2003 International Residential Code. Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit (as amended)

1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Although a permit is not required; the Planning & Zoning requirements for accessory buildings shall be met.

2. Fences not over 4 feet high.

3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Cass I, II or II-A liquids.

4. Sidewalks and driveways on your private property not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below. (Concrete work in the City right of way requires permits from City Engineering for sidewalks or driveway approaches.)

5. Painting, papering and similar finish work. Minor wall repair in connection with this item.

6. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3 occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches.

7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.

8. Swings and other playground equipment at a residential property.

9. Replacement of storm windows and storm doors.

10. Replacement of broken glass in windows.

11. Repair or replacement of hardware for door or window operation.

12. Gutters and down spouts.

13. Replacement of existing overhead garage doors. (If the opening size is changed a building permit is required.)

Published 6/22/2006 by Waterloo Building Inspection Department

Permits are required for:

FYI: Square is an area term used for roofing and siding. A square equals 100 square feet of area. For typical 3 tab shingles the individual packages of shingles are called bundles. It requires three bundles to equal one square. If the area of the roof is 1500 square feet; the amount of squares of roofing is 15 squares.

The permit writer is able to access the county web site and calculate an estimated area of the roof; if the owner comes down to get a permit and has not measured the area.

Roofing (Permit fee is based on the # of squares of the roof and whether the old shingles will be removed or overlaid. Maximum number of shingle layers is two. If plywood is installed that will affect the permit fee.)

Siding (Permit fee is based on the # of squares of siding used.) The permit writer is able to access the web site and calculate the area for siding.

Decks; regardless of height or whether connected to the house. Deck values are calculated on square footage of the deck. You will also be required to draw a site plan showing where the deck will be on your lot for Planning & Zoning review and approval.

A permit is required for the repair of a deck. (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Door replacement (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Basement, kitchen, bathroom or any remodel. (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Window or window sash replacement (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Remodeling (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Drywalling (permit based on cost of materials & labor)

Fences over 4 feet in height require permits. You will need to indicate on a site plan the location of the fence. This will require Planning & Zoning review and approval. There are no regulations on which side of the fence faces which way.

Garages (permit based on a square foot value of garage) You will be required to draw a site plan showing where the garage will be on the lot and the location of the proposed driveway. This site plan will require Planning & Zoning and Engineering review and approval.

Permits are required for the concrete slab to be used for a future building, if the size is over the 120 sq. ft. exemption. With the exception of future building slabs (permit required) you are allowed to concrete patios or sidewalks or other areas on your private property without a permit.

If you have any doubts on whether you need a permit or not, or have other questions please call the Building Inspection Department at 291-4319 from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.