Permits

[matthew555]

Do you generally need a permit to rebuild or partially rebuild a chimney??
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[bholler]

There is no general rule. Some areas will require a permit for that some wont. In our area we dont need permits for it but it may be totally different in your area.

 

[matthew555]

I know this is a stupid question but, how do you think I should proceed? If I call the building inspector I feel I will be opening up a can of worms.

 

[bholler]

I know this is a stupid question but, how do you think I should proceed? If I call the building inspector I feel I will be opening up a can of worms.

No you will be finding out if you need a permit. The fines for doing it without one can be pretty steep. You could also try calling a couple contractors in the area and asking them.

 

[Rearscreen]

My Sicilian Mafia neighbor used to do it like this: he'd just do it then intimidate the inspectors (who really have no real power) and get away with it.

 

[bholler]

(who really have no real power

They may not have power but the judges they report you to do have power. It is never a good idea to piss of your local code guy. They can make your life very difficult if you do.

 

[firefighterjake]

Forget the Inspector and Judges . . . my own take . . . granted I am a bit biased due to the nature of my job . . . but I would be more concerned about what one's insurance company would say/do if there was ever an issue with the chimney and their research revealed there was never a permit.

As mentioned . . . a permit is not always necessary . . . a lot depends on where you live. Where I work, it seems like there is a permit for everything (including yard sales even . . . which seems a bit nuts), but where I live there are only permits for the big things -- namely building a house.