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About The Department
The Jefferson County Building Department was formed in 1967 to
provide and enforce a local building code. The Jefferson County
Building Department regulates matters concerning the construction,
alteration and occupancy of all structures in unincorporated Jefferson County.
Our County Building Codes are construed to secure public safety, health and
welfare insofar as it is affected by building construction through structural
strength, safe egress, sanitary equipment and in general to ensure safety to
property from all hazards incidental to the design, erection, repair, removal,
demolition or occupancy of afore mentioned structures.
The Jefferson County Building Department currently employs several highly
trained Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Sewer and Mechanical Inspectors.
Our county Plans Examiners are thorough and experienced in determining code
compliance before you get started. Friendly office personnel are here to
facilitate your permit related needs.
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Permit Information
Why do we need Building Permits?
You need to obtain a building permit for many reasons. A building permit ensures
that your structure is in compliance with the Building Codes. Building Codes are
rules that are intended to make buildings safe for the occupants that occupy the structure.
Insurance companies value building codes because when updated codes are in place, this
usually means the buildings are stronger, and more likely to withstand severe weather
events lessening the amount of loss to property. Building codes can safeguard public
health by regulating wastewater and other potential health hazards that may infiltrate
into your neighborhood.
When don't I need a permit?
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One-story detached accessory structures, provided the
floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (18.58 m2).
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Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
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Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in
height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top
of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
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Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity
does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of
height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
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Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762
mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or
story below.
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Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter
tops and similar finish work.
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Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
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Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a
one or two-family dwelling.
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Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do
not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall
and do not require additional support.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for
minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the
connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved
permanently installed receptacles.
Gas
1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent
pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe,
water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it be-
comes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material,
such work shall be considered as new work and a permit
shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes,
valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water
closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the re-
placement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Emergency repairs
Where equipment replacements and
Repairs must be performed in an emergency situation,
the permit application shall be submitted within the
next working business day to the building official.
Repairs
Application or notice to the building official
is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps
or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment
to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of
any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting
of any structural beam or load bearing support, or the removal
or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement
of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements;
nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of,
replacement or relocation of any ,water supply,
sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar
piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting
public health or general safety.
How do I obtain a Building Permit?
Requirements for permits vary depending upon what type of project you have in mind.
For check lists describing the documentation and illustrations each project requires go to check lists.
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