Building permits for construction (in BuildOS)

Construction work almost always needs a building permit before it starts. In BuildOS, open a project and use the Permits tab — it reads the JOB SITE's city and state (not your office address) and shows what that locality needs.

What surfaces depends on the work:
• New build, addition, or structural change → building permit (plus zoning if the use or footprint changes).
• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work → building permit with trade inspections.
• Demolition → demolition permit, usually with utility-disconnect sign-offs.
• Exterior signs → a sign permit.
• Before occupying a finished space → a certificate of occupancy.

Each row names the local building or planning office, what they'll want (scope, drawings, contractor license), and how far ahead to apply. Building, zoning, and business permits are local everywhere — so even in areas we haven't fully mapped, we name the right office type to contact.

You can also open Permits & Approvals on its own at /permits and switch to the "Building / renovating" view. General guidance, not legal advice — the building department makes the final call.