Welcome to the Town of Pierce Building Permit Department. We are committed to ensuring the safety and compliance of all construction and development within the town. Our department provides guidance, review, and approval of building permits to ensure all structures meet the required codes and regulations.
Services Offered:
- Permit Issuance: We issue building permits for new construction, renovations, and expansions.
- Inspections: Our Inspectors from SafeBuilt ensure that all construction complies with the current building codes and standards.
- Plan Review: Our Plan Reviewers from SafeBuilt review construction plans for compliance before permits are issued.
- Guidance and Support: Our staff is here to help you understand the requirements and assist you through the permitting process.
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling an existing property, or undertaking a commercial construction project, we are here to help ensure that your project is successful and compliant with all town regulations. For more information on applications, fees, and guidelines, or to schedule an inspection, please visit our office or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several advantages to doing home improvement projects with a building permit. When you apply for a permit, you can be assured that your construction drawings will be thoroughly reviewed and that each phase of the project will be inspected to ensure the work is completed in compliance with locally adopted building codes. Additionally, the plans examiner and field inspector can be a resource to provide technical guidance on your project. Furthermore, there are legal and financial liabilities that you may face when you don’t get a building permit. Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house. Any fire and homeowners insurance you have may be invalidated if you do work without a permit. If there is a fire in your home, the insurance company can use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay your claim.
Below is a list of projects that typically require a building permit:
- New buildings (including agricultural buildings)
- Additions
- Decks
- Patio Covers and Carports
- Storage sheds and Pole Barns
- Re-roofing
- Fences over 6 feet in height
- Pools over 5000 gallons,
- hot tubs and spas
- Room additions
- Patio enclosures and screened porches
- Attached and detached garages
- Air Conditioners /Furnace installations or replacement
- Solar panels
- Gas piping over 10 feet in length
- Demolitions
- Boiler installation or replacement
- Gas log installations or replacement
- Water heater installation or replacement
Any type of renovation: Basement finish; Kitchen remodeling; Electrical modifications; Plumbing modifications; Structural modifications; Doors and windows (if change dimensions or type); Walls (new, replacement or removal)
Inspections are made at various stages of the building project to assure compliance with adopted building and fire codes. If discrepancies are found by the inspector(s), they are noted on an inspection correction form and left on the job site. Upon making the necessary corrections, a follow up inspection will be required to document compliance has been accomplished. An Inspection Card is issued with the Building Permit that details the inspections required for your project.
Inspections are scheduled by contacting SAFEbuilt inc at 970-674-1036 or 1-866-671-1036. Inspections must be called in before 7:30 a.m. to receive a same day inspection. Requests received after 7:30 a.m. will be schedule for the next working day. To schedule an inspection, please provide the following information: Permit Number, Job Site Address, Type of Inspection Needed, Phone Number, Desired Date of Inspection.
- The building permit must be posted on the job site at the time of the inspection.
- Approved stamped plans must be on the job site for all inspections, including foundation and truss designs.
- Work shall not proceed until the inspector has approved the inspection by signing the building permit card.
- Unauthorized covered construction may result in material removal, or require that an engineer write a letter stating that the work was performed in compliance with the adopted building codes.
- Permits become null and void if the authorized work is not ready for the first inspection within 180 days of the issue date shown on the permit.
- Permits become null and void if more than 180 days elapses between inspections or if work substantially ceases on a project.
- All concrete reinforcing steel must be in place before an inspection is made.
- Lot corners must be clearly staked for setback inspections.
- Failure to request final inspections and meet all applicable conditions will prohibit the issuance of a C.O.
- A re-inspection fee may be assessed when inspections are requested prior to the work being ready, if the permit card is not posted, if the approved plans are not available on the job site, or when access is not provided for the inspector. No further inspections will be made until the re-inspection fee is paid.
It is strongly recommended that you speak to the building permit technician at Town Hall prior to completing your application and submitting plans to determine if your project is subject to any additional requirements, particularly if your property is in the flood way or flood zone.
Supporting Documents
| Pierce Commercial Submittal Checklist 2021.pdf | |
| Buidling Permit Application 2022.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Accessory Structures Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Decks Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Home Additions Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 Pole Barns Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 Swimming Pools Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Basement Finish Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Patio Covers - Carports Guide.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Window Replacement.pdf | |
| 2020 NEC- Significant Changes Residential.pdf | |
| 2018 IRC Re-Roof Guide.pdf |