Building Permit Glossary
Load-Bearing Wall
A wall that carries weight from floors, roofs, or other structure down to the foundation.
Construction typesRemodeling
Applies to
Remodeling · Building · Garages
Project example
Removing a wall to open a kitchen may require a beam, posts, structural calculations, and an updated plan set.
Also called
bearing wallstructural wall
Where this term shows up in permit work and how it affects the project
Calling structural work cosmetic can lead to the wrong permit path, missing engineering, and an inspection failure; it also affects resale disclosure and project pricing.
If this term appears in a form, plan comment, or local ordinance, start with the building permit guide, compare it against the zoning permit guide, then use the permit guide directory to find the right local path.