Move From Project Idea to Warren Permit Approval, Inspection and Final Closure
A permit application is only the beginning. A Warren project may also require zoning review, a plot plan, building and trade permits, Engineering approval, contractor licensing, staged inspections, corrections and a Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance.
This guide turns Warren’s separate forms, BSA Online services and project packets into one understandable workflow. Homeowners can follow the simple action lane, while contractors, architects, engineers, landlords and business owners can use the professional checkpoints and project-specific requirements.
You will learn what requires a permit, how to apply online, how to search records, what to prepare for decks, garages, pools, sheds, additions and demolitions, how to schedule inspections and how to verify that a permit is actually complete.
Choose the Warren Building Department Task You Need
Use the Simple Lane or the Expert Control Lane
The simple Warren permit path
- Confirm the property is inside Warren.
- Write one clear sentence describing the project.
- Check which building and trade permits apply.
- Prepare the plot plan, project details and contractor information.
- Apply through Warren BSA Online.
- Do not begin until the permit is issued.
- Request each inspection and verify final closure.
The professional control points
- Confirm zoning, use, setbacks, easements and site-plan requirements.
- Identify Engineering, Fire, Water, soil-erosion and right-of-way dependencies.
- Coordinate building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical records.
- Control surveys, plan copies, digital files, seals and revisions.
- Track plan-review comments and permit conditions.
- Control field changes before departing from approved plans.
- Close every permit, inspection, escrow and occupancy requirement.
Warren Permit Route Finder
Select your situation to see the most useful official route and what to prepare first.
Warren Building Division Address, Phone Numbers and Hours
Confirm the Property Is Inside the City of Warren
Use Warren’s permit system when
- The site is inside Warren municipal limits
- BSA Online recognizes the Warren address
- Warren property records return the parcel
- The project affects a Warren home, business or site
Verify before submitting when
- The mailing address says Warren but may lie in another municipality
- The property is near Center Line, Sterling Heights, Madison Heights or Detroit
- The address is not found in Warren BSA Online
- You have only a tax parcel number or subdivision lot
What Work Requires a Warren Permit?
Project |
Likely permit path |
Typical supporting information |
Extra review to check |
|---|---|---|---|
New home, building or major addition |
Building and plan review |
Survey or lot plan, foundations, floor plans, elevations, sections and construction value |
Water, Engineering, soil erosion and separate trade permits |
Residential addition, dormer or attached garage |
Building permit |
Plot plan, floor plan, elevations, cross section and affected-room details |
Zoning setbacks and electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits |
Roof, windows, doors, siding, gutters or trim |
Building permit |
Exact work description, quantity, contractor and construction value |
Structural work or related electrical/mechanical changes |
Deck or porch |
Building permit with plans |
Plot plan, dimensions, setbacks, posts, beams, joists, stairs, guards and attachment details |
Electrical work, easements and zoning |
Garage or accessory building |
Building permit |
Plot plan, structure size, location, foundation and framing information |
Property-line separation, electrical permit and zoning |
Shed |
Building/zoning review |
Plot plan, shed dimensions, location, easements and accessory-structure information |
Warren’s published shed limitations and foundation rule |
Pool deeper than 24 inches, hot tub or spa |
Building and electrical permits |
Plot plans, pool specifications, electrical location, barrier and gate information |
Easements, overhead/underground wiring and final inspections |
Kitchen layout change or finished basement |
Building permit |
Existing/proposed plans, rooms, egress, walls and trade scope |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and legal-use questions |
Furnace, air conditioner, gas piping or water heater |
Mechanical/plumbing permit |
Licensed contractor, equipment details and scope |
Electrical permit and final inspection |
Electrical reconnect, alteration or smoke-detector work |
Electrical permit |
Licensed electrical contractor and precise scope |
Building or mechanical work connected to the project |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Fence type, height, location and property-line information |
Corner lots, easements and neighbor permission for line placement |
Sidewalk, approach or curb cut |
Engineering permit |
Plot/location, dimensions, contractor and public-way details |
Right-of-way requirements and surety bond |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utility shutoffs, site safety, soil erosion, sewer cap and grading information |
Pre-demolition, sewer-cap, open-hole and final inspections |
Examples Warren Lists as Permit-Exempt or Not Allowed
Warren’s published permit-exempt examples
- Replacing kitchen cabinets without changing the setup
- Painting
- Carpeting
- Playhouses under 120 square feet
- Playground equipment
- Movable partitions
- Awnings less than 54 inches deep
Items Warren’s list identifies as not allowed
- Tents used for car or storage purposes
- Other items prohibited by zoning, property-maintenance or safety rules
A building-permit exemption does not remove zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, rental, historic-district or property-maintenance requirements.
How to Apply for a Warren Permit Through BSA Online
Define the complete project scope
Write what is being built, removed, repaired or installed; the project location; dimensions; construction value; and every affected trade.
Confirm the property and zoning constraints
Verify the address, parcel and lot type. Identify front, rear and side yards, easements, existing structures and the proposed location.
Open the City of Warren municipality page
Use Warren BSA Online. Register or sign in if the requested action requires an account.
Select “Apply for a Permit”
Choose the application that matches the exact work. Do not place building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work into one vague project description.
Enter the property and applicant information carefully
Use the exact job-site address. Enter the owner, applicant, contractor, license details, estimated construction cost and complete scope.
Upload readable plans and supporting documents
Provide the plot plan, floor plan, elevations, structural information, survey, specifications or project-specific packet requested by Warren.
Submit, pay and save the record number
Complete the certification, submit the application and use the Building Department fee-payment service when instructed.
Respond to plan-review comments
Read every correction, revise the correct plan or document and explain where the change appears.
Confirm permit issuance before beginning work
A submitted or reviewed application is not permission to build. Confirm the permit is issued and all required fees, contractors and conditions are complete.
Complete inspections and verify closure
Provide at least 24 hours’ notice, leave required work exposed and resolve every failed inspection.
What to Prepare Before Opening Warren BSA Online
Property and ownership
- Exact job-site address
- Parcel or subdivision information
- Owner’s legal name
- Corner or interior lot
- Property dimensions
- Existing structures and easements
Project and contractor
- Detailed work description
- Estimated construction cost
- Builder or contractor name
- State license information
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical scope
- Owner-builder responsibility where applicable
Plans and approvals
- Plot plan or survey
- Floor and foundation plans
- Elevations and cross sections
- Structural or equipment details
- Engineering or utility approvals
- Digital copy where required
Project-Specific Requirements That Commonly Delay Approval
Project |
Warren-specific preparation |
Inspection or closeout points |
|---|---|---|
Residential deck |
Building application, plot plan showing side/rear setbacks and two plan sets showing dimensions, posts, joists, beams, footings, stairs, guards and attachment |
Post-hole inspection before completion and final inspection after the deck is finished |
Detached garage |
Location, size, foundation, framing, fire separation and property-line distances |
Inspection sequence varies by attached/detached status, size and electrical work |
New house |
Completed application, construction cost, complete drawings, lot plan, foundation, floors, elevations, cross sections and stair details |
Separate plumbing, electrical and heating permits; Water, Engineering and soil-erosion prerequisites may apply |
Residential addition |
Application, plot plan, dimensioned floor plan, elevations, cross section and details for rooms next to the addition |
Separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits as applicable |
Pool, hot tub or spa |
Two plot-plan copies, construction specifications for inground pools, fence/barrier information and electrical location |
Electrical approval first, followed by building inspection; do not swim before approvals |
Shed |
Location, size, accessory-structure count, foundation, easement and rear-yard information |
Final placement and construction must match approved zoning and permit details |
Demolition |
Utility shutoff notices, water clearance, soil erosion when triggered, site barricades and demolition application |
Pre-demolition, sewer-cap, backfill/open-hole and final grading inspections |
Commercial or industrial work |
Building application, survey/site information, professional drawings and digital-copy requirements |
Building, fire, trade, Engineering, site and occupancy approvals may all be required |
Warren Deck Permit Checklist
Plans must explain the structure
- Deck dimensions
- Post spacing
- Joist size and spacing
- Beam size
- Height above grade
- Post-footing details
- Stair and handrail details
- Guardrail details
- House-attachment method
- Wood and nail specifications
Official Warren details to notice
- Setbacks are measured to the deck edge.
- The published packet calls for post holes 42 inches deep.
- It identifies post-hole and final inspections.
- It warns not to attach the deck to brick.
- It says not to mix concrete inside the post holes or encase posts in concrete.
- Proof that a ledger is properly bolted may be required.
Know the Difference Between a Warren Garage and Shed Project
Garage planning points
- Warren’s garage sheet distinguishes detached garages of 600 square feet or less from larger or attached garages.
- Attached garages and detached garages over 600 square feet are shown with continuous-footing requirements in the published sheet.
- Required inspections change by size, attachment and electrical work.
- Fire-resistance requirements may apply near property lines and between an attached garage and dwelling.
- Confirm current code details before finalizing drawings.
Published shed limitations
- One story and no more than 10 feet to the eaves.
- No more than 30% of the rear yard.
- At least one foot from an easement.
- Only one detached accessory structure is permitted in a yard under the linked ordinance sheet.
- Accessory structures other than garages are shown with a 120-square-foot maximum.
- A permanent foundation is required by the linked Warren sheet.
Warren Pool, Hot Tub and Spa Permit Steps
Permit threshold
Warren’s revised pool handout says pools, hot tubs and spas capable of holding water 24 inches deep or more require building and electrical permits before installation.
Location and plans
The handout asks for two plot-plan copies showing pool dimensions, distances to lot lines, existing buildings, electrical-wire location and the fence enclosure.
Barrier and inspections
The published rules require an adequate four-foot barrier with self-closing and self-latching gates. Electrical approval comes before the building inspection.
Do Not Start a Warren Demolition Until Every Clearance Is Ready
Pre-permit and site preparation
- Demolition permit application
- Electric and gas shutoff documentation
- Warren Water Department clearance
- Soil-erosion approval when triggered
- Required fences or barricades
- Protection of sidewalks, curbs and utilities
Required inspection sequence
- Pre-demolition: site and safety check, including existing sidewalk damage.
- Sewer cap: inspect the sanitary-sewer cap before backfilling.
- Backfill/open hole: verify debris removal and site condition.
- Final: inspect final grading and site cleanup.
How to Schedule and Prepare for Warren Inspections
Request online
Use Warren’s official BSA Online inspection-request route and locate the issued permit record.
Request by phone
Have the address, permit number, inspection type and site-contact information ready.
Notice requirement
Warren’s current building application states that 24 hours’ notice is required for inspections.
Request early and confirm the scheduled date.
Inspection stage |
What should be ready |
Common reason for failure or cancellation |
|---|---|---|
Footing, trench or post hole |
Excavation complete, dimensions visible, forms/reinforcement ready and location confirmed |
Concrete already placed, wrong depth or unsafe access |
Foundation or slab |
Required base, reinforcement, services and foundation details visible |
Work covered or not matching approved plans |
Rough building |
Framing complete enough for inspection and coordinated with rough trades |
Missing connections, field changes or incomplete structural work |
Rough electrical, plumbing or mechanical |
Trade work exposed, permit active and licensed contractor identified |
Work concealed, incorrect permit or incomplete system |
Insulation or enclosure |
All prerequisite rough inspections passed |
Walls or ceilings closed before approval |
Final building or trade |
Project complete, safe, accessible and consistent with approved documents |
Outstanding corrections, related trade finals or incomplete site work |
Occupancy or compliance |
Utilities on, property clean, ladders/access available and fire systems approved where applicable |
Building not ready, utilities off or required fire/site approvals incomplete |
Before requesting
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct inspection type selected
- Work is complete for that stage
- Work remains uncovered
- Approved plans are accessible
- Site is safe and unlocked
After the inspection
- Read the complete result
- Save all correction comments
- Fix every cited condition
- Submit revised plans when directed
- Request reinspection only when ready
- Verify final or closed status
What Common BSA Permit Statuses Mean
Identify Warren Approvals That Must Come Before Permit Issuance
Building and Zoning
Warren directs zoning questions to the Building Division/Zoning Department at 586-574-4504.
Ask about use, setbacks, accessory buildings, fences, signs, parking and whether ZBA relief is necessary.
Planning Department
Planning handles development review and related planning functions at 586-574-4687.
The city states that Planning does not process application submissions after 4:30 PM.
Engineering Division
Engineering handles roads, sidewalks, public infrastructure, utility information and selected site requirements at 586-759-9300.
Email utility-information requests to askeng@cityofwarren.org.
What to Check Before Filing a Warren Zoning Variance
Prepare the case
- Applicant and owner information
- Property address and parcel ID
- Exact relief requested
- Explanation of hardship
- Property survey or site plan
- Supporting plans and documents
Confirm submission requirements
The city-linked ZBA packet contains plan-copy and electronic-submission instructions, including a large copy count for some filings.
Call before printing. Confirm the current filing fee, number of plan sets, digital-delivery method, deadline and hearing schedule with Warren staff.
How to Search Warren Building Permits and Inspection History
Open Warren’s BSA municipality page
Use City of Warren BSA Online.
Search by the strongest identifier
Use the permit or record number when available. Otherwise search the property address or parcel information.
Open the full record
Review the permit type, work description, applicant, contractor, fees, inspections and status.
Compare related permits
Look for separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical records connected to the same project.
Contact Warren when the record is incomplete
Call 586-574-4504 and provide the exact address, parcel number, approximate work date, prior owner and document needed.
What to Do When an Old Warren Permit Is Still Open
Collect the history
- Permit number
- Original work description
- Approved plans
- Inspection results
- Contractor information
- Current project photographs
Ask the Building Division
- Which inspections remain?
- Has the permit expired?
- Are revised or as-built plans required?
- Can the contractor be changed?
- Are trade permits still open?
- Can the permit be renewed?
Do not assume
- Age automatically closes a permit
- A rough inspection equals final approval
- A sale removes the violation
- One final closes all trade permits
- The built work matches approved plans
- The former contractor will return
Prepare a Warren Property for Certificate of Compliance or Occupancy Inspection
Application and site readiness
- Owner affidavit when required
- Parking calculation
- Knowledgeable person on site
- Building clean and accessible
- Water, electric and gas turned on
- Street address clearly visible
- Ladder available for ceilings, attics or roof access
- Dangerous areas disclosed before inspection
Fire and site closeout
- A Knox Box may be required before a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
- Fire suppression and alarm systems may need recertification.
- Suppression systems must be operational and approved before occupancy approval.
- New alarm inspections may require advance scheduling.
- Engineering site improvements may need final inspection and escrow release.
Use the Rental Inspections Division for Rental Registration and Inspections
Rental contact
One City Square, Third Floor, Warren, MI 48093
Keep processes separate
Rental registration or inspection does not replace building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning or occupancy permits.
When renovating a rental property, confirm both the construction-permit path and the rental-compliance path.
How to Get an Accurate Warren Permit Cost
Use this fee-check sequence
- Select the exact permit type.
- Enter the correct project construction value.
- Identify plan-review and zoning fees.
- Add electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
- Include Engineering, certification or reinspection charges.
- Review the official BSA Online amount before payment.
Why this guide does not use a generic fee calculator
Warren’s website currently links residential and commercial fee PDFs marked as revised in 2014. Those documents remain useful for understanding the valuation-based structure, but they should not automatically be treated as the current payable amount.
Use the live BSA Online fee record or confirm the amount with the Building Division.
Match the Permit to the Person Actually Responsible for the Work
Homeowner permit responsibility
Warren’s building application allows an owner to apply as a homeowner and act as the general contractor, but the owner accepts responsibility for the construction and arranging required inspections.
Owner-builder status does not remove zoning, building-code, trade-license, insurance or safety obligations.
Contractor verification
- Legal business name confirmed
- State license checked
- Trade licenses verified
- Contract matches permit applicant
- Insurance documents reviewed
- Inspection responsibility written
- Change-of-contractor process understood
- Final payment tied to closure proof
Check the Current State Code Before Relying on an Older Warren Handout
State construction codes
Michigan’s Bureau of Construction Codes publishes the current building, residential, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and energy-code information.
Why this matters
Some Warren project sheets remain helpful but contain older code references or older revision dates. Use them to understand the local submission path, then confirm current technical requirements with Warren and the current Michigan code.
Fix Common Warren Permit, BSA and Inspection Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best practical response |
|---|---|---|
BSA cannot find the address |
Address, unit, parcel or municipal-jurisdiction mismatch |
Try the base address and confirm the parcel is actually inside Warren. |
Permit application remains incomplete |
Required field, document, certification or final-submit step missing |
Open every section and confirm a submitted record number was generated. |
Wrong permit type selected |
Building and trade work were combined incorrectly |
Contact Warren before creating a duplicate application. |
Plan review asks for a plot plan |
Location, setbacks, easements or existing structures are unclear |
Provide a survey or plot plan with all requested dimensions. |
Correction comments repeat |
Not all comments were answered or plans are inconsistent |
Use a numbered response letter and coordinated revision set. |
Inspection cannot be requested |
Permit not issued, wrong record or inspection not yet available |
Check record status and call 586-574-4504. |
Inspection fails as “not ready” |
Incomplete work, concealed work, access issue or wrong stage |
Read the result, complete every item and request reinspection only when ready. |
Field work differs from approved plans |
Construction changed after plan approval |
Pause affected work and ask whether revised plans or an amendment are required. |
Old permit remains open |
Final building or trade inspection never occurred |
Gather the history and ask Warren for the exact closeout list. |
Commercial occupancy cannot be approved |
Utilities, fire systems, parking, site work or inspections incomplete |
Use the Certificate of Compliance checklist and identify the responsible division. |
Engineering escrow not released |
Required site improvements lack final inspection |
Call Engineering at 586-759-9300 and request final inspection and escrow release. |
Contractor is no longer available |
Project changed hands before completion |
Ask Warren how to terminate or replace the contractor and complete outstanding inspections. |
Warren Permit Call and Email Scripts
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [full Warren address]. The property is a [property type]. Can you confirm the building and trade permits, required plans, zoning review and inspection sequence?”
“I am calling about permit or application [number] at [address]. The online record currently shows [status]. What exact fee, document, correction or approval is preventing the next step?”
“The revised documents for [record number] address each review comment. The response list identifies the revised plan sheet and explains the change. Please confirm that the resubmission was received.”
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number] at [address]. The work is complete for that stage, remains uncovered and is accessible. The site contact is [name and phone].”
“I found permit [number] for [address], but it does not appear final. Can you identify the remaining inspection or document and explain what the current owner must provide?”
“I plan to occupy or operate [business/use] at [address]. Can you confirm the Certificate of Compliance or Occupancy process, parking information, fire-system approvals and required inspections?”
Warren Permit Completion Checklist
- Warren jurisdiction confirmed
- Property and parcel information verified
- Zoning and easements reviewed
- Correct building permit selected
- Electrical permit obtained if needed
- Plumbing permit obtained if needed
- Mechanical permit obtained if needed
- Engineering approvals completed
- Application documents coordinated
- Permit formally issued before work
- Approved plans available on site
- Inspections requested with 24-hour notice
- Required work left uncovered
- All correction items resolved
- Building and trade finals passed
- Occupancy or compliance certificate obtained
- Engineering escrow released if applicable
- BSA record saved showing final or closed status
Warren City Hall Building Division Map
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Bring: Property address, permit number, plot plan, project documents and a written question list.
Open the Correct Warren Permit Resource
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for a City of Warren building permit online?
Use the official City of Warren municipality page on BSA Online. Choose Apply for a Permit, register or sign in when required, select the correct permit type, enter the property and contractor information, upload the requested documents and save the record number.
What is the Warren Building Department phone number?
Call the Warren Building Division at 586-574-4504 for building permits, inspections, zoning, city certifications and Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance questions.
What are the Warren Building Division office hours?
The Building Division is located at One City Square, Suite 305, Warren, Michigan. The published office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
How much notice does Warren require for an inspection?
Warren’s current building-permit application states that 24 hours’ notice is required for inspections. Request online through BSA Online or call 586-574-4504. Confirm the actual scheduled date before arranging contractors or closing work.
How do I search Warren building permit records?
Open Warren’s BSA Online municipality page and choose Building Department Record Search. Search by permit number when available, or use the property address or parcel information. Open the complete record and review permits, fees, inspections and final status.
Does Warren require a permit for a deck?
Yes. Warren’s official permit-required list includes residential decks. The city’s deck guidelines call for a building application, plot plan and plan sets showing dimensions, structural members, footings, stairs, guards and the method of attachment. Post-hole and final inspections are identified.
Does Warren require permits for a pool or hot tub?
Warren’s revised pool handout says swimming pools, hot tubs and spas capable of holding water 24 inches deep or more require building and electrical permits before installation. Plot plans, barrier information and electrical inspections are also required.
Do I need separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits?
Yes, when those trades are part of the project. Warren’s building materials state that separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical or heating permits may be required in addition to the main building permit.
Can I begin work when my Warren permit application is approved?
Do not begin based only on an approval or review status. Confirm that the permit is formally issued, required fees are paid, contractor information is complete and all zoning, Engineering or other conditions are resolved.
What should I do when an old Warren permit is still open?
Gather the permit number, approved plans, inspection history, contractor details and current photographs. Contact the Building Division and ask which inspections or documents remain, whether the permit is expired and what the current owner must provide to close it.
Source, Accuracy and Update Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Warren. Permit applications, payments, official zoning decisions, plan approvals, inspections, enforcement and occupancy documents must be handled through the City of Warren or its authorized systems.
This guide was researched using official City of Warren, BSA Online and Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes resources and refreshed on July 21, 2026.
Some project and fee documents linked by Warren have older revision dates. Use them to understand the submission process, then confirm current technical requirements, fees, plan-copy counts and code interpretations before paying, printing plans or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.