Skip to contentCommon permit terms
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
- The government office or official responsible for enforcing a particular code or requirement.
- Building permit
- Authorization to perform covered construction work after applicable review.
- Code edition
- The adopted version of a model or state code, including local amendments.
- Incorporated area
- Property inside the legal boundary of a city, town, village or similar municipality.
- Unincorporated area
- Property outside incorporated municipal boundaries, commonly served by a county for some functions.
- Plan review
- Review of drawings and documents for compliance before permit issuance.
- Zoning clearance
- Confirmation that use, location, height, setbacks and similar land-use rules are satisfied.
- Variance
- Relief from a zoning standard granted through an authorized process; not the same as a building permit.
- Trade permit
- A separate permit for electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fuel-gas work.
- Certificate of occupancy
- A document related to lawful occupancy or use, where required.
- Final inspection
- A concluding inspection; confirm whether additional paperwork is required to close the permit.
- Substantial improvement
- A floodplain-administration term that can trigger additional requirements based on project cost and building value.