Do You Need a Permit to Build Your Dream Metal Building?

Metal buildings offer several benefits; they are recyclable, flexible, and easy to install and maintain. It seems like there is no problem in building steel structures. But hold on, there can be a major problem if you avoid a permit to install a prefab metal building. You must check the legal requirements for adding steel buildings to avoid violating construction regulations. It might result in monetary loss and shifting your dream building.

It is a wise move to determine whether you need a permit or not. It will protect your investment in the steel structure and secure your dream building. This blog will help you learn crucial information about getting permit to install steel structures.

Why Do You Need a Permit for a Metal Building?

If your construction is compliant with local building codes, your investment is secure, and no one will demolish your building or fine you. Let’s check out why you should get a permit before building anything.

• Permit guarantees that your custom steel buildings meet safety requirements.
• You will not have to bear heavy fines for construction
• Allows you to add amenities to your steel structures
• Ensures your building is safe from legal demolitions
• Allows to streamline inspection throughout the construction

The process of obtaining the permit and documentation depends on your location. So, always check with your local building authorities before installing any pre-engineered buildings.

When Do I Need a Permit for a Metal Building?

Sometimes, you may not require a permit to construct a building. But when and how do you figure this out? It largely depends on your building requirements. Why do you need a metal building? What would be the dimensions and location of the steel structure? Everything matters.

We have made it easy to understand with the help of a table so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of choosing a metal building without legal issues.

Situations when you need a Permit

• Setting a groundwork
• On-site construction
• Electrical wiring fitting
• Sewage and Plumbing Needs
• Changing the use of the existing structure
• Installing a temporary structure
• Building in a flood zone
• Environmentally protected areas

Situations when you don’t need a Permit

• Replacing a metal building color
• Adding new windows and doors
• Building a small shed or storage unit
• Interior and exterior decoration
• Updating fixtures
• Installing security systems
• Minor renovations and repair

4 Things to Consider Before Applying for a Permit

After reviewing the above section, you must understand whether your prefabricated metal structure needs a permit. If yes, consider four crucial things before applying for a permit. They will make the process a little easier for you.

Your Requirements for Steel Structure:

What type of building do you need? Define your requirements for building design, dimensions, colors, and features. Being sure of your needs helps you move ahead confidently and avoid confusion. It will help you understand the scope of your project and ensure it aligns with local regulations.

Decide on the Building Size:

The size of a metal building plays a significant role in getting a permit. Larger structures require careful planning because they might be more likely to violate restrictions. They can also be subject to stricter regulations. Check for the maximum allowable size for your building with local authorities.

Restrictions on the Property:

Before applying for a permit, always check the property’s zoning laws, land use regulations, or other restrictions. These restrictions can be related to height, design, and location. Knowing about these restrictions beforehand helps you make better decisions.

Natural disaster-prone Areas:

Building any steel structure in an area prone to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes will waste time and money. Some building codes apply in this type of area; you need to know them to ensure you don’t install metal structures here.

Steps to Get a Metal Building Permit

Getting a metal building permit might take a week or month as a process is followed. Viking Steel Structures provides robust steel structures that you can confidently install after getting a permit.

Be Clear About What You Want:

Define the purpose, design, size, and features of your building. Once you know what you want, you can easily understand which permit you need. Often, small buildings don’t require permits; however, large metal structures need a lot of paperwork. Being clear about what type of metal construction you need also helps you while filling out a permit application.

Measure your property from sidewalks; you must share this information with local authorities. Moreover, focus on groundwork to determine the height from the ground. Often, clearing trees and bushes also requires a permit. So, be ready with things from your side to ensure your building requirements align with local zoning regulations.

Research Location Regulations:

Once you are clear about what you want, check with location regulations. The specific permit requirements are on their website, and you will most probably find updated information about the types of prefab buildings that need permits. Contact the office directly if you are still unsure and don’t get the required details on the website.

Call the concerned people and ask them questions you didn’t get answers to on the site. Make a list of all your doubts and use this opportunity to the fullest to clear them up.

Gather Required Documents:

You will have to submit some documents while applying for a permit. We have listed them below.

• Site Plans: Clear and detailed drawings of your metal building, such as the Garage, Carport, Barn, Warehouse, House, Office, etc., help local authorities make effective decisions.
• Property Survey: It verifies the property lines, existing structures, utility locations, zoning classifications, and any encroachments.
• Property Specifications: You must submit structural engineering reports and information about the type of materials that will be used in construction.

Submit Your Application:

You can download the permit application from the local building department website. If it is not available online, you can get it offline. Fill out the application accurately. Submit it with your site plans, property survey, and other necessary documents. Try to provide all the necessary documents at once. Cross-check before the final submission to see if any form or information is required.

Pay Permit Fees:

Check the national average cost to get a permit. It is between $450 and $700. We have tried to simplify this fee structure for you below.

• House construction for 1,000 sq ft = $550
• Remodeling projects fewer than 500 sq ft = $150
• New home construction of 2,500 sq ft = $2000

Make Adjustments Based on Feedback:

After submission, the building department will review your application. They may require some changes or adjustments in the application. Likewise, they can ask for certificates other than the ones you submitted. If required, make changes to your application and resubmit it.

Wait for Approval:

After submitting your application for the first time, you have to wait. The authorities will provide feedback, and you must adjust the application accordingly. After resubmitting, you have to wait again. Processing time varies; there is no fixed time when you will get approval. Check out the website thoroughly about the average time for approval. It will give you an idea so that you can plan other things.

Keep Records with You:

After submitting an application and getting approval, don’t misplace your documents. Keep them with you always. Also, keep a copy of the necessary papers and permit with you during on-site construction. They will also be required for future reference.

Contact Viking Steel Structures for Top-Quality Metal Buildings Today!

Planning for your dream metal building? Why not ensure its quality by partnering with a reliable metal dealer? Quality is always paramount, whether you want a steel structure for commercial or residential purposes. Our team provides buildings of all types and sizes tailored to your specific needs. So, contact us today at 877-801-3263 and get a free quote. Feel free to reach out to us for your dream steel structure.