People are funny. As mentioned before by Inspector Guy, you probably need a permit for that project you have planned. If you are unsure, just give us a call - we'll be happy to answer your questions, mostly. I say mostly because it can be frustrating when homeowners who don't know a thing about construction ask, "I want to build a garage. Is this plan I drew on a napkin good enough?" Well, it's a start, but have you considered calling a professional? It is tough explaining things like braced walls and foundation design with someone over the phone. Sometimes it's just as difficult explaining it to someone in person.
This post came about from a woman who called asking if she needed a permit for one of those open-sided metal RV carports. Well, yes, technically you do. I need to see the plans from the manufacturer and the foundation design from you. It gets pretty windy here, so I want to make sure the thing won't blow away. Then starts the whining. What if I do this? What about that? But none of the neighbor kids got permits for their carports. That's nice. You asked - I answered. We haven't heard from here since, so I'm assuming it has already been installed.
My jurisdiction isn't very picky about those open metal carports, and we don't have time to go around looking to bust people for them. However, not having a permit increases your liability if anything were to happen. If it flies away in a wind storm and damages something, your insurance probably won't cover it. If it violates a zoning or planning code, the code enforcement people go after those more often than we do. And any time a neighbor calls in to complain, we are obligated to investigate it.
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