BOULDER CITY - Did you renovate or remodel your home without getting a building permit first? These modifications can lead to major headaches, especially if your home suffers damage or when you sell it. During the month of May, Boulder City’s Community Development Department encourages homeowners to participate in an amnesty program that waives penalties on self-disclosed residential construction work completed without building permits. The Residential Amnesty Program starts May 1.
Construction, installation, or remodel of an item on your property requires a building permit. This document is approved and issued by the Community Development Department to permit work. “This process is intended to ensure your plans comply with local codes, standards, and zoning requirements,” said Nathan Ball, Building Official for Boulder City. “Not all home projects require a permit, but I encourage homeowners to research on the Boulder City website or call our office for more information on what needs to be permitted.”
Boulder City’s amnesty period coincides with National Building Safety Month. Homeowners can disclose of work that’s been completed, pay the normal fees for permits, inspections and plan reviews, and avoid additional charge levied for penalties. “The primary goal of the Residential Amnesty Program is to promote safety and self-disclosure of non-permitted work and to obtain compliance,” said Taylour Tedder, City Manager. “Obtaining building permits is not only mandated by law, but it helps protect the value of your home.”
Homeowners can apply for and obtain permits for work performed without penalties on items such as:
- Room additions of less than 600 square feet
- Interior or exterior alterations
- Kitchen or bathroom remodeling
- Patio covers
- Electrical or plumbing work
- Block wall repairs, installations, and replacements
- Furnace and air conditioning replacement
- Hot water heater installation
- Self-contained hot tub installations
- Fences greater than six feet in height
- Sheds or accessory structures greater than 120 square feet
- Garage conversions
- Retaining walls up to 4 feet in height
- And more
Please note that all other fees, permits and costs associated with the issuance of a building or other permit shall remain in effect during May. Homeowners should check with Community Development for specific allowances and permitting requirements. If you have questions, contact Community Development at 702.293.9260. The application can be found on the City website in the building permits application section: www.bcnv.org/171/Building-Permit-Applications-Forms-and-G.
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