Comment on Septic clean out cap
j4k3@lemmy.world 3 weeks agoThere is usually a dollar amount involved for what can be done before a permit is required. You’re allowed to make minor changes required in the spirit of maintenance. So something like replacing a refrigerator and the old width being too small. If you cut the countertop to accommodate, no permit is legally required. The same can be said about almost every aspect of the home. That margin of what exactly is considered maintenance versus modification is what varies by area.
The other factor I’ve heard is that the changes must fall into what’s undefined on the blueprints of record. If it is not specified in the blueprints, you are free to make the changes.
Again, I’m no expert here. I really wish I had the option to remove the mod badge when I only wish to post as a user. I could certainly be wrong. This is intended as a helpful but just water cooler talk amongst friends level conversation. When it comes to house mods and permits, this is how everyone I know does things.
spongebue@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Plugging a device into an outlet (be it a refrigerator, phone charger, or even an EV charge cord) does not require a permit. That’s normal expected use. Counters are not regulated by code. There is nothing to get a permit for in your example, and not because of the dollar amount.
Adding an outlet to support that device would to ensure proper wire gauge, space covered by the breaker, GFCI protection, and stuff like that is done correctly.
But to say that regulations don’t apply to homeowners is wrong. You likely don’t need to be a licensed electrician or plumber or whatever to work on your own home, but the regulations of what you do/how you do it almost certainly apply.
dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Want to bet? In my county, it is technically a requirement to pull a permit and get permission from the county government to be install a window air conditioner. You know, the kind you slam the window shut on and plug into an outlet as the sum total of its “installation?”
Never underestimate the insanity of the petty egos who have small amounts of authority.
spongebue@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
I would bet a small amount of money that’s related to the mounting of a heavy piece of equipment halfway outside creating a potential hazard.
It also contributes to my original point that regulations are not just for contractors. I get that not everything is followed to the letter (kinda like my speed limit analogy) but to imply that homeowners can do anything they want with their property and supporting that claim with benign things that don’t have safety requirements is laughably wrong (in most civilized areas of the US at least - admittedly there will be exceptions when this is generally handled at the municipal/county level)
dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
No, it’s because the county decided that “all installation and removals of HVAC, air handling, heating, and cooling equipment” require a permit and did not stop to think initially that this is worded in such an overbroad manner that it also technically encompasses window and portable air conditioners, and theoretically also portable space heaters as well. All means all. It’s just that window AC is the only thing visible from the outside of your home, so the inspectors can bust your balls for it from the street if they feel like hassling you for something.
I’m sure the local government loves it as well because if a “violation” is noticed from the street it gives them a legal avenue to enter the properties of people they don’t like (i.e. poor people, blacks, hispanics, etc.) to troll for additional citations or other generalized harassment.
j4k3@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
These guys seem to imply taking out a non load bearing wall does not require a permit: …nari.org/…/when-do-i-need-a-permit
That implies all the electrical, flooring, ceiling, and attic work is not a factor either. Altering a load bearing wall would require permitting. That is how I’ve always heard it said too. It is not a great primary source, bit I don’t care more than a basic search and first link I see reply either, so it is confirmation biased as such.
spongebue@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Yes, walls (including non-load bearing) still need to be checked for safety. While not as critical as load-bearing, they still need checks for things like proper materials, stud spacing, and that a hallway is wide enough for firefighters to get in with their equipment. Speaking of firefighters, fire blocking is also required.
I dunno what else to say here. I’ve done plenty of home improvement projects and have had many inspections by my city, including a basement finish (which takes framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC…). My city even has a workshop to teach homeowners what’s needed per code (at a high level) and emphasizes pulling a permit. My dad did plenty of projects in another state growing up, and all that took permits as well. So it’s not like my court is just being weird.