Do I need a permit for my renovation?
Enter your address and project scope. PermitWut tells you which permits are required, who pulls them, how long review typically takes, and which boards (ARB, historic, wetlands) might be involved.
How PermitWut works
PermitWut asks for your address and a short description of your project. It identifies your local building department, looks up the permit categories your scope likely triggers, and explains what each permit covers, who is allowed to pull it, and how long review typically takes in your jurisdiction. It also flags secondary reviews — architectural review boards, historic preservation, wetlands, steep slope, and tree ordinances — that homeowners often miss until the project is already in motion.
What's included in your report
- The likely permit categories for your scope (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Who can pull each permit — homeowner, GC, or licensed trade
- Typical review timelines for your specific jurisdiction
- Flags for ARB, historic, wetlands, and other secondary reviews
- A plain-English explanation of what each permit actually covers
Who PermitWut is for
PermitWut is built for homeowners who want to know what they're walking into before they hire a contractor or submit drawings. It's especially useful in jurisdictions with complicated rules — Westchester County's town-by-town departments, Columbus's separate suburban building departments, or any historic district. If you've ever been told "you need a permit" without anyone explaining exactly which one or why, this tool is for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is PermitWut a substitute for calling my building department?
No — and you should always confirm with your local building department before starting work. PermitWut is a planning tool that gives you the right vocabulary and a realistic baseline so you know what questions to ask and what answers to expect.
How accurate is PermitWut for my specific town?
PermitWut covers thousands of U.S. jurisdictions and is most precisely tuned for Columbus, Ohio and Westchester County, New York. For other locations it provides directional guidance based on the closest matching jurisdiction and state code.
Can I pull my own permits as a homeowner?
In most jurisdictions, homeowners can pull permits for work on their primary residence. You take on the responsibility of scheduling inspections and ensuring code compliance. Some towns and trades (electrical and plumbing especially) require a licensed contractor regardless.
What happens if I do work without a permit?
Unpermitted work can lead to stop-work orders, fines, mandatory removal, problems when you sell the house, and denied insurance claims if there's a fire or injury. It's almost always cheaper and faster to permit the work the first time.
How long does permit review actually take?
It varies wildly. Simple residential alterations can take a week or two; additions can take 3–8 weeks; projects requiring ARB, historic, or wetlands review can add 4–12 weeks on top of that. PermitWut gives you a realistic range for your specific jurisdiction.
Does PermitWut save my information?
No. We don't sell your information or pass leads to contractors. Your project details stay with you.
Other free tools that pair well with PermitWut
Permits are just one piece of the picture. Run your project through these too: