Permit
USAResidential Permits USAProjects, jurisdictions & approvals
United States residential project research

Find the right permit authority before home work begins

In the United States, a city, county, township or other local government may issue permits—and the answer can change across a boundary line. Use project, state and local guides to identify the correct questions and official starting points.

Start with the addressUse the Permit Pathfinder
The first permit question

Who has jurisdiction?

A mailing address does not always identify the permit office. Confirm whether the property is inside city limits, in an unincorporated county area, in a township, or subject to another authority.

  • 1Verify the property jurisdiction
  • 2Describe the complete scope
  • 3Identify every approval stream
24project and approval guides
16initial state guides
20city and county guides
7private browser tools
Independent information: This is not a government service. Official building, planning, trade, health, fire, floodplain and public-works authorities remain the final sources.
Choose a starting point

Three ways to research a residential project

By project

What are you planning?

Explore additions, ADUs, remodels, decks, pools, trade work, demolition, solar, floodplain projects and more.

By state

Which state framework applies?

Understand state code systems, local enforcement and important state-specific issues.

By local authority

City, county or township?

Use the initial local guides, then continue to the official office serving the exact address.

Common homeowner research

Popular project guides

Building Permits ExplainedUnderstand what a residential building permit does, what it does not decide, and why the issuing authority matters.Building Permit vs. Zoning ApprovalSeparate construction-code review from land-use permission, setbacks, use, parking, lot coverage and density.Projects That May Not Need a Building PermitMinor cosmetic work may be exempt, while electrical, plumbing, HOA, historic or other requirements can still apply.New Home ConstructionPlan zoning, utilities, grading, structural review, energy requirements, trade permits, inspections and occupancy approval.Home AdditionsRoom additions, second stories and attached expansions can affect setbacks, structure, utilities and egress.ADUs and Garage ConversionsAccessory dwelling units and garage conversions can involve zoning, parking, fire separation, utilities and legal occupancy.Interior RemodelsWalls, room arrangements, exits, stairs, structural framing and concealed systems can change the permit path.Kitchen and Bathroom RemodelsCabinet and finish changes may be minor, while fixture moves, wiring, ventilation and structural work often require review.Basement FinishingResearch ceiling height, egress, moisture, insulation, bedrooms, stairs, utilities and possible dwelling-unit rules.Decks, Porches and BalconiesHeight, size, attachment, foundations, guards, stairs, setbacks and wildfire exposure can affect approval.Garages and CarportsAttached and detached vehicle structures may involve setbacks, fire separation, driveways and utilities.Sheds and Accessory BuildingsSmall-structure exemptions may not remove setback, height, lot-coverage, anchoring or utility rules.
View all project guides
Practical planning

Tools designed to support—not replace—official answers

Browser tool

Permit Research Pathfinder

Generate a project-specific list of permit and approval categories to investigate.

Browser tool

Jurisdiction Finder

Work through city, county, township and unincorporated-area questions before choosing a permit office.

Browser tool

Application Document Checklist

Create and save a list of drawings, forms and supporting documents to research.

Browser tool

Inspection Sequence Planner

Prepare a printable inspection worksheet without treating it as an official schedule.

See all tools