HiLine Homes is a home builder specializing in affordable, custom homes. Serving across the Pacific Northwest, we have refined our on-your-lot model with equity-building pathways. Through this approach, homeowners can gain sweat equity by participating in specific homeowner tasks.
One of the most essential tasks for homeowners to participate in is obtaining permits. Securing the required permits confirms that all building plans meet local permit and design guidelines. They are crucial to initiating the construction of your home.
At HiLine Homes, we provide the guidance and information to help homeowners like you through this process. In this article, we help you understand the required documents, permit cost, and timelines to support the construction process of your home and avoid delays.
The Responsibilities of a Homeowner in Obtaining Permits
At HiLine Homes, homeowners are responsible for obtaining the permits required for residential construction. These permits may include those needed for grading land, initiating construction, and installing utilities.
The permitting process always begins before construction—building cannot start without the required approvals. As soon as a homeowner decides to build, permitting becomes one of the first and most critical steps. Early on, homeowners are encouraged to contact their local building department to understand which permits are required for their specific lot, as some jurisdictions mandate permits even before site preparation activities such as clearing land or installing a driveway.
As part of this process, homeowners are responsible for submitting required documentation, paying permit fees, and coordinating inspections with the local building department or the equivalent governing authority. Through active participation in permitting and inspections, homeowners play a meaningful role in the construction process while building equity through the HiLine Homes homeowner participation model.
- The Process of Obtaining Permits
Obtaining permits ensures the project complies with local, state, and municipal regulations. Here is a typical process homeowners can expect in securing their permitting requirements.
Step 1: Contact Your Local Building Office
Homeowners should start by consulting with their local building department or permit office to discuss their project and determine which construction permits and inspections are required. Many building jurisdictions will analyze your specific site and let you know, not only which permits you need to apply for, but also any other studies or reports that will be required for your project.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Required documents help verify that the home plan aligns with local building codes and standards. HiLine Homes provides all plans and items related to the home plans for you to include. Additionally, the Building Department can inform homeowners on the specific items needed; these documents typically include:
- Building plans
- Engineering calculations
- Truss designs
- Energy calculations
- Site plan permit applications & forms
- Survey of the property (wetland surveys, property surveys, or geotechnical surveys)
- Proof of title
- Completed project value
- Details on foundation type, roofing, and exterior finishing
Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay Permit Fees
Homeowners submit their application to the building office and pay any applicable permit fees or costs. The fee varies by state and municipality.
Step 4: Post Permit Certificate at the Job Site
Once approved, the homeowner must post the official permit certificate at the construction site, ensuring it is visible to inspectors, and provide a copy of the permit to HiLine Homes.
Step 5: Schedule Required Inspections Throughout Construction
As construction progresses, your dedicated Project Manager will call in inspections as the progress continues, all while keeping you, the homeowner, informed. Inspectors verify that work is being completed in accordance with approved plans and applicable building regulations.
By following these steps, the homeowner ensures alignment with HiLine Homes in meeting local safety and quality standards.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Required documents help verify that the home plan aligns with local building codes and standards. HiLine Homes provides all plans and items related to the home plans for you to include. Additionally, the Building Department can inform homeowners on the specific items needed; these documents typically include:
- Building plans
- Engineering calculations
- Truss designs
- Energy calculations
- Site plan permit applications & forms
- Survey of the property (wetland surveys, property surveys, or geotechnical surveys)
- Proof of title
- Completed project value
- Details on foundation type, roofing, and exterior finishing
Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay Permit Fees
Homeowners submit their application to the building office and pay any applicable permit fees or costs. The fee varies by state and municipality.
Step 4: Post Permit Certificate at the Job Site
Once approved, the homeowner must post the official permit certificate at the construction site, ensuring it is visible to inspectors, and provide a copy of the permit to HiLine Homes.
Step 5: Schedule Required Inspections Throughout Construction
As construction progresses, your dedicated Project Manager will call in inspections as the progress continues, all while keeping you, the homeowner, informed. Inspectors verify that work is being completed in accordance with approved plans and applicable building regulations.
By following these steps, the homeowner ensures alignment with HiLine Homes in meeting local safety and quality standards.
What Permits Are Needed for Building a House
Once you’ve chosen a home plan, you’ll need to obtain construction permits before and during the building process. Keep in mind that approval timelines for each permit may vary.
Typical Permitting Requirements
Your permitting requirements will depend on the state, city, and local building authority of your lot. Standard residential construction permits may include:
- Grading Permit: For preparing and leveling the land.
- Building Permit: For constructing your home.
- Electrical Permit: Required for electrical work.
- Mechanical Permit: For heating, ventilation, and air systems.
- Plumbing Permit: For the installation of water, septic, and drainage systems.
- Septic Permit (if applicable): For homes not connected to municipal sewer systems.
Residential Construction Inspections
Throughout the construction process, several inspections are required to ensure that the work aligns with the approved design and safety standards. Below are examples of some inspections that will take place, although some jurisdictions may have additional inspections:
- Framing Inspection
- Sediment Control Inspection
- Foundation Inspection
- Plumbing Rough-In Inspection
- Electrical Inspection
- Insulation Inspection
- Final Building Inspection
Additional Requirements
Additional reviews or permits may be required depending on specific site conditions, such as:
- Local municipal sewer and water agencies (e.g., connections to public utilities & flood drainage review)
- Public works department (e.g., new driveways from public roads, dumpster placement, & sidewalk permits)
- Health department (for septic systems and private/shared walls)
- Fire protection services (for fire safety compliance)
What Your Pre-Construction Associate Does
While homeowners are responsible for identifying and obtaining the permits required for their specific property, you are not expected to navigate the process alone. At HiLine Homes, a dedicated Pre-Construction Associate and Project Manager supports you in staying organized and on track as you prepare for construction.
Because permit requirements are often site-specific and determined by local jurisdictions, your HiLine Homes team does not provide a definitive list of required permits. Instead, we help direct you to the appropriate building department resources, including local building department websites and online permit submission portals, where official requirements can be confirmed.
How Much Do Building Permits Cost?
Building permit costs vary widely by jurisdiction and property. Fees may be influenced by factors such as location, home size, square footage, or overall project valuation, and are often higher in larger metro areas.
Most building departments can provide a fee schedule or a rough estimate to help homeowners understand potential costs and plan accordingly. By confirming permit fees early and budgeting for them in advance, homeowners can better manage expenses, stay on track financially, and support the overall affordability of their build.
Build an Affordable Custom Home On Your Lot Today
Obtaining permits is a vital task in the homeowner participation program. It helps them build sweat equity, remove the markup and labor fees other builders charge, and gain a deeper understanding of their home’s construction. This approach is part of our mission to support affordable custom homeownership and promote long-term equity building.
Are you ready for a homebuilding partnership that allows you to build equity? Consult with a Home Consultant today to begin planning your custom home.
