Building a Terrace in Michigan and Elsewhere in the U.S. UU. There are also other compelling reasons, beyond the legality of the construction department, to obtain a permit before construction begins. Do I need a permit to repair a roof? This will depend on the extent of the repair.
If you are only replacing some deck boards and maybe some railing, a permit is not required. If you are replacing something structural like joists, then yes, you should get a permit. You'll also want the cover inspected when you're done. In 99% of cases a permit is required.
If you're not going to change the size, position, and height of the platform, you probably won't. If you are adding stairs, railings or altering the platform to resize it from the original, then yes. In any case, check with your Construction and Safety Department. Or consult a qualified and licensed contractor to answer these questions.
Cities and counties use permit fees to line their own coffers for indescribable purposes. The truth is that as long as the work to be done does not have electricity or plumbing connected, no permit is needed, as long as it is a repair or replacement as it was. If you call the town hall, they will surely say you need one just out of greed. The truth is that permit fees are based on increases in the value of the property for the work done on the property.
Anyway, your property taxes are levied every three years, so don't give them extra money until you have to. A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs to structures may be performed without permission, but such repairs shall not include the cutting of any wall, partition or part thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or support support, or the removal or replacement of any required output means, or the reorganization of parts of a structure affecting exit requirements; nor ordinary repairs, including the addition, alteration, replacement or relocation of any hydraulic piping, water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, floor, waste, ventilation or similar piping, electrical wiring or mechanical or other work affecting the public health or general safety. A building permit is a permit from the local government for a construction project on a property.
In most urban places, the government has authority over many more construction projects than you might imagine. Some less obvious examples may be window replacements, water heaters and ovens. However, generally anything that is “finish the job” does not require a permit. Wall and floor coverings, trim moldings and interior doors come to mind.
In some regions, replacing only decking boards is considered finishing work and a permit is not required. If in doubt, ask your construction department. So if you have a patio or terrace that is not attached to your house, perhaps for grilling or to be off the ground, then you don't need a permit. A ledger poorly connected to the structural member that attaches the roof to the house may fail, causing the roof to collapse when laden with people.
If you build a deck without permission, you put yourself and others at risk, as the deck could have been built incorrectly. The decks can be attractive, because not only do you get a pleasant outdoor space for your family, but the decks also offer one of the highest returns on investment of any remodeling project. I have a small terrace outside my room, which has signs of rot on the terrace and somewhere on the struts. The American Wood Council, which produces the document that IRC relies heavily on the National Design Specification (NDS) for timber construction, also produces an alternative building code for roofs called the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide and commonly known as DCA 6.
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