When is a Building Permit Required?

According to the 2021 International Residential Code and 2021 International Building Code, a permit is required "...to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code....”

In general, anything that effects foundations or roof support structures or adding to an existing structure would require a building permit.

In general, adding to, or running a new circuit, circuits, or service on any voltage over 50 would require an electrical permit.

In general, adding to, or running new drains, vents or potable hot and cold-water piping would require a plumbing permit.  

Work Exempt from Building Permit

A building permit is not required for the work described below; however, work exempt from a permit must still comply with applicable Building Codes, Borough Codes, and all other applicable ordinances. The Petersburg Borough has adopted the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) (PMC 17.02). 

The following work exemptions apply to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories:

EXAMPLE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT
  • One-story detached accessory structures, such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar, providing the floor area does not exceed 200 sq. ft. (18.58 m2).
  • Fences not over 7 feet (2,134 mm) high.
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
  • Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height  to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
  • Swings and other playground equipment.
  • Sidewalks and driveways.
  • Replacing existing doors and windows (provided same width and nothing structural has to change).
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
  • All inside finish carpentry work.
  • Decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft. in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by IRC.
  • Installing additional fill on an existing driveway (new driveways require approval of Public Works Director).
  • Partitions not over 5 feet high.
  • Patching leaky roofs.
  • Walkways not over 30 inches above grade.
EXAMPLES OF ELECTRICAL WORK NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT
  • Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electric equipment to approved permanently-installed receptacles.
  • Trouble shooting.
  • Disconnecting switches, plugs, or circuits or other equipment.
  • Replacing existing electrical equipment (providing additional wiring is not needed).
EXAMPLES OF PLUMBING WORK NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT
  • Replacing existing fixtures. (Water Heaters not included)
  • Repairing leaks.
  • Cleaning drains.
  • Cleaning heating systems.
  • Installing heat pipes or radiation (does not include oil furnaces or wood stoves).
MEMBRANE STRUCTURES

The Petersburg Planning Commission has reviewed membrane buildings and determined that these buildings are structures as defined in the Petersburg Municipal Code and the IRC.

A membrane building is a cable or frame supported structure which has a membrane covering such as a tarpaulin stretched over the framing. If such a building is to be placed on the property, this structure is not considered a temporary building and therefore it is subject to zoning regulations.

A building permit is necessary to allow the placement of a membrane building (exceeding 200 sq. ft.) on your property. The Planning Commission has determined that non-occupied membrane buildings are not required to meet the 50 lbs. snow load and 100 mph wind loads necessary for buildings in Petersburg. As these buildings are to be used for storage purposes only, any snow and wind damage to the membrane structure is the responsibility of the owner. The commission considers a membrane building to be a structure, and all structures within the Service Area 1 limits are subject to yard setback and maximum yard coverage regulations depending upon the zoning of the property. Yard setbacks are measured from the property lines to the walls of the building. If your lot has unusual physical circumstances or conditions, the commission may consider granting you a variance to allow the placement of the structure within the required setback area.

PENALTY FOR BUILDING WITHOUT A PERMIT

Where work for which a permit is required starts or proceeds without obtaining a building permit, the penalty shall be two hundred fifty dollars or four times the fee specified in Schedule A, whichever is the greater, but the payment of such penalty shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements of this title in the execution of work, or from any other penalties described in this code. (PMC 17.04.050)

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