Browse Building Permit Rules by State and City

PermitRules covers residential building permit requirements across 30 states and more than 50 cities in the United States. Select a state below to find permit rules for your city, including size thresholds, setback distances, permit fees, and step-by-step application guides.

What You Will Find

Each city page covers 8 residential project types: sheds, decks, fences, pools, garages, pergolas, hot tubs, and ADUs (accessory dwelling units). For each project type, you will find whether a permit is required, size thresholds that trigger permit requirements, setback distances from property lines, typical permit fee ranges, where and how to apply, and what happens if you build without a permit.

Our information is compiled from official city building departments, municipal codes, and government websites. Always verify current requirements directly with your local building department before starting construction, as rules change frequently.

All States (30)

Permit Guides

Not sure where to start? Our comprehensive guides explain permit requirements by project type: