The Department of Buildings' (DOB) Homeowner's Center is devoted to helping homeowners get building permits for home improvement projects such as decks, fences, interior renovations and repairs, and window replacement.
The Homeowner Center facilitates the plan review process from start to finish for homeowners. The Center provides support and resources to homeowners including general information about permit regulations and procedures; explaining application requirements for your project; reviewing and approving your plans; and issuing your permit once your plans are approved. Our goal is to make your experience as convenient and simple as possible.
Homeowner's Center Projects
- Driveway – New
- Drywall – Repair/replace not more than 500 sq. ft.
- Fences – New/replacement
- Interior remodeling/alteration and repair – No more than 500 sq. ft. including bathrooms, kitchens without major structural change or removal or erection of interior load-bearing walls or impact on the sharing/party walls
- Interior non-load bearing wall demolition
- Porch & Steps – Repair existing on private Property, not in historic or fine arts jurisdictions
- Retaining Walls – Less than 4 ft. in height maximum, measured from the bottom of the footing, and land disturbance is greater than 500 sq. ft. (on private property)
- Accessory Structure (Garage/Shed) – No more than 500 sq. ft. and 15 ft. high; alteration & repair of existing; no change in use
- Addition to Single-Family Dwelling – Up to 500 sq. ft.; no more than 1 story high at ground level; no party walls, no removal of exterior or load-bearing wall
- One-Level Decks – Less than 500 sq. ft. and less than 10 ft. above grade
- Window/Door Replacement/Repair – If your property is in a Historic or CFA jurisdiction, you must get approval before you apply for a permit
- Roof Repairs/Replacement – No structural changes
Simple and Easy Permitting
**For properties located in a historic district, please apply for a Historic Property - Special Permit as the Office of Planning is required to review such scopes of work that fall under the Postcard permit category.
All structural and some nonstructural work requires building permits. The Homeowner's Center only issues building permits. If your project involves plumbing, wiring, or air conditioning, you will need supplemental permits. Your licensed contractor must get the supplemental permits in DOB's Permit Center online.
How to Reach Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Any homeowner of a one or two-family home or agent on behalf of the homeowner with written authorization.
What types of permits are reviewed in the permit center?
- Please refer to our Job Classification System for descriptions of work that can be reviewed within the Homeowner’s Center.
- Homeowner Center Reviews are for the following descriptions of work:
- Driveway – New
- Drywall – Repair/replace not more than 500 sq. ft.
- Fences – New/replacement
- Interior remodeling/alteration and repair – No more than 500 sq. ft. including bathrooms, kitchens without major structural change or removal or erection of interior load-bearing walls or impact on the sharing/party walls Interior non-load bearing wall demolition
- Porch & Steps – Repair of existing on private property
- Retaining Walls – Less than 4 ft. in height maximum, measured from the bottom of the footing, and land disturbance is greater than 500 sq. ft. (on private property)
- Accessory Structure (Garage/Shed) – No more than 500 sq. ft. and 15 ft. high; alteration & repair of existing; no change in use
- Addition to Single-Family Dwelling – Up to 500 sq. ft.; no more than 1 story high at ground level; no party walls, no removal of exterior or load-bearing wall
- One-Level Decks – Less than 500 sq. ft. and less than 10 ft. above grade
- Window/Door Replacement/Repair
- Roof Repairs/Replacement – this includes no structural changes
As a homeowner, can I get plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits?
No, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits are issued only to licensed and bonded plumbers, gas fitters, master mechanics, and master electricians. These permits are supplemental permits; only licensed professionals may apply for these permits.
How long will it take me to get my permit?
The Homeowner's Center has a goal of issuing a permit within one or two visits. This includes consultation, plan review, and the final stage of permit issuance.
At which point of the permit process should I visit the Homeowner's Center?
Please visit the HC as you are starting the permitting process. You can make an appointment online or walk-in during operating hours for questions and guidance on how to start the process.
What do I need to bring with me to the Homeowner's Center?
If you have confirmed the scope of work of your project, please submit a permit application at the following link, Citizen Access Portal. Please review the permit types for submission requirements and submittal documents to complete the review.
If you are unsure of your full scope of work and whether a permit is required, you can visit the Homeowner’s Center for guidance and the next steps.
Do I need to complete a neighbor notification?
If your project involves work on a party wall, a shared fence, retaining wall between you and a neighboring property, neighbor notification is required. Please refer to our Notify Your Neighbor process for general information on the neighbor notification and what is required.
What next steps do I need to take after I get my permit?
Please get more information from our Inspections site.