International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2

Building

Exception: Any work in any critical area including but not limited to wetlands, streams, landslide hazard and their buffers is not exempt from permits.

  • Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58m2)
  • Fences not over 7 fee (2134 mm) high**
  • Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
  • Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
  • Sidewalks and driveways**
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
  • Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
  • Swings and other playground equipment.
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
  • Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by IRC, Section R311.4.

Electrical

  • Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting
  • Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets thereof.
  • Replacement of branch circuits overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
  • Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
  • Minor electrical repair work, including replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas

  • Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical

  • Portable ventilation appliances, heating appliances, cooling units, evaporative coolers.
  • Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  • Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
  • Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.


Plumbing

  • The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this (IRC) code.
  • The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement of rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate permits may be required for the above-exempted items.  If in doubt, call the Permit Center at 253.835.2607.

         ** Other code requirements may apply to this improvement.