The requirement to obtain a building permit was developed by well-intentioned people who are actively involved in the construction industry. The system was developed over the years to protect the public's health and safety by requiring sound, durable building construction. The building permit process is part of the Uniform Building Code's system of legal specifications for building materials and construction techniques. It is important to keep in mind that building codes and building permit requirements are adopted, modified and enforced by local municipalities. So the building permit requirements and codes can vary from location to another.
Every city has different requirements for which building projects require building permits.
In almost all cases, a building permit is required for construction, unless there is an some type of building permit exemption. Before starting a building project, it is important to determine the needs and requirements for building permits for the local municipalities you will be building in. Construction plans are usually required before the building permit department will approve your building permit application. The building inspector needs to have a clear understanding of your building project before he will issue a building permit. Usually property owners or licensed contractors are allowed to apply for a building permit or sub building permit.