Definition

Noun: A legal document issued by a government authority that grants official permission to begin construction or major renovation of a structure on a specific piece of land.

Usage

A building permit is required before starting most construction projects. It ensures that the planned work complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. The permit is specific to the location and the type of construction described in the application.

Examples

• The city will not allow you to start the addition until you obtain a building permit.
• The architect submitted the plans to the county office to apply for a building permit.
• Renovating the kitchen may not require a building permit, but building a new garage certainly will.

Advanced Usage

• "to pull a permit": A common informal phrase meaning to obtain a building permit.
  • The contractor said his first task was to pull the permits for the job.
• "permit in hand": Indicates that the necessary official authorization has been secured.
  • With the building permit finally in hand, we can schedule the ground-breaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Permit (n): The general term for an official document giving permission. A building permit is a specific type of permit.
• Zoning Permit (n): A related authorization that confirms the intended land use is allowed under local zoning ordinances, often required before a building permit is issued.
• Occupancy Permit (n): A certificate issued construction is complete, confirming the building is safe to be occupied.

Synonyms

• Construction authorization
• Building license

Related Phrases

• "to be up to code": To meet the official building regulations. A primary purpose of the permit process is to ensure work is up to code.
  • The inspector checked the electrical wiring to make sure it was up to code.
• "to fail an inspection": To not meet the required standards during a review by a building official. This can halt work authorized by a permit.
  • The framing failed the inspection, so the crew had to make corrections before continuing.

Noun

1. a document authorizing the holder to construct a building of a particular kind on a particular lot