Do you need a building permit?

Free permit guides for homeowners across all 50 US states. Find out the rules for your project before you start building.

What are you building?

Select a project to see permit requirements across all 50 states.

How it works

Get a clear answer in three steps.

1

Choose your project

Deck, fence, shed, patio, or garage

2

Select your location

State and city-specific rules

3

Get your answer

Thresholds, fees, and how to apply

Browse by state

Permit rules for every project type in your state.

1,500+

Permit guides

50

States covered

255

Cities

2026

Updated for

Sample residential site plan with new driveway and walkway, address details redacted

Real plan we delivered. Address details redacted.

Need a site plan for your permit?

A scaled drawing of your property showing where your project goes. Required by most cities for deck, fence, shed, patio, and garage permits.

Plans from $89 · Delivered in 24 hours

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Hear it from a homeowner

4.9 Based on 1,200+ verified reviews

A surveyor quoted me $650 and a three week wait for a site plan. For a drawing of my own backyard. Then I found PermitsGuide for $169. The form took maybe five minutes, and the finished plan was in my inbox the next day. Property lines, setbacks, my deck drawn exactly where I wanted it. Every single number the city reviewer needs. I submitted it. Permit approved on the first try. First try. And if the city rejects your plan, they fix it for free. Still rejected? Full refund. You cannot lose. Need a permit? Stop overthinking it. PermitsGuide.com

Norman D. Charlotte, NC · Deck permit ✓ Verified buyer

From the blog

Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners ask about permits, inspections, and getting projects approved.

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