Many people think the reason the government wants you to get a permit is so they can raise your taxes. While that may be true in some cases, the real benefit to following the local residential permitting process is for the protection of the homeowner.
The governing jurisdiction has developed and agreed on a set of standards for the community. These are typically divided into zoning and building. Zoning has to do with the setbacks from lot lines, coverage of the non-porous items, such as buildings, driveways, sidewalks, etc., height restrictions, use, and similar items. The building standards are typically adopted, often with modifications, from international authorities, specifically the International Residential Code (IRC). These are locally referred to as the “Building Code.” Following this Building Code assures that construction in the community is built to at least these minimum standards.
The permitting process helps to ensure that construction and building modifications comply with the local Building Code, and therefore meet certain minimum standards for size, functionality, safety, and integrity.
While the permitting process can seem bureaucratic in some cases, it is a necessary step in the orderly development of a community, and helps to ensure the safety of its residents and guests.