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About Building Permits

The International Residential Code states that any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. IRC section 105.2 lists the exceptions.

PERMIT TYPES
The following are special types of building permits. For general or specialized permit forms, please see the Building forms page.

Mechanical:
A mechanical permit is required before mechanical equipment is installed, altered, replaced or remodeled. Examples are installation or alteration of gas piping, replacement of furnaces, installation or replacement of gas fireplaces, installation of gas logs in an existing wood-burning fireplaces and replacement or installation of gas space heater and gas water heaters.

A permit is not required to replace an existing gas clothes dryer, stovetop, oven or gas log as there is no gas piping being installed or altered.  Generally, these permits are approved in one day. All Commercial projects require plan review.

Download the Mechanical Permit form (PDF)

Plumbing:
A plumbing permit is required before a plumbing system or fixture is installed, altered or remodeled. Basic repair and maintenance of a plumbing system does not require a plumbing permit. Examples of work requiring a permit:

New installation of a:

• Dishwasher
• Electric water heater
• Replacement of all or part of a water supply or waste system

A permit is not required to stop leaks or clear stoppages, unless it includes alteration or replacement of piping. Generally, a plumbing permit is reviewed and approved in a day. All Commercial projects require plan review.

Download the Plumbing Permit form (PDF)

Electrical:
An electrical permit is required before electrical equipment is added, altered or extended within a new or existing electrical system. Examples of electrical work requiring a permit:

• A change or upgrade of an existing electrical service panel.
• Adding circuits for an addition
• Installation of a spa, hot tub or sauna.

A permit is not required to install these types of low-voltage systems in Residential Single Family Applications:

• Garage door opener circuits
• Built-in vacuum circuits
• Stereo systems
• Telephone and data lines
• Landscape and garden lights

For more information, contact the Building Division at (206) 870-7576 or visit us at 21630 11th Ave S, Suite D.

Download the Commercial Electrical Permit form (PDF)

Download the Residential Electrical Permit form (PDF)

Fire Department:
A Fire permit is required for oil tank replacement, removal or decommissioning. They are also required for alarm and sprinkler systems in commercial properties. Information and applications are available through South King Fire and Rescue. You can contact them by phone at (253) 839-6234.

South King Fire and Rescue conducts annual fire inspections for all Des Moines multi-family and commercial structures and conducts business license inspections in the city. Please contact the Fire Marshal, Ron Biesold at (253) 839-6234 for more information.