6A - State Building Code Discussion

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PERMITS `... Permits are required for any owner or contractor who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair,move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is also required to erect, install, enlarge, alter,repair,remove, convert, or replace any gas,mechanical, electrical,plumbing system, or other equipment when the installation is regulated by the code. A person wanting to do such work shall make application to the building official and obtain a permit prior to the beginning of any construction activity. In addition to specifically indicating when a permit is required,the code also identifies those instances when a permit is not required. Whether a permit is required or not,the code does not allow the authorization of work to be done in any manner that would violate the code or any other law or ordinance of the jurisdiction. Examples of construction activity that is exempt from permitting includes: • A one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage-shed,playhouse or similar use provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet in area • fences not over six feet in height • oil derricks • retaining walls that are not over four feet in height i • 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 2 to 1 • sidewalks and driveways that are not part of an accessible route • decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not attached to a structure with frost footings, and not part of an accessible route • painting,papering,tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work • temporary motion picture,television, and theater stage sets and scenery • prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a dwelling unit which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground • window awnings supported by an exterior wall of dwelling unit or garage or shed • movable cases, counters, and partitions not over five-feet-nine-inches in height • agricultural buildings as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.60, subdivision 5 Additionally, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are not required for the following construction activities: • portable heating,cooking, or clothes drying appliances • the replacement of minor parts that do not alter approval of equipment or make equipment unsafe • portable heating or ventilation appliances and equipment • portable cooling units • steam and hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by code • portable evaporative coolers and self-contained refrigeration systems containing ten pounds or less of refrigerant or that containing ten pounds of less or refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one horsepower or less 11