The 15 most common building permits —
ranked by national volume

Required for panel upgrades, new circuits, EV charger installation, meter work, and general wiring. The single most common permit in the US — driven by EV adoption, home additions, and aging electrical infrastructure.

Required for new HVAC installation and major system replacements — furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, ductwork. One of the fastest-growing categories due to heat pump adoption and energy efficiency upgrades.

Required for new plumbing runs, water heater replacement, sewer work, and fixture relocation. Water heater replacements alone account for a large share — most jurisdictions require a permit even for a straightforward swap.

Always required for new residential and commercial buildings. Single-family homes account for ~63% of residential construction permits nationally. Texas, Florida, and California lead by volume. Processing times are significantly longer than trade permits.

Required in most jurisdictions for full roof replacement. Minor repairs typically don't require a permit, but full tear-off and replacement almost always do. Storm damage repairs drive significant seasonal volume in hail and hurricane-prone states.

Room additions, bump-outs, garage conversions, and structural modifications. Always required. Combines building, electrical, and plumbing permits into one project scope.

Required in most jurisdictions for rooftop and ground-mounted solar. Many states have streamlined solar permitting to a single-day approval. Covers both structural and electrical requirements.

Accessory dwelling units — detached backyard homes, attached suites, and garage conversions. California's ADU-friendly laws have driven a 127% increase in ADU-to-construction ratios. Oregon, Washington, and Arizona are following.

Required when moving or adding plumbing or electrical — not for cosmetic work like tile or painting. Many remodels trigger both a plumbing and electrical permit separately. Knowing what triggers the permit saves homeowners money.

Required for tearing down structures before new construction. Utility disconnection is required first in most jurisdictions. Often involves asbestos and lead paint inspection requirements for older structures.

Like-for-like window replacement often doesn't require a permit. Creating a new opening or changing the size of an existing one almost always does. Energy code compliance is a key driver of permit requirements.

Required for fences over height limits — typically 6 to 7 feet depending on jurisdiction. Front yard fences face stricter limits than rear yard. HOA rules may be more restrictive than local codes.

Required when the deck is over 30 inches above grade or attached to the house. Structural plans showing setbacks are typically required. One of the most common DIY projects that homeowners forget needs a permit.

Required for in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Safety fencing is mandated in almost every jurisdiction. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits are typically required in addition to the main pool permit.

Converting a garage to living space, home office, or ADU. Requires building, electrical, and often plumbing permits. California, Oregon, and Washington have streamlined garage-to-ADU permitting significantly since 2020.