Valley City Building Permit Guide
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Valley City Building Permit Guide CITY OF VALLEY CITY 254 2nd Avenue NE Valley City, ND 58072 Tel: 701-845-8122 FAX: 701-845-4588 Updated 09.26.2018 INDEX Pages Topic 3 – 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 7 – 9 Drawing Types & Descriptions 10 – 13 Permit Submittal Requirements for Common Projects 14 Residential Inspections 15 Commercial Inspections 16 Permit Time Limits & Penalties 17 Fees 18 Codes Note: This Valley City Building Permit Guide is only a general outline, and does not include all code and ordinance requirements. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this resolution and the provisions of any of the 2015 International Codes, or the provisions of an erosion control, shoreland protection, or floodplain ordinance, or other regulations and ordinances adopted by the City, County, State or Federal Authorities, the more restrictive standard shall prevail. The 2015 International Codes are available at City Hall, 254 2nd Ave NE. The Valley City Municipal Code is available online at www.valleycity.us. Valley City Building Permit Guide | Page 2 Updated 12.06.2018 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) The intent of this information is to help you understand the need for Building Codes, the Building Permit submittal process and fees, and the services provided by the City of Valley City. • Why and when do I need a Building Permit, and how much will it cost? The State Building Code requires Building Permits to ensure that we maintain minimum construction standards throughout Valley City. Building Permits help to ensure that construction meets minimum health and safety standards for all that may occupy that structure as residents, visitors or future owners. In order to do this, the City of Valley City needs to know when you are building, adding or remodeling a structure, and we must review your design drawings to determine if minimum building code requirements are being met. This drawing review process may help to protect you, your neighbors and future property owners from oversights that could lead to injury from building damage or failure. A permit will also help to establish a record of the construction and remodeling history of your property, for insurance, mortgage and resale purposes. • When do I need a Permit? As a rule, permits are required for any new construction, additions, remodeling projects, and structural alteration. This includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects. We do not require Permits for moving or replacing furniture type cabinets or painting, nor do we require a permit for the moving or replacing of installed storage cabinets over workbenches, hobby rooms or laundry rooms. But, you will need a permit for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Concrete slabs also do not require a Permit, but the owner is responsible for having a licensed surveyor verify property lines. To see if you need a Permit, please find the chapter within this guide titled: “Permit Requirements for Common Projects,” or make an appointment to visit with your Building Official. And please remember to contact 811 before digging, trenching or excavating. • Why do I need drawings in order to get a Building Permit? Many projects have a multiplicity of components that need to be reviewed and coordinated. Noted drawings are the best way to quickly communicate the scope of work on your project, because drawings document and organize your project into one easily understood presentation. This allows the Building Official, Contractors, Consultants and all involved to understand and discuss the various components of your project in relationship to other project components and their surroundings, without the need for someone to verbally repeat themselves over again. Noted drawings also reduce the occurrence of misunderstandings or mistakenly omitting important information. • How much will the permit cost? Please see the chapter within this guide titled: “Building Permit Fees,” to estimate how much your particular Building Permit will cost. We do not currently charge for plan reviews. And please remember that there are separate permits for Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical work. • Who Is Responsible For Obtaining The Building Permit? The person or company actually doing the construction work will be responsible for getting the Building Permit before work is started, and will be responsible for making the project meet the minimum standards of all Building Codes and City Regulations. Valley City Building Permit Guide | Page 3 Updated 12.06.2018 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) • Where do I find the Building Codes? The Building Codes are available at City Hall in the Office of the Building/Fire Inspector. • What Is The Purpose Of Building Codes? The purpose of Building Codes is to provide minimum standards and material requirement for the construction of buildings and structures, in order to safeguard health, property and public welfare. • Where do I start the Permit process? Contact the Valley City Building Official at 701-845-8122 to make an appointment when you have some ideas about your project. It is usually best to discuss your ideas before you have prepared all your documents. This way, your Building Official can provide important information that will help you make informed decisions and save you time. Make sure you know the address of the property, so we can find out how your property is zoned and if that designation allows for the project you are considering. For example, new residential projects involving new buildings or additional square footage to a residence, requires that you or your draftsman prepare detailed Design Drawings, have a Site Survey prepared by a Licensed Surveyor and have your truss manufacturer provide Engineer-certified Floor and Roof Truss drawings. Please see the chapter within this guide titled: “Drawing Types & Descriptions.” And if necessary, make an appointment to visit with your Building Official early in your design process to better ensure that the necessary information is prepared. • How Much Time Will It Take To Get A Permit? The permit process can typically take from 1-day to 15-days, depending on the complexity of your project. It is suggested that if you plan on constructing multiple projects during the season, that you submit the necessary Building Permit documentation at least two weeks prior to completing your current project and beginning of your next project. The permit process for smaller projects, i.e. siding, roofing, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. should take less than thirty minutes. However, there is only one staff member handling the Building Permit & Inspection needs of the City of Valley City and the 2-mile jurisdiction, so calling ahead and making an appointment is recommended. If your project is of a larger size and scope, the permit process also allows for various city departments to review your building plans for any necessary coordination. If the project is substantially large, the Plan Review process can take longer because it could involve the Building Official, the City Engineer, Public Works and the Fire Chief. • I want to put a fence around my yard. What restrictions are in place? Walls, fences and hedges shall meet the following requirements per V.C.M.C. Title 11: 1. All walls and fences shall be maintained in good repair. 2. A wall, fences or hedge not exceeding six feet in height may occupy the required side or rear yard. A wall, fences, or hedge not exceeding 30 inches in height may occupy the first 15 feet of the required front yard. Valley City Building Permit Guide | Page 4 Updated 12.06.2018 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 3. A wall, fences or hedge not exceeding six feet in height may be erected beyond the first 15 feet of the required front yard. The Clear Vision Triangle must be maintained (V.C.M.C. 11-06-07). 4. No person or persons shall, within the limits of the city, erect, construct, or maintain any fence or enclosure on any premises or piece or parcel of ground with what is known as barbed wire; provided, however, that such part of any fence so erected which is eight feet or more above the ground may be erected or constructed of barbed wire; and provided further, that no part of such barbed wire shall be permitted to extend beyond the lot line of the property upon which the same is so erected or constructed. 5. Trees, hedges, shrubs, and fences may not be planted or constructed on a common property line unless in the case of fences a recorded easement between property owners exists or is created. • Will I need a Site Survey? It depends on whether the footprint of your residence changes. Any time the building area or footprint of your residence is changed, the Valley City Building Official will require that a Site Survey be prepared by a Licensed Surveyor before an Excavation Permit or Building Permit is issued for Footing and Foundation work. For fences, concrete slabs or detached garages, you will only be required to have Property Corners flagged by a Licensed Surveyor. City Employees shall not verify property lines for owners or contractors. An Excavation Permit or Street Cut Permit may also be required if you need to excavate in City Streets or Right-of-Ways. The Excavation Permit is specifically granted for site work, and is a separate permit from any other Building Permits. The excavation Permit may also be used to help expedite the construction process, while the Building Permit Application is being reviewed. A Permit is not required for minor earthwork such as small garden areas that do not affect drainage patterns. • Can a Homeowner Obtain a Building Permit, or Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Permits? Yes. Homeowners and Landlords may receive a Building Permit for construction on homes they occupy and for Single and Two Family rental property.