Key Project Terms

As the owner you are responsible for knowing and understanding Department requirements and other local regulations that must be incorporated into your project.

Department licenses, registrations and certifications regulate the industry and work to prevent unqualified individuals from risking the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Key Points & Project Terms Categories

The Department has grouped the Key Points & Project Terms by project application. The categories are as follows:

1. Building Systems Installation & Modifications

2. Alterations

3. Construction Equipment

4. Renovations

5. Demolition

6. New Buildings

As the owner you are responsible for knowing and understanding Department requirements and other local regulations that must be incorporated into your project.

For example, you’ll need to hire a Registered Design Professional – Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) – to submit your construction documents for Department approval. Your project cannot begin until the project plans are reviewed by a Department Plan Examiner and approved or accepted if Professionally Certified. Disapproved applications result in the issuance of objections that must be resolved before obtaining approval. Professionals schedule appointments with Department Plan Examiners to resolve objections.

Refers to the submission of construction documents prepared by a design professional and filed for approval with Department. In certain cases, design professionals may – with owner’s consent – opt for professional certification of applications (self-certifying compliance with applicable Codes and laws) and not require Department review.

Following project approval, a work permit to begin construction is issued to a licensed Contractor.

The Department licenses many trades, and only a registered Contractor can perform work. Hiring licensed contractors to obtain permits to commence work, during which you must ensure completion of various required inspections and close-out your project. To close the permit issued for the project, the Owner/Applicant/Contractor must ensure the permitted work, once completed, must be inspected for final sign-off and a work completion notification submitted to the Department. In certain cases, at completion of the work a letter of completion may be issued. Certain Special Inspection and Progress Inspections are performed by specialists experienced in the field and registered to perform these inspections with the Department as Special Inspection Agency (SIA). Only registered SIAs, their representatives, or qualified professionals can perform Special and Progress Inspections.

Department licenses, registrations and certifications regulate the industry and work to prevent unqualified individuals from risking the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Performing work without a permit may result in violations, court appearances, and civil/criminal penalties. However, some minor alterations, ordinary repairs, or replacement of faucets, toilets, and sinks do not require permit and someone without a license may do this work as per AC 28-105.4.