Building Permits
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure within the City of Lafayette. Additionally, a building permit is required to install new electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems or to make additions, alterations, or replacements to existing systems. Some work that is exempt from a building permit includes:
- One- story storage sheds under 120 square feet in area
- Retaining walls under 3 feet in height
- Sidewalks, driveways, and patios that are less than 30 inches above the adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route
- Painting, wallpaper, countertops, and similar finish work
- Window awnings that do not project from a residence more than 54 inches
- Replacement of electrical devices or minor electrical repairs
- Maintenance or repairs to a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, mini-split unit, or other similar mechanical equipment
- Maintenance or repairs to a water heater
- Same size and style replacement of a sink or toilet
- Repairing of leaks or stoppages in water or sewer piping
There are restrictions related to demolishing a building or structure that is 50 years or older. The Historic Preservation Board Review Team reviews all demo permits for structures 50 years or older. If it is determined that the building may have historical significance, the permit is referred to the Historic Preservation Board for consideration of a stay of issuing the permit. The Historic Preservation Board may issue a stay up to 90 days. The stay may be appealed to the City Council.
Types of Permits
Quick Permits
- Electrical (excluding Solar or projects with engineered plans)
- Plumbing and/ or Mechanical (excludes projects with engineered plans)
- AC (with or without furnace)
- Heating/ Furnace
- Roofs
- Water Heaters
- Water and Sewer Repairs
- Siding & windows (with no structural changes)
Estimated Processing Time: 2 business days
Residential Permits on existing structures/ lots
- Basements
- Structural and Non-structural Remodels
- Decks
- Patio Covers/ Pergolas
- Accessory Structures (such as detached garages, storage sheds 120 square feet or more, or carports)
- Mobile Home Sets (includes construction trailers)
- Residential Additions
- Gas Fireplace/ Firepit
- Swimming Pools
Estimated Processing Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Residential Permits
- New Single- Family Dwelling
- Two- Family Dwelling
- Multi-Family Townhomes
- New Accessory Dwelling Units
Estimated Processing Time: 8 to 12 weeks for first comments then 1 to 2 weeks for subsequent reviews
Commercial Permits
- Commercial Tenant Finish
Estimated Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks for first comments, 1 to 2 weeks for subsequent reviews
- Commercial Addition
- New Commercial
- New Multi-Family (requires prior Site Plan and Architectural approval prior to permit submittal)
Estimated Processing Time: 4 to 8 weeks for first comments, 1 to 2 weeks for subsequent reviews
Fees and payments
Fees are based on the estimated value of work being done. Payment is due when permits are issued. You may pay with a check, cash, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). Permit fees larger than $10,000 must be paid with a check or wire transfer.
Contact us
For questions on whether you need a permit, please call the Building Department at 303-661-1451.