Getting a Building Permit in Avon

Making improvements to your home can be exciting and nerve-wracking. The process can be confusing, especially when it comes to obtaining a building permit.

If you will be doing the work on your home, you need to obtain a permit, however if a contractor will be doing the work, obtaining the permit is his or her responsibility. Contact the Building Department at 440-937-7811 to find out if your chosen contractor is registered in the city.

When do you need a building permit?

In some cases, a zoning permit may be required before a building permit.

“The rule of thumb is that interior improvements don’t require a zoning permit, while exterior permits do,” Chief Building Officer Kenneth Miller said.

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.

“Many things require a building permit, many things don’t,” Miller said. “It is always best to please call to check.”

If you’re unsure whether your project requires a building permit, contact the Building Department. Projects with electrical, plumbing or HVAC needs will require separate permits for those parts of the job.

The city requires a 10-day waiting period between permit application and start of construction.

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 Avon Building Department on the lower level of at 36080 Chester Road.
 
What should you bring when applying for a permit?

The building permit application for Avon is located on the city's website. You can download it and take it when the application is made.

“It helps if people can bring in a site plan, but most people don’t have that,” Miller notes. “But we have them for most homes in Avon.”

Most projects require submission of two copies of plans. The city provides requirements for the decks, patios, porches, sheds, swimming pools and finished basement projects on their website. Alarm installations requite a separate permit.

How much does a permit cost?

Fees vary by project and range from $20 to $100, with most permits costing around $40. All full fee schedule is available online.

What about inspections?

Inspections are required to ensure projects are completed safely and in line with building codes.  Generally, inspections are required at the following benchmarks:

• 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

To schedule an inspection, call the building department at 440-937-7811 24 hours in advance.

To determine the permits required for your project or if you need additional assistance, contact the building department or visit them on the lower level of at 36080 Chester Road between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.