Home and property improvements

Man inspecting electrical panel

Overview

Residential projects that require permits

Planning a home beautification project, repair or improvement?

Many residential projects require multiple steps of review and/or permitting by the city's Building & Planning Department.

Not sure where to start?

Below are some examples of projects, but the lists are not necessarily complete.

It's best to check with Building & Safety to be sure of what is needed before starting any home improvement project.

Start with Permitting for these types of projects

  • Bathroom or Kitchen upgrades, non-structural
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Re-roofing, Sewer
  • Inspection requests

Go to Permitting Process page

Start with Planning for these types of projects

  • Additions, remodeling (exterior, or interior of multifamily homes)
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Air conditioning units
  • Landscaping in the front yard (see Water Wise Landscaping for planning tips)
  • Porches, patio covers, pools and spas
  • Solar 
  • Walls and fences
  • Water heaters, exterior or in garage
  • Windows (if the number, location or size of openings is changing from the current installation)

Go to Planning process page

Start with Building Plan check for these types of projects

  • Remodeling, interior of single-family homes, with structural alterations
  • Windows (retrofit -- no change to the number, location or size of openings)

Go to Building Plan Check process page

A Miscellaneous Permit will be required for work that has been performed without benefit of permit or expired permits for work performed. It's valid for a one-time-only inspection.

Examples of projects requiring a building permit

Exterior/structural:

  • Detached structures over 120 square feet in area (such as an ADU)
  • Attached structures of any size
  • Block walls over 42" in height
  • Decks over 24" in height
  • Patio cover or enclosure
  • Reroofing or roof replacement

Interior projects:

  • Fireplace 
  • Skylight
  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Removal of a bearing wall
  • Stucco - new application
  • Windows -- new or replacement 

This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.

Examples of projects requiring an electrical permit

  • Air conditioning/heating
  • Electrical service upgrade
  • Electrical sub-panel 
  • Light fixtures 
  • New outlets and switches
  • Spas

This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.

Examples of projects requiring a plumbing permit

  • Air conditioning
  • Gas outlets - new
  • Sewer repair
  • Tub and shower combinations
  • Water lines - new
  • Water heaters - new or replaced
  • Water softener 
  • Yard sprinkler systems

This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed. 

Examples of projects requiring a mechanical permit

  • Air conditioning/heating system
  • Bath fan

This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed. 

Check out the Lakewood Beautiful awards program once your transformation work is done!