There is no exact set of rules governing building permits. Every county within every state has a different set of rules and standards. The permitting process can be intimidating. At Pennypincher’s we do our best to help you navigate the process.
Each one of our kits is custom drafted specific to your building site. The information that you provide us on the Customer Homework Checklist helps us design your plans to meet your counties standards. We have our own base line of design standards, often well above minimum requirements. For instance our standard snow load is 40 lbs and our standard wind load is 85 mph. Our talented design staff has the ability to design for environments that have extreme weather conditions above this standard.
In order to help you complete the Customer Homework we sponsor state specific websites that link to each counties building department within that state. You can find a link to your state site on our Cabin & Barn Contractors page. Once there, click on your state and then your county to find either the information needed to complete the form or contact information for calling your county directly.
There is a wide range of permitting requirements from no permit required to a more complex process. Some counties just require a basic form and a flat fee, while others may have a detailed application and require an engineer’s structural wet stamp on your plans. We’ve designed plans for all ranges on the spectrum. When a engineer’s structural wet stamp is required we work with an engineer licensed to stamp plans in your state. Our drafting department coordinates with the engineer on finalizing the design and having your plans stamped.
Whatever your county requirements from the most basic to the complex we are here to offer our experience, advice and support. Don't hesitate to call with questions as you are planning your project.
Here are a few tips from our Kit FAQ’s to help make the process run smoother:
- Call the county and make an appointment.
- Get the directions to their office while you've got them on the phone. Most building deparments are organized and efficient. The courtesy of an appointment will get you off on the right foot.
- Before going in decide if you will be plumbing or wiring it now or using a flashlight and a garden hose for a while.
- Take a book and wear a smile. It will make the wait and the process go a lot smoother.
- Take any paperwork you have about the site, and the following list of information you will need to gather from your meeting:
1.Tax parcel number
2.Site Address
3.Property owner's name and mailing address
4.Ground snow load
5.Wind load
6.Wind Exposure
7.Seismic zone
8.Soil bearing pressure
9.Frost depth
10.Loft loading requirements
11.Number of plan sets required
12.Do they require an engineer's "wet stamp".
13.Will they need structural calculations & notes? How many copies?
14.What are the setbacks, front, sides & read? Fire Access?
15.Get a copy of the site plan requirements. Do they have any site plans and as-builts on file?*
16.What will the permit cost?
Still Smiling? Be patient. The majority of plans submitted are accepted and approved and very few turned down, mostly due to wetlands, endangered special and right of ways. Good Luck!
What is the difference between engineered plans and "wet stamped" engineered plans?
An engineered plan means that the designer has checked the calculations and determined that the engineering of the plans is acceptable. Some countries and cities now require that an engineer licensed in your state "wet stamp" or "seal" your plans. In these cases, generic plans won't work. "Wet Stamped" plans must be site specific, listing your tax parcel number, name, site address, and all other pertinent information (such as wind load and ground snow load).