Are you preparing to get a new roof installed in the coming fall? There are many things to take into consideration before you start picking a shingle color and scheduling the work. Depending on where you live and the type of roofing work being done to your roof, you may require a local building permit or HOA approval.
These requirements are easy to overlook when you are focused on scheduling your project. Checking them early can help prevent delays once you are ready to start.
Building Permits Depend on Where You Live
First of all, you need to see whether your roofing needs a building permit. In Maryland, there is no such one rule for roofing permits that would apply to each and every property. So depending on your location in the state, the permitting process for your roof repair or replacement may be different from what other Maryland property owners experience.
The type of work matters, too. In Maryland, building permit requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so homeowners have to contact their particular building or permitting department.
For example, the City of Frederick requires building permits for re-roofing residential properties that involve sheathing and/or framing. Different jurisdictions in Maryland have different requirements.
Rather than assuming that all roof replacement projects are similar, you need to learn the local requirements first.
A Permit and HOA Approval Are Not the Same Thing
If you live in an area that has a homeowners’ association, you might have another kind of approval that you need to think about.
A building permit takes into account local codes for building and zoning. HOA approval is not quite like this. It depends upon the rules of your community, and it can deal with how changes look to your home.
The HOA may have policies focused more on the visible aspects of your home. Some communities have requirements for homeowner applications to architectural review boards.
Check HOA Requirements Before Ordering Materials
If the HOA requires approval, make sure to know what is required prior to ordering any materials. Usually, the HOA may have specifications as to the type of roof material chosen, colors, product specifications, contractor’s details, pictures, and more.
Make sure to find out if the HOA has any restrictions related to worksite operations, like delivery times, construction hours, parking, and more.
It will allow you to address all requirements in advance.
Historic Properties May Have Another Review
In some cases in Maryland, additional requirements are necessary for properties that are in historic districts or historic properties by themselves.
For example, Frederick County includes roof replacement as one of the projects subject to historic design review for certain properties. The county also states that reroofing without any material, color, or pattern modification might be eligible for administrative approval and not a full Historic Preservation Commission review.
The approved HPC Certificate of Approval needs to be attached to the building or zoning permit application for certain properties in Frederick County.
Check if your home is in a historic district or is individually designated to see if an additional review will be needed before you contact your roofers.
Give Yourself Enough Time This Fall
Permits and HOA approvals can add steps to your roofing timeline. If you need an HOA application, you may have to wait for the association’s review. A required building permit has its own process as well.
Before scheduling your project, work through these basic questions:
- Which local jurisdiction handles permits for your property?
- Does your roofing project require a permit?
- Does your HOA require approval?
- Which roofing materials and colors are allowed?
- What information does the HOA need for its application?
- Does your property have historic preservation requirements?
Starting this process early gives you time to address questions or make changes before the work is scheduled.
Ask Your Roofing Contractor What They Handle
It is important to ask your roofing company whether they can help with the permitting process for your project. Depending on where you live and the type of roofing work being done, the contractor may be able to handle or assist with the required permit.
At Topper Roofing, we understand that replacing a roof involves more than the installation itself. Knowing what permits or approvals apply to your home is part of preparing for the project before the work is scheduled. If you are planning a roofing project this fall, contact us to discuss the work you are considering.
