Getting a Building Permit in Avon Lake

Difficult economic times often mean that homeowners will make improvements and updates to their home instead of moving to a new house.

This process can be exciting, but also overwhelming -- especially when it comes to getting a building permit.

If you are hiring a contractor for your home improvements, he or she is required to obtain the permit. Avon Lake requires contractors to register with the building department to ensure they are insured, licensed and bonded. Contact the at (440) 930-4102 to verify that your contractor is registered.

However, if you will be doing the work on your project, you will need to obtain the permit.

When do you need a building permit?

You or your contractor need to obtain a building permit for:

• Additions
• Fences
• Decks
• Porches
• Pools
• Detached garages
• Sheds
• Storage buildings
• Paved surfaces (including driveways, sidewalks and patios)
• Hot tubs
• Lawn sprinklers
• Waterproofing

A permit also is required for interior improvements like a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, finishing your basement or installing an alarm system or a hot-water heater.

 “We added that about 5 years ago after seeing a number of hot-water heaters hooked up improperly,” chief Building Official Tom Carleton said. “For the safety of homeowners, we need to make sure the correct kind of piping and ventilation are installed.”

You can contact the Building Department at (440) 930-4102. Projects with electrical, plumbing or HVAC needs will require separate permits for those parts of the job.

Where do you go to apply for a permit?

Building permit applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Building Department offices, 750 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake.

What should you bring when applying for a permit?

Most projects require drawings and plans to show compliance with building and zoning codes. The application requires two sets of plans: plot plans showing the lot with dimensions, all buildings and proposed buildings, floor plans, cross sections, structural details and elevations necessary to describe the construction and electrical, plumbing and HVAC plans as necessary.

The residential building permit application is available on Avon Lake’s website.

How much does a permit cost?

Building permits range from $10 to install an alarm system to more than $100 for an addition and vary by project. A full list of fees for building permits are available online within the Avon Lake Codified Ordinances.

What about inspections?

Homeowners are required to call for inspections and the city requires 24- hour notice for an inspection. Inspections can be scheduled by calling the building department at (440) 930-4102. Inspections are required at the following points:

• Before covering or concealing work
• Installation of footer drains, building drains and building sewers
• Completion of foundation and waterproofing
• During framing of the superstructure
• The completion of roughing-in the plumbing, electrical wiring, gas piping, heating ducts or piping or other similar service installations
• Before closing in all structural elements
• Upon final completion of the structure

“When in doubt, call the building department” Carleton said. “Give us the particulars of your project and we can let you know what you need to do.”

To discuss your upcoming home improvement project or to get assistance with obtaining a building permit in Avon Lake, contact the Avon Lake Building Department at (440) 930-4102 or by visiting their offices between 7:30 a.m and 4 p.m Monday through Friday at 750 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake.