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Building Permits

Projects Requiring a Building Permit

The following types of commercial projects require a building permit:

  • Building any new commercial, industrial or multi-family residential structure 
  • Building an addition onto a commercial, industrial or multi-family residential structure
  • Building, replacing, adding to or structurally repairing decks, attached or free-standing
  • Building a shed or other storage or play structure 257 square feet or larger in area (F-1 and H Uses require permit regardless of size)
  • Converting unfinished spaces to occupiable space
  • Moving, adding or removing walls or portions of walls, load-bearing or not
  • Repairing, altering or modifying any structural component including stud walls, columns, piers, footings, foundations, floor and ceiling joists, rafters, beams or girders
  • Adding or modifying door and window openings
  • Changing the use of the building
  • Installation of a permanent or non-permanent (storable) pool, swim spa, or hot tub greater than 150 square feet or over 24 inches in water depth
  • Constructing or altering a retaining wall supporting a structural load, or exceeding 3 feet of unbalanced fill (engineering required for walls exceeding 4 feet of unbalanced fill)
  • Demolition of any building or structure 257 square feet or greater in area
  • Monument Signs 
  • Wall Signs (Exemptions: Painted, non-illuminated signs; temporary signs announcing sale or rent of property; Signs erected by transportation authorities; Projecting signs not exceeding 2.5 square feet.) 
  • Tent or air-supported structures exceeding 900 square feet or having an occupant load of more than 50


When to Schedule a Commercial Building Permit Inspection


  • Footing - After the trench is dug and reinforcement is installed, and prior to placement of the footing material
  • Slab or Monolithic Slab - After the vapor barrier and perimeter insulation (if required) are installed, and prior to the placement of concrete. If there are any pipes wires or vents that are being installed below the slab those sub-trade inspections are to be approved and backfilled prior to the slab inspection.
  • Foundation - After the block is laid and the first level floor system is installed, prior to being sheathed; For poured wall foundations, schedule after forms and reinforcement are installed, prior to placement of concrete
  • Framing - After all structural members are installed and all sub-trade rough-ins are approved, and prior to concealment by insulation or drywall
  • Firewall - After all passive fire protection systems are completed, and prior to concealment by insulation or building finishes
  • Exterior Moisture - After the exterior sheathing, flashing, windows and doors are installed, and prior to the installation of exterior wall coverings
  • Insulation - After the framing inspection is approved and prior to concealment
  • Grid - After the ceiling grid has been installed, and the electrical ceiling rough-in has been completed, prior to concealment with ceiling tiles.
  • Fire - After all life-safety and egress components are completed, prior to the Building Final. *Note - Fire inspection is scheduled through the Infor permitting system, however you must contact the York County Fire & Life Safety Prevention and Community Safety Division 2 days prior to scheduling. 
  • Final Building - After all sub-trade final inspections and other required departmental inspections are approved. This includes submission of the Final Report of Special Inspections, if applicable.