Permit Tutorial & Help for Zoning Permits

We understand that the permit process can be overwhelming for some. It is important to understand that one of the primary responsibilities of the Planning and Neighborhood Serviced Department is not just to issue permits, but also accurate and detailed record keeping.

We have created a tutorial to assist you through the process of gathering the pertinent information. It is important to remember that all projects need a plan on how to get from point A to point B. We are here to assist you with developing and presenting your plan. While this tutorial focused on zoning permits the same principals apply to building permits and other application. More building permit detail are listed below.

The information in this tutorial is all you should need for your standard fence, pool, deck, shed, or minor addition permit application.

Below is a list of common activities that require permits: This is only the most common activities.

  1. Shed
  2. Pool
  3. Deck
  4. Stairs
  5. Porch
  6. Roof
  7. Fence
  8. Garage (attached or detached)
  9. Carports
  10. Chang of Use (eg, adding or reducing the number of residential units in a building, adding, reducing the number of units in a commercial building, changing the type of business in a commercial space, change residential and commercial in one direction or another, and adding or removing a bedroom within an existing home.
  11. Finished basement
  12. Finished attic
  13. Accessory apartment
  14. Most trade work where a special licenses such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC would otherwise be required. Any license exemptions which may exist does not waive the requirement for permits. For example a home owner in a single family home which is owner occupied can do most trade work without holding the corresponding licenses.
  15. Grading or filling of land 
  16. Any activity within 100 ft. of a wetlands or watercourse requires review and approval from the City Inland Wetlands and Water Course agent. This includes man made ponds and watercourses.
  17. Any commercial activity on a parcel of property or within a building where goods or services are provided for compensation.
  18. Signs
  19. Event Tents

Click Here to access the online permit portal. You can always refer back to this page for to assist you in finding information that may be required.

Most of the information on the application is self explanatory but many people need help finding certain information.

CLICK HERE and search for the property address in the assessors records.

In the Property Use please select the use (single family, two family, multi-family, etc.) then check the appropriate box for your project. (ie. shed, garage, addition, etc.) If there is not a specific project use the "other"  selection and briefly describe the project.

When describing the project be specific.. For example if you are installing a 20 ft. pool you would put  24 ft. round pool and if it has a deck you would put the dimensions of the deck and associated stairs. If your installing a shed you would put the dimensions of the shed and how it is to be placed on the ground. (stone pad, concrete slab, landscape blocks, sonotubes, etc.)

The same apply for any project. Be specific on the details. Application that simply say "build garage", "fence", "shed" will not be approved.

The next step is to create a site sketch. Click here to go the The City Global Information System (GIS) online mapping program. Once you're in the system, search for your address and select the property. Make sure the parcel is in the center of the screen and select print. When prompted for a scale type in 40 and then click "Create Printable Map". Engineered plans will be required for larger projects such as new home or commercial building construction.

GIS Map
map scale
Now you have a map of your property you're ready to draw the site plan. It is important to be as accurate as possible. This not only helps the Zoning Officer make an educated decision when approving an application but it shows you the location in which you can install the improvements and is an important part of planning your project. Whether its a shed, a pool, a deck, or a garage it all starts with a good plan so everyone knows what the proposed activity is by just reading the application and reviewing the site plan.

Below are two examples of site plans. One has a pool, a deck, and a fence, drawn to scale and clearly shows the setbacks with the improvements labeled.  The other does not supply the minimal information needed for the Zoning Officer to issue a permit. 
wrong site plan
correct site plan

Now that you have your application and site plan there are a couple of additional items needed. For a zoning permit you will need basic elevation views. (see example below) Please indicate if the shed is going to be installed on a foundation, concrete piers or blocks, or a stone pad.


If you are installing or constructing a shed that is less than 200 sf. there is no requirement for a building permit unless you are installing utilities such as electrical. However, there are requirements in the building code that require the shed to be anchored properly. Your lumber yard or shed manufacturer can assist you in choosing the proper anchors.


If you are constructing a deck it will need a building permit regardless of the size, and require a more detailed design plan including the dimensions of the lumber being used, the depth of the frost protection, and details of it's piers including diameter and height off the ground. If you need assistance in designing your deck we have included a couple of resources below.

Besides the websites listed above there are many other deck design services available on the internet for free that you can utilize.  

For more detailed information regarding building permits and resources CLICK HERE to be directed to the Building Department Page.

If any of the improvements are being installed by a contractor, with the exception of a pre-manufactured shed less than 200 sf., the Building Department will need the following:

  • A copy of the contractors license
  • A copy of the contractors valid works comp insurance
  • Owner authorization form is the applicant is not the owner.

Once you have all your information together and applications completed you are ready to submit your documentation. Click Here to be directed to the application submission procedures. NOTE: All documents submitted electronically must be in pdf. format. image files and pictures will not be accepted. If you are having problems with pdf. files there are some links below which may help.

Basic Elevation

Basic Elevation View

Helpful pdf. Links

Readers and Generators:
Adobe Reader
Foxit 


With Foxit you can generate a pdf. file using your scanner or convert saved images to pdf.

Apple support for using your Iphone to create a pdf.

Android products:
Google Drive
Google Play