You need to obtain a Building Permit when you construct, add to, or alter a building. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, we recommend that you first contact the Building Department before you trust the word of a friend or neighbor in regards to when a permit is required. A simple phone call can save a lot of time as well as expense.
How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
Typically, for a single-family residential or duplex project, it takes 10 working days to obtain a permit after plans have been submitted to this department for review. The timeframes for commercial projects are typically longer as commercial projects are much more complicated to review and the plan requirements are more stringent. A commercial review will be completed and initial comments will be delivered to the customer within 20 working days.
When do I call for inspections?
Inspections are typically required to be requested by the owner or contractor prior to concealing any type of construction process from view, or just prior to putting a piece of equipment into use, such as an electrical panel. This process could be as simple as calling in the required footing inspection needed prior to the placement of concrete in a footing. In this inspection the footing depth, width, and reinforcement must be inspected before the concrete is place. Placing the concrete before the inspection would not allow the inspector to visually verify that all of the required components of this inspection have been installed as required. If you are uncertain whether an inspection is required please call in prior to covering anything up.
What inspections do I need?
This depends on the type of project you are constructing. Please refer to the Residential Building Permit Plan Requirements document found in the Online Documents/Building Dept. portion of this web-site.
Do I need an architect?
If your project includes a single or two family residential unit, or an addition or alteration to a single or two family residential unit, the answer is no. If your project is a commercial building and the building is at least 3000 square feet, or if the occupant load of the building is 20 or more, or if there is a structural member that is spanning at least 20' that is not part of an engineered system, a registered professional is required to design the building.
Do I need a permit to build a fence or retaining wall on property owned by me?
You do not need a Building Permit if the fence that you are planning to build is 6' or less in the rear of the property or 4' or less in the front of the property. We do, however, recommend that you consult with this department prior to constructing your fence to make sure that this fence will affect no Town Right of Way or easements. Retaining walls 4' or more in height, require that engineering be provided for the design of the wall and that a permit be issued prior to the start of construction.
Will you call me when the plans have been reviewed and are ready to be picked up?
Due to the complexities of commercial plan review, these are the only projects that typically receive a call when plans are ready for pick up. Residential projects are given a ten day, completion schedule and may be picked up at that time. If any problems arise on a residential plan review that could affect the turn around time a call is placed to the responsible party as soon as this is discovered.
How much is a Building Permit?
A building permit fee is generally based on the valuation of the project. For additions, garages, & remodels, see the Permit Cost Estimate Sheet for Additions-Remodels-Detached Garages for figuring valuation and permit costs. Fees are calculated differently for a new single-family residence. See Single Family Residential Permit Cost Estimate sheet for those fees. These cost estimate forms can be found in the Online Documents/Building Dept. portion of this web-site. For commercial estimates or any other questions regarding fees, please contact the building department.
What are the hours for construction work?
Town of Payson Ordinance #421 sets the construction start/stop times as follows: From June 1 to September 1, inclusive, all such construction or repair work shall not begin prior to 5:00 A.M. and must stop by 10:00 P.M. each day. From September 2 to May 31, inclusive, all such construction or repair work shall not begin prior to 6:00 A.M. and must stop by 10:00 P.M. each day. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herin, such construction, repair, industrial, and manufacturing work shall not being prior to 6:00 A.M. and must stop by 10:00 P.M. on any Saturday, Sunday or State or Federal Holiday.
Are toilet facilities required on construction sites?
Town of Payson Ordinance #450 requires toilet facilities for the maintenance of public health, all worksites and construction sites within the Town of Payson for all workers and patrons.
