Permit Glossary
The contractor's guide to permit & construction terms.
31 plain-English definitions — what each term means, and why it matters when you're working permit data for leads. Built by the team behind PermitVector's daily Texas feed.
Land Use
A legal right granted to a party (such as a utility or neighbor) to use a portion of another's property for a specific purpose.
Any surface that prevents rainwater from percolating into the ground, such as rooftops, driveways, and paved areas; regulated by zoning and watershed rules.
The minimum required distance between a structure and a property line, road, or other boundary, set by zoning or building code.
An official exception granted by a local zoning board allowing a property owner to deviate from a specific zoning or code requirement.
Local government regulations that divide land into districts and specify what types of buildings and uses are permitted on each parcel.
Licensing
Permitting
The agency or official legally empowered to enforce building codes and approve permits in a given area.
Official government authorization required before starting most construction, renovation, or demolition work on a structure.
A document issued by the AHJ certifying that a completed building meets code and is safe and legal to occupy.
A permit authorizes construction to begin; a Certificate of Occupancy confirms it was completed correctly and the building is legal to occupy.
The licensed contractor who pulls a permit and assumes legal responsibility for the permitted work meeting code requirements.
A permit required before demolishing all or part of an existing structure, ensuring safe removal and proper disposal of materials including hazardous waste.
A permit required before installing, altering, or expanding electrical systems in a structure.
A permit required for the installation of a Level 2 or DC fast-charging electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) unit.
An on-site review by a building department inspector to verify that construction work complies with approved plans and building code requirements.
A permit required for the installation, replacement, or modification of HVAC systems and related mechanical equipment.
A building permit issued for a structure being built from the ground up on a previously unimproved or cleared lot.
An electrical permit for replacing or upgrading the main electrical service panel, typically to increase amperage capacity.
A specialist hired to navigate the permit application process, accelerate approvals, and resolve correction notices on behalf of an owner or contractor.
A field in a permit record indicating the current stage of the permit in its lifecycle (e.g., applied, under review, issued, active, finaled, expired).
The estimated total cost of construction declared on a permit application, used to calculate permit fees and as a proxy for project size.
The AHJ's examination of submitted construction drawings to verify compliance with building codes before a permit is issued.
A permit required for the installation, repair, or modification of water supply, drain, waste, and vent plumbing systems.
A permit required for the construction of an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, spa, or hot tub on a residential or commercial property.
A permit required in many jurisdictions before replacing or recovering an existing roof covering.
A permit covering interior remodels, structural alterations, or square-footage additions to an existing building.
A permit required for the installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, covering both structural and electrical work.
A standardized classification field in a permit record that describes the nature of the permitted work (e.g., new construction, remodel, re-roof).
Real Estate
Regulation
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