Permit Dictionary and Glossary
Decode the language behind building, zoning, trade, and residential construction permits. Each term includes categories, a project example, process impact, and links into the relevant permit guide.
Building permits come with confusing jargon. Use the topic filters to jump to a trade, construction type, life-safety issue, timing problem, or sales-and-estimating term.
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A
Accessory Building / Accessory Structure
A subordinate structure on the same lot as the principal building, such as a shed or detached garage.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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AFCI Protection
Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection designed to reduce fire risk from dangerous electrical arcing.
Project example: A bedroom remodel that adds or extends circuits may require AFCI protection under the adopted electrical code.
Open term pageAfter-the-Fact Permit
A permit requested after work has already been built or installed without the required approval.
Project example: A homeowner who enclosed a porch without a permit may need drawings, exposed work, and a field inspection before the AHJ can legalize it.
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Anchoring / Anchorage
Methods used to secure a structure against wind and movement.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageAsbestos Abatement
The controlled identification, containment, removal, or disposal of asbestos-containing material before or during demolition or renovation.
Project example: Before demolishing an older attached garage or removing finishes, the project may need a hazardous-material survey and licensed abatement.
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Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
The local authority that administers and enforces codes for a project address.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Building Envelope
The portion of a lot remaining after required setbacks where a structure may be placed.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
Approval that a building is safe for use. For accessory work, a final approval closes the permit.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageCombustion Air
The air supply needed for fuel-burning equipment to operate safely and vent combustion products.
Project example: Replacing a furnace in a tight utility room may require a documented combustion-air path or a different equipment configuration.
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Conditional Use
A use allowed by special approval within a zoning district.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Deck Ledger
The structural board that attaches a deck to a building and transfers deck loads into the supporting structure.
Project example: A deck attached to a house needs ledger fasteners, flashing, and clearances that match the approved plans and local code.
Open term pageDetached Garage
A vehicle storage building separate from the principal building, typically used by occupants of the premises.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Driveway / Apron
The paved transition area between a private drive and the public street.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Easement
A limited right to use another's land for a specific purpose such as utilities, drainage, or access.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageEgress
A code-compliant way for occupants to escape and for emergency responders to enter, commonly measured by a bedroom window or door opening.
Project example: Converting a basement room into a bedroom may require an egress window with a compliant clear opening, well, ladder, and drainage.
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Fence Height
The measured vertical height of a fence, which may differ by front, side, and rear yard or by corner-lot visibility rules.
Project example: A six-foot privacy fence that is allowed in a rear yard may need a shorter design near the front setback or driveway sight triangle.
Open term pageFinal Inspection
The last inspection confirming that permitted work is complete, safe, and consistent with the approved scope.
Project example: After a furnace replacement, the final inspection may verify venting, gas connections, electrical disconnects, and the installed equipment.
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Floodplain
Land subject to flooding per FEMA maps. Floodplain areas often require additional review.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageFloodway
The stream channel and the adjoining land reserved to carry the base flood without raising the water surface. It sits inside the floodplain and is the most restricted part of it, so construction there faces limits that do not apply to the wider flood fringe.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Footing / Foundation
Subsurface supports that transfer building loads to the soil.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Frost Depth
Minimum depth below grade to place footings to avoid frost heave.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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GFCI Protection
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection that quickly disconnects power when electricity may be flowing through an unintended path.
Project example: A new garage receptacle or exterior outlet may need GFCI protection at the outlet or upstream device, depending on local code.
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Height (Building or Fence)
Vertical measurement per local code, often defined to midpoint or ridge.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhering roofing membrane used in vulnerable areas to resist water intrusion from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Project example: A roof replacement plan may call for ice barrier at eaves, valleys, or other locations defined by the adopted code and local conditions.
Open term pageImpervious Area Calculation
A calculation of how much of a lot is covered by surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground.
Project example: A new concrete patio plus a carport roof may push a lot over its impervious-area limit even if each piece is separately small.
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Impervious Surface
Surface that prevents water infiltration, such as roofs, asphalt, or concrete.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Inspections
Official checks for compliance at key stages such as footing, rough framing, and final.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Load-Bearing Wall
A wall that carries weight from floors, roofs, or other structure down to the foundation.
Project example: Removing a wall to open a kitchen may require a beam, posts, structural calculations, and an updated plan set.
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Lot / Parcel
A unit of land described on a plat or by legal description.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Lot Coverage
The portion of the lot covered by buildings or roofs. Some jurisdictions include other impervious areas.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Nonconforming
A lawful use or structure that no longer meets current code requirements.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Permit
Formal authorization to construct, alter, move, or demolish a structure. It confirms the work meets local code and zoning requirements.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pagePermit Expiration
The point at which a permit is no longer active under the AHJ's time limits, often because work did not start or inspections were not kept current.
Project example: A roof permit left open after the contractor stops work may need an extension or reactivation before the next inspection.
Open term pagePermit Fee
A charge assessed by the AHJ for application intake, plan review, inspections, or related approvals.
Project example: A contractor estimating a water-heater replacement should separate the local permit fee from labor, materials, and any reinspection charge.
Open term pagePlan Review
The desk review in which an AHJ checks drawings, forms, calculations, and supporting documents before issuing a permit.
Project example: A garage packet may be returned because the site plan shows a different setback than the architectural plan.
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Plat of Survey
A surveyor-prepared drawing that documents lot boundaries, existing structures, and easements.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Principal Building
The building that houses the primary use of the lot.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Refrigerant Line Set
The insulated copper tubing that carries refrigerant between an outdoor condenser and an indoor HVAC coil or head.
Project example: A mini-split installation routes the line set through the wall, protects the penetration, and connects it to the outdoor condenser.
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Right of Way (ROW) Permit
Authorization to work in public right of way such as streets, sidewalks, or parkways.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageRough-In Inspection
An inspection of concealed work such as wiring, plumbing, ducts, or framing before walls and ceilings are closed.
Project example: A basement remodel can schedule electrical and plumbing rough-ins before drywall hides the new circuits and drain lines.
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Septic System
Onsite wastewater treatment system that includes a tank and drainfield.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Setback / Building Line
The minimum required distance a structure must be from a lot line, street, or easement.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Shed
A small accessory building for storage or hobby use; not intended for dwelling.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Site Plan / Plot Plan
A drawing showing lot lines, structures, setbacks, and proposed work.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
Open term pageStop-Work Order
A formal direction from an AHJ to pause construction until a violation, missing permit, safety issue, or review condition is addressed.
Project example: Installing a detached garage before zoning placement is approved can trigger a stop-work order even if the structure is otherwise code-compliant.
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Stormwater / Erosion Control
Measures that manage runoff and prevent sediment discharge during construction.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Structure
Anything constructed with a fixed location on the ground.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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TPR Discharge Pipe
The temperature-and-pressure-relief discharge piping that safely directs water away if a water heater relief valve opens.
Project example: A replacement water heater needs a correctly sized, routed, and terminated TPR discharge pipe rather than a capped valve.
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Utility Disconnect
Documented disconnection or capping of electric, gas, water, sewer, or other services before work that could disturb them.
Project example: A demolition permit may require the gas and electric utilities to be disconnected before the structure is removed.
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Variance
Relief from a dimensional rule such as a setback due to a documented hardship.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Well
Onsite potable water source that may trigger health department review for new construction.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Yard
Open space on the same lot as a building, measured to lot lines (front, side, rear).
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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Zoning Permit / Certificate of Zoning Compliance
Approval confirming the proposed use and placement meet zoning rules before a building permit is issued.
Project example: On a residential project, this term belongs in the scope, plan set, permit application, or inspection conversation when the local AHJ uses it.
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