Why do I need a permit?

In the interest of your health, safety, and welfare, permits allow the enforcement of codes which have been adopted by law by the State or City through plan review and inspections of your project. If the construction or remodeling in your home or business does not comply with code requirements, your investment and your health, safety, and welfare may be reduced. City of Rockford inspectors and plans examiners are trained and certified through a nationally recognized certification program for the duties they perform. Because of training and occupation, inspectors and plans examiners maintain current and specialized knowledge of code requirements, unlike any other profession.

Show All Answers

1. Why do I need a permit?
2. How deep must frost footings be?
3. What is the design ground snow load in Rockford?
4. How many layers of roofing can I have on the roof?
5. Why do I need to submit construction documents (drawings, calculations, specifications)?
6. When am I required to hire a design professional (Architect, Professional Engineer or Structural Engineer)?
7. Where do codes come from?
8. What type of work is exempt from a building permit?
9. Can a homeowner install plumbing work in their home?
10. Can a homeowner install mechanical work in their home?
11. Why do I need to submit construction documents (drawings, calculations, specifications)?
12. What happens if I do not obtain a permit?
13. What type of work is exempt from a plumbing permit?
14. What type of work is exempt from a mechanical permit?
15. How do I become a registered electrician?
16. Can a homeowner install electrical work in their home?
17. What type of work is exempt from an electrical permit?
18. Can I file a complaint about repairs that my landlord will not respond to?
19. Can a complaint be filed about deteriorated houses and/or buildings?
20. Is my complaint confidential?
21. What happens after I file a complaint?
22. What can be done about abandoned/vacant houses with broken windows or doors?
23. What is my property zoned as?
24. Can I establish a business in a single-family home located in a residential area?
25. If I am replacing an existing fence, do I need a fence permit?