Owning a home can give a person a great deal of satisfaction. Especially when you make changes to personalize your castle. Whether you are planning a renovation, constructing a new deck or fence, building a home addition, or simply improving your property by installing a new hot water heater, these changes will help to make your house truly your home. However, one thing to keep in mind is that many of these changes require a permit for the work. Permits serve as a safeguard, ensuring that construction or alterations meet the standards set by the municipality for safety, planning, and zoning. They are not merely bureaucratic hurdles, but instead are essential tools in protecting public safety and maintaining community standards. By obtaining a permit, property owners commit to building practices that adhere to zoning laws, structural integrity requirements, and environmental regulations.
The costs associated with permits often raise eyebrows and questions. Contrary to what many believe, the permit fee is set to cover the costs associated with processing the permit, and it is not some arbitrary number that was simply made up. Processing a permit application requires administrative time, time conducting inspections, and time ensuring that the planned work is in compliance with codes. All these factors are considered when setting up the fee for a permit. Some permit fees may contribute revenue to the general fund of the town, which ultimately is responsible for funding local infrastructure improvements and services that benefit the entire community.
You may wonder, what happens if I don’t get a permit? Nobody will know, and I can save some money? You might be right unless the project you planned does not meet the municipal code. Many times, when a person is buying a new home, they will contact the Building Department to verify that any work that has been done on a property has been appropriately permitted. The lack of a permit could cost you the sale of your property. More immediately, if there is an issue with code compliance, you could be forced to tear down and redo any work that has been done. Simply getting a permit can protect the investment you are making in your home.
Permits are an investment in the longevity and safety of both an individual’s property and the community’s shared resources. Permits provide assurance that construction work is performed by knowledgeable professionals who follow approved plans and techniques. This oversight helps prevent costly mistakes and potential hazards that could endanger occupants or neighbors.
The permit requirements for the Town of Mountain View can be found on the town website at www.tomv.org. Additional information can also be obtained by reaching out to the Public Works Department via publicworks@tomv.org.
