Generally, a building permit is required when any structural change, major alteration, or renovation is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal maintenance does not require a permit in most instances.

Permits Required: 

• Adding a Deck
• Patio Covers and Pergolas
• Sheds
• Pools
• Basement Finishes
• Fences
• Driveway replace / expansion
• Garage or Room Additions Fences Replacing an Electric Service Panel
• Retaining Walls (other than planters or decorative)
• Any Commercial Alteration
• Repairing, Cutting, Removing or Replacing any Structural or Bearing Support
• Adding to, Altering, Replacing or Relocating any Sewer, Drainage, Gas, Waste, Vent, Standpipe, Fire Suppression, Water Supply or Similar Piping

Permits NOT Required

• Minor tuck-pointing
• Replacing gutters and Downspouts
• Painting or Siding
• Repairing Plaster
• Flooring
• Replacing Doors and Windows
• Replacing Shingles/Roof Surface Materials
• Concrete or Paver Patios
• Minor Electrical such as adding a 20A or less circuit
• Replacing an Air Conditioner, Furnace or Water Heater

The requirement for a permit is for the protection of the owner, contractor, and the public. A permit ensures the work will be inspected by a city inspector, who is an expert in construction codes. The inspector may discover inferior work, faulty or inadequate materials, deviations from approved plans, structural deficiencies, and violations of the code that may result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you and your family. The permit protects you, your family, and your investment. When selling a property, the buyer, realtor or lender may require unpermitted work to be corrected, permitted, and inspected before closing. Also, a lack of permit may void your homeowner’s insurance. Most importantly, it is the law. The International Codes were adopted as a minimum standard for building. They require that permits be obtained for several different types of work. The purpose of the code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards. We are here to not just enforce the code, but to ensure your family is safe, your investment is safe, and your community is maintained with standards.

As the owner of a dwelling, you may hire a licensed contractor to obtain the proper permits and complete the work. In most cases, however, you can obtain the permits and complete the work yourself. Residential building permits generally require at least 5 working days for plan review in order to verify that the proposed project is designed in compliance with the code. When applying for a Building Permit, a copy of detailed plans must be submitted. The City of Winfield has several guides available to assist with various common types of construction along with the requirements for each type of plan submittal. To ensure a quick review, please take time to read the guides and submit all of the information required to approve your plans. A poor plan takes significantly more time to review, may be denied, and or require additional details and a resubmittal of revised documents. Commercial building permits generally require at least 10 to 15 working days for plan review. When applying for permits to do construction work on commercial buildings, all construction drawing must bear the original seal and signature of an architect or engineer registered in the State of Missouri.