This section covers when a permit is needed, how to apply, time limits, approvals, expirations, and special cases (emergencies, annual permits).
Plain English: Plain English Breakdown
Where required (105.1): Permit before you erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a mechanical system. Emergency? Fix now, apply 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 AHJ form with fees, scope, location, occupancy; pre-issuance inspection allowed. Applications abandon after 180 days unless pursued; extensions in writing.
Issuance & docs (105.4-105.4.2): Permit issued when compliant and fees paid; stamped drawings govern. Partial permits allowed - at applicant's risk. Approval never authorizes a violation; AHJ can require corrections.
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 typically ½ a new permit.
Suspend/revoke, prior approvals, posting (105.4.5-105.4.7): AHJ may suspend/revoke permits issued in error/bad info; lawful prior permits generally stand; post permit on site to completion.
On Plans: Why It Matters in Design & Construction
Permits control liability and schedule: building without or beyond one risks stop-work, fines, demo, 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: 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.
Masterbuild QA Lens
Treat administration sections as permit-risk control. The code path, AHJ authority, construction document limits, inspection basis, and revision trail need to be clear before the team is under deadline pressure.
Drawing / Submittal Check
Verify the permit set explains scope, discipline responsibility, applicable code edition, deferred items, existing-condition assumptions, and any AHJ coordination that affects the work.
Common Review Risk
Many delays come from process ambiguity, not engineering complexity. If the reviewer cannot tell what is new, existing, deferred, or outside scope, the response cycle gets longer.
When To Escalate
Escalate when an AHJ comment changes scope, when field work has moved ahead of approved documents, or when the requested response could create design responsibility outside the current agreement.