Do you Need a Permit to Pour Concrete in your Backyard?

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest Reddit Flip it

Do you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard? Constructing anything from scratch in your home is both exhilarating and economical. However, you might need a permit before the beginning of your construction. The number of circumstances, including zoning rules, building and safety requirements, and design plans, determine whether a building project needs a permit.

If your concrete project requires a permit, it is risky to pour it without a permit, as it can cause you hefty fines and charges. It also gets frustrating as the authorities would want you to make changes in the property in which you had already invested so much time and effort.

So before lying concrete in your backyard, it is advised that you examine your state’s building rules by visiting your local city office or website to know its construction permit requirements.

This article will assist you in understanding what a permit is, how to obtain one, and other very important details about the granting of permits before the construction of anything using concrete. Join us as we discuss this below.

What is a Permit?

Do you Need a Permit to Pour Concrete in your Backyard

A permit is a written or formal document serving the right to permit someone to do any construction. It is a record to ensure safety and for government verification procedures.

If we consider specifically concrete projects, if your project is above adjacent grade, then you will require a permit, and if your property is above 200 square feet, then a license is also required to pour concrete.

Projects that are a hazard to safety usually need a work permit. These can include plumbing and electrical installations and replacements, tearing down a portion of your home, changing the number of walls, making a room into something else, pipework updates or repairs, and Repairing or replacing your home’s heating system and re-roofing.

A project that costs above $5000 needs a permit before starting it. However, some projects qualify for an EZ Permit, which exempts you from submitting designs or plans. Plans are often unnecessary for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work in new home building projects.

How to Get a Permit to pour concrete in your backyard

There is a proper way to get a permit before starting your work. Different countries have different procedures, but basic procedures include filling out a permit application, making a site plan, scheduling an appointment, acquiring the permit, scheduling inspections, and getting final approval. A pictorial of this procedure is given below in detail:

Things you Need for Your Permit Application

The Department often approves permit applications for Building at your city municipality office. You need to keep certain things in mind before filling out an application form for your permit. These are as follows:

The application form should be signed by the owner, contractor (if you are hiring any), and architect designer. Their affidavits are also required of the mentioned persons.
An application fee is also charged depending on your city law rules.
An inspection fee is also charged depending on your city law rules.
You should know an estimation of the cost of your project.
You have to make a site plan if your project. A site plan is a structural drawing drawn by a professional architect that reflects an area’s proposed plan for construction.

What you need to know before you pour concrete into your driveway

Driveways made of concrete are incredibly robust and resilient. Concrete is the material of choice for building roads and driveways because of its long service life and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, it keeps the garage and cars neat due to its smoothness. However, pouring concrete needs proper planning and preparation. We have mentioned below the things you need to know before pouring concrete into your driveway.

Concrete should be poured on stable soil; otherwise, it would crack. For this purpose, you might need to excavate and add foundation material to stabilize the soil.
Concrete can dry out very quickly. To prevent this, you have to make a damp-proof membrane. Drivetex is one of the best membranes for driveways. It offers the finest results regarding ground stabilization, filtration, and drainage.
Lightly wet the ground inside your form just before the concrete is poured.
Tap down the concrete so that it is evenly spread. Lumber with a straight edge is used for this purpose.
You must be attentive once you are done pouring and tapping. You have to keep a check on the concrete after 10-12 hours to make up for minor flaws before it is cured fully.
Don’t take cars on the driveway for at least 5 days.

Tips for Pouring Concrete Safely

As per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 28,000 Americans who work with concrete will have an injury or accident. That’s why you should be very mindful before pouring concrete. Following safety precautions will help you out before concrete in your backyard.

Wear safety glasses for protection:

If wet concrete contacts your eyes, it can cause serious damage or even permanent loss of vision. OSHA suggests wearing safety glasses or goggles when working with concrete to protect your eyes.

Following contact with concrete dust, rinse the skin:

If concrete contact with your skin, wash it thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap, as concrete can damage your skin due to its abrasive properties. Some people are also allergic to concrete, so it can cause them various types of skin allergies.

Use Alkali-Resistant Gloves:

Wet concrete can burn skin as it is highly alkaline. Gloves with alkali resistance ensure that users will be protected from the effects of alkaline concrete. That’s why one should always wear alkali-resistant gloves so that he or she is protected.

Wear air purifying respirators in hard concrete:

Breathing in hard concrete is highly dangerous as it can lead to lung cancer or silicosis. According to OSHA, P-, N- or R-95 respirators should be worn in dry concrete to protect your respiratory system.

Covered clothes

Long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers or pants should be worn before pouring concrete to save you completely from skin burns of its alkaline properties. Also, rubber boots are beneficial to restrict concrete from entering your shoes.

How much does it Cost to have a Concrete Permit?

The cost of a permit depends on what you are constructing with concrete. It is determined by a fixed charge per square foot or project value. Small projects like roofing, driveways, windows, swimming pools, and electrical and plumbing charge within $500, while big projects like constructing a house or garage can cost as much as $3000. A general estimation of the cost is shown below:

Author’s Personal Opinion

It might occur to you that getting a permit is such a hassle, but our suggestion for you is that getting a permit is essential before building anything with concrete. It might bother you initially, but it’s very useful for you in the long run. For any significant renovation work, documentation of permits and inspections might be needed.

Moreover, selling your home might be beneficial as these types of formal documentation are required in that process. Lastly, as mentioned above, it can save you from heavy penalties by the government for not having a permit.

Hiring a contractor could also save from this long procedure of getting a permit as contractors get a permit themselves before working, but you need to keep a check.

Additionally, please be mindful of the things mentioned above related to the safety and preparation of pouring concrete, as it might result in serious injury or property damage if not handled properly.

References: