About PermitRules

PermitRules was created by a team of homeowners and construction researchers who were frustrated by how difficult it was to find accurate, city-specific permit information online.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make permit rules searchable and understandable for every homeowner in the United States. Whether you are building a shed in Austin, installing a pool in Miami, or adding an ADU in Los Angeles, you should be able to find accurate, specific permit information for your city without wading through government websites, calling city offices, or hiring a contractor just to find out if you need a permit.

We currently cover 8 project types (sheds, decks, fences, pools, garages, pergolas, hot tubs, and ADUs) across 50+ cities in 30 states, with plans to expand coverage continuously. Each city page includes permit thresholds, setback distances, fee ranges, application steps, and links to official city resources.

How We Source Our Data

Data on PermitRules is sourced directly from city and county building department websites, official municipal codes, and published government documents. We do not rely on user-submitted data or unverified third-party sources. Our research team reviews each city's building department publications, permit fee schedules, zoning ordinances, and code amendments to compile the information presented on this site.

We review and update our data regularly to reflect changes in local building codes, fee schedules, and zoning regulations. Each permit page includes a "Last verified" date indicating when the information was most recently confirmed against official sources. For a detailed explanation of our research process, see our methodology page.

Important Disclaimer

PermitRules provides general informational guidance only. Building permit requirements change frequently, and the information on this site may not reflect the most recent updates to your city's codes. Always verify requirements with your local building department before starting construction. PermitRules does not provide legal, engineering, or architectural advice, and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation.

Contact Us

Found incorrect information? Have a suggestion? We want to hear from you. Contact us at hello@permitrules.com to report errors, suggest new cities, or provide feedback. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate every report of incorrect data.

You can also explore our Editorial Policy and Methodology pages to learn more about how we compile and verify permit information.