Section 105 covers when a permit is needed, how to apply, time limits, approvals, expirations, and the special cases — emergencies, annual permits, and partial permits — that decide whether your schedule holds.
🧠 Plain English Breakdown:
• Where required (105.1): Get a permit before you erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a mechanical system. Emergency? Fix it now, apply the next business day.
• Annual permits (105.1.1–105.1.2): For facilities with in-house trades. Keep detailed records available to the code official.
• No permit needed (105.2): Certain portable equipment, minor parts, internal piping within listed equipment, and self-contained refrigeration ≤10 lb or ≤1 hp. Exemption ≠ permission to violate code.
• Apply (105.3–105.3.2): Use the AHJ form with fees, scope, location, and occupancy. Pre-issuance inspection is allowed. Applications abandon after 180 days unless pursued. Extensions in writing.
• Issuance & docs (105.4–105.4.2): Permit issues when compliant and fees paid. Stamped drawings govern. Partial permits are allowed at applicant's risk. Approval never authorizes a violation.
• Expiration & extensions (105.4.3–105.4.4): Permit expires if not started within 180 days or suspended 180 days. One 180-day extension with cause; fee is typically ½ a new permit.
• Suspend / revoke (105.4.5): The AHJ may suspend or revoke permits issued in error or based on bad info.
• Posting (105.4.7): Post the permit on site to completion.
🏗️ Why It Matters: Permits control liability and schedule. Building without one — or past its scope — risks stop-work orders, fines, forced demolition, and insurance issues. Track both 180-day clocks (application and permit) to avoid re-permitting delays. Use annual permits to streamline in-kind maintenance only with a clean work ledger. Partial permits phase work but don't guarantee full approval. Emergency replacements are allowed — but file the permit next business day and document scope (photos, nameplate data).
🔧 Field Tip: Before issuing drawings, call the AHJ to confirm permit type (standard / annual / emergency) and whether partial permits are allowed. Include a one-page phasing plan if splitting scopes. When you file, set Day-170 reminders for both the application and the permit. If slipping, request a written 180-day extension with cause. Build only from the approved, stamped set. Submit revisions for field changes. Keep on site: the posted permit, stamped sheets, and key listing/installation pages. For annual permits, maintain a simple work ledger.