When is a Building Permit Not Required?
Permits shall not be required for the following areas of buildings, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, emergency repair, repair, or public service agencies. Exception from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Buildings that do not require a permit:

1. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge.
2. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ration of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
3. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
4. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
5. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one-or-two-family dwelling.
6. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.

Electrical:

1. Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam hot or chilled water piping within any heating of cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment making such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 lbs. or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes does not need a permit; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove/replace with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

The clearing of stoppages or repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets does not require a permit, provided that such repairs do not involved or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

Emergency Repairs:
Where equipment replacement and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted with the next working business day to the building official.

Repairs:
Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement or lamps (or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles). Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam, lad bearing support, the removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements. Ordinary repairs shall not include an addition to, alteration of, replacement, or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waster, vent or similar piping, electric wiring, mechanical, or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Public Service Agencies:
A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration/repair of generation, transmission distribution metering or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.