when do you need permits?

"it depends." i'm not an expert but would imagine that any structural changes (walls, etc.) require a permit. fit/finish (tile in a bathroom, etc.) shouldn't. if you have to ask these questions, you should be looking to hire an architect/gc who knows code.

plumbing, electrical, structural.... that was my experience.

Marcie,

It depends on your building. Some buildings do not require permits for some work while others will. Buildings do not generally require permits for bathrooms but the plumber should pull one.

Depends on your building.

I dont understand.

Why would the question as to whether you need a department of buildings permit to do work be dependent on the building?

Do you mean, some buildings will let you get away with no permit.... or... some buildings may require upgrades if you do work, and those upgrades will require a permit?

The work being done is what drives the need for a permit. But a building may have a say in what work needs to be done. right?

Well if you are doing a gut, different story. But remodeling of a bathroom doesn't mean you need to file permits. Or even use a licensed plumber. Wide variety of practices.

Gcondo,

There are some buildings that require you get a permit if you are knocking down a Sheetrock wall that is not load bearing while other buildings will require that you pull a permit.

Generally whenever you are taking down a structural wall you need to pull a permit. Other walls it depends on the building.

You do not need a permit if you are doing cosmetic work, for example re-tile your bathroom, refinish kitchen cabinet even install kitchen cabinet.... If you are demo/moving the walls even just replace the sheekrock you need a permit (officially).

The answer really is "it depends". If your bathroom remodel is just a replacement of existing fixtures and no walls are being erected or demolished, then chances are that you do not need a work permit. Most wall movements generally require an architect's plans and an ALT-2 approval. The same goes most plumbing and electrical "work". Without knowing the details of your renovation it's hard to say with certainty.

As a general rule of thumb if you are taking down or putting up a wall, then you have to file. Not always, but usually. Do yourself a favor and talk to your building super, management company, or board president. They will know best. It doesn't matter what people on this board tell you. Just ask the super and save yourself the headache of not knowing and assuming you will or won't need permits.

Primer, I do not see how a building can require a permit if the DOB does not. Who is going to issue a permit for work that does not require a permit?