What building work can I do without a permit?
  • One-story accessory buildings (sheds, playhouses, and similar uses) provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
  • Platforms, decks, walks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade and not attached to a building
  • Swimming pools (prefabricated) above grade and less than 5,000 gallons
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work (installation of hard surface floor finishes in apartments, condominium, and other multifamily buildings must comply with sounds transmission class [STC] ratings and are not exempt from a permit)
  • Window awnings for one or two family dwellings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall and do not require additional support
  • Movable cases, counter, and partitions not over five feet, nine inches in height
  • Installation of insulation in wall cavities when the wall finish is not removed and in unfinished attic floors
  • Installation of roof gutter systems (downspouts shall not be directed to adjacent properties)
  • Installation of soffit, fascia, trim, and other accessories
  • Installation of battery operated or plug-in type smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or the repair or replacement of existing detectors
  • The following types of window and door related work are exempt from permits:
    • Installation of storm windows and storm doors
    • Replacement of wood sash for prime windows
    • Installation of vinyl jamb liner weather-stripping for existing window sash
    • Replacement of glass, screens, wood parts, and other minor repairs

Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner that is in violation of the building code or any other laws or ordinances of New Brighton.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit?
2. What happens if I do work without a permit?
3. I received a notification that my permit expired, but the project is not completed: What should I do?
4. When do I need a building permit?
5. What building work can I do without a permit?
6. When do I need an electrical permit?
7. Who can apply for an electrical permit?
8. I am a homeowner: can I do my own electrical work?
9. When do I need a mechanical permit?
10. What mechanical work can I do without a permit?
11. When do I need a plumbing permit?
12. What plumbing work can I do without a permit?
13. What do I need zoning or public works approval on?
14. What if I have an emergency repair?
15. Do you have "how-to" guides for online permitting?
16. I submitted my permit application: how do I pay?
17. Who should I send RPZ reports to?