Residential Interior Remodel

Do I Need a Permit?

If you are changing the size of a doorway opening or creating a new opening, either inside or outside of your home, permits are required. New window, egress window, and skylight installations require permits.

Permits are not required to replace doors, glass, or window frames, or to install temporary window awnings, unless the property is a designated landmark or is located within a historic district. 

New window awnings that are shorter than 54 inches and do not have supports will only need a zoning permit.

Landmarks and Historic Districts

All projects that include exterior work and are located in a historic district or a designated landmark will require a certificate of appropriateness, meaning the project's design has been reviewed by Landmark Preservation and is appropriate for the historic nature of the property. It is highly recommended that you obtain this certificate before applying for building and zoning permits.

Learn more about meeting landmark design guidelines for window and door replacements. 

Learn more about meeting landmark design guidelines for egress windows.

Construction Permits

Permits are required when your project includes alterations to the existing floor plan; structural changes that affect load-bearing walls; adding, resizing, or removing interior or exterior doorways, windows, skylights, egress windows; new or rerouted ductwork; or new or relocated electrical or plumbing fixtures. Some projects also require sewer use and drainage permits (SUDP). Projects that upload all of the information required for zoning, building, and SUDP permits with their initial online application can receive a simultaneous review.

Scroll down for a list of items to upload with your application.

Trade Permits

Depending on your project, you may also need trade permits, such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, boiler/AC, or roofing permits. These can be applied for at any time, and in most cases, are issued online as quick permits. Find out what qualifies as a quick permit.

How to Apply using E-permits

Apply for permits online

First-time e-permits users will need to create an online account. Once signed into e-permits, go to "Apply for a Permit" under "Development Services."

For zoning, building, and SUDP permits: When prompted to select a permit type, select "building log." 

For quick permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, Boiler/AC, roofing): When prompted, select the appropriate permit type under "Quick Permits" and follow the prompts.

What to Upload with Your Application

Please upload these documents with your online application. 

Site Plan

Please draw the site plan to scale and include the scale and a north arrow on the plan. Please also include labels and dimensions for...

• all zone lot lines (e.g., primary, side, rear)
• adjacent streets and alleys
• all existing structures and driveways already on the property
• the proposed renovations, including the size of any new doors, windows, skylights, and headers if applicable and any construction that involves cutting into any rafters or walls
• framing plan including header information, if applicable
• Energy code compliance

For SUDP, please also include the size, type, and location of water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer lines on your site plan.

Floor Plan

Please label all existing and proposed rooms on all existing and proposed floors.

Building Elevations with Dimensions

Please use the template provided below or submit scaled drawings. 

View Sample Plans and Elevations

• Sample site plan and elevations(PDF, 875KB)

Landmarks and Historic Districts

All projects that include exterior work and are located in a historic district or a designated landmark will require a certificate of appropriateness, meaning the project's design has been reviewed by Landmark Preservation and is appropriate for the historic nature of the property. It is highly recommended that you obtain this certificate before applying for building and zoning permits.

Learn more about meeting design guidelines for landmark properties. 

Floodplains and Sewer Lines

If your property is in a floodplain or if you are digging within two feet of the sewer line, a sewer use and drainage permit (SUDP) may be required.

Research your property