to habitable space. Sinks outside of the bathroom is another one, a couple years later is now a second dwelling. Wet bars and second kitchens now have deed disclosures.

Commercial: Splitting suites into multiple units or leasing out a shell only building because there isn't any remodeling. Getting a re-roof permit is up there.

 

[Tracey Norris]

We see anything from Tree Removals, Reroofs, fences to interior remodels (commercial and residential). Normally this will all come to light upon selling the home. Then there are tears.

 

[W3 Planning and Research]

In my long career, it is usually unpermitted work. Decks, room additions, garage conversions and guest houses. People always think it is easier to do it without permits, until we would have them rip the drywall down for a structural inspection and require it to be signed off by an engineer. I have even had complete houses built without permits by people who thought they didn't need them for a full house! That one went all the way to the appealate courts and we won easily on every single level.