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  Planning & Development Department
  Do I Need a Permit?
   
 

See also How Do I Get a Permit?

When is a Permit Required?
When the owner/agent wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move change the occupancy of a building or structure, or portion thereof
 
OR
 
When the owner/agent wants to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing system, other building service equipment or piping system.
  Choose your project type:
 
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Related Construction:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Gas
- Fire Protection Systems
Work in Right of Way
Other
 
  Residential Construction
 
Requires a permit:
New homes
Additions
Detached garages
Ramps and stairs
Sheds
Decks
Patios
Interior remodeling
Basement remodeling
Attic remodeling
Structural changes
Any new walls
Demolition
Fire damage repair
Fences
Swimming pools
Driveway extensions or additions
Signs
Does NOT require a permit:
Window and door replacement
Minor house repairs
Replacement of electrical switches and receptacles
Replacement of same type light fixtures
Faucet replacement and minor plumbing repairs
Driveway replacement (without extension)
 
  Commercial Construction
 
Requires a permit:
Building/Structural
New buildings
Additions
Interior alterations
Demolition
Tenant improvements
Door hardware
Ramps, stairs, handrails, guardrails
Load-bearing walls
Non-load-bearing walls or partitions
Fire-rated assemblies
Canopies, awnings
Change of occupancy (a change in the purpose or level of activity that involves a change in the application of code requirements)
Change in the Use Group classification for all or part of the building; Certificate of Occupancy
Requires zoning approval only:
Fences not over 6 ft. high, retaining walls not over 4 ft. high, accessory structures less
Tents over 120 sq. ft.
Does NOT require a permit:
Repair or replacement of finishes (carpet, tile, paint etc.)
Glass repair
Siding replacement
Roof replacement
Other routine building maintenance or repair
 
  Related Construction: Mechanical
 
Requires a permit:
Includes new, replacement or alteration of
- mechanical systems
- mechanical equipment
- furnaces, condensers, boilers, roof-top units, combination units, etc., exhaust fans, hoods, make-up air units, wood stoves, fireplaces
- controls
- smoke detection dampers, vent dampers on flue pipes, flue liners
- ductwork, distribution devices
- VAV boxes, reheat units
- alterations to existing systems
- minor ductwork extensions
Does NOT require a permit:
Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
Routine maintenance
Other portable HVAC
Dedicated gas piping to and part of heating systems of less than 150,000 BTUs per hour, per input system
Process equipment and associated piping; glycol-based water piping systems
Portable evaporative coolers
 
  Related Construction: Electrical
 
Requires a permit:
Includes new installation, replacement or alteration of:
- any electrical system
- equipment or component that is regulated by the National Electric Code such as
- new electrical service, service changes
- wiring, replacement wiring, removals
- CT boxes, electrical panels, meters
- new fixtures, electrical boxes
- lighted signs
- hard-wired electrical smoke detectors
- hot tubs, permanent swimming pools
Does NOT require a permit:
Replacement of outlets and switches
Lamps, minor repair work
Electrical wiring devices or appliances at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy, unless specifically addressed by the code
Process equipment and associated wiring on the load side of the power disconnect to the equipment
 
  Related Construction: Plumbing
 
Requires a permit:
Includes new installation, replacement or alteration of:
- water supply piping
- sanitary drain piping, traps
- vent piping
- valves, backflow prevention, other safety devices and fixtures regulated by the Ohio Plumbing Code
- Fixtures include: water closets (toilets), urinals, sinks, dishwashers, water heaters, water softeners and filters
Does NOT require a permit:
Repair of leaks or clearance of stoppages (Note: replacement of any fixture including water closets, piping or valves associated with such repairs requires a permit)
Faucet replacement
Process equipment and associated piping
 
  Related Construction: Gas
 
Requires a permit:
Includes new, replacement or alteration of
- fuel gas systems
- storage
- piping
- meters
- valves or other controls
- safety devices, etc.
Does NOT require a permit:
Portable heating appliance
Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
Dedicated gas piping to and part of heating systems of less than 150,000 BTUs per hour, per input system
 
  Related Construction: Fire Protection Systems
 
Requires a permit:
New sprinkler installation
Replacement or alteration of sprinkler systems, “arm-overs”
Other fire suppression systems
New fire alarm systems
Fire alarm modifications
Alarm panel replacement
Adding/removing alarm devices
Does NOT require a permit:
System repairs
Testing and maintenance
 
  Other Required Permits
 
Fire Department Permits
The Kettering Fire Department issues permits for temporary fuel gas tanks (single or multiple) over 100 lbs., underground tank removal, and torch-applied or hot mopped roofing operations.
Tent Permits
Includes tents over 120 sq. ft. used for commercial operations, festivals or seasonal sales. Tents used for large mercantile or assembly purposes require lighted exit signs and multiple exits. Seating chart required for assembly uses.
Demolition
Includes demolition of any part or whole building unless approved in conjunction with a building permit. Foundations must be removed and the site restored to its original paved or landscaped condition (grass).
Signs
Includes all temporary or permanent signs. Must conform to the City of Kettering Zoning Ordinance. Lighted signs must be UL-approved and require an Electrical Permit.
 

Note:

 
Some projects do not conform to the City of Kettering Zoning Code.  Those applicants will be advised by the building or zoning staff to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for approval before permits for the job will be issued.