Hey everyone! I recently added an exterior door to one of the bedrooms in my house located in Apple Valley, CA, but I didn't pull any permits before doing it. Now I'm feeling a bit anxious about it and I'd love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Specifically, I'm trying to figure out what the process looks like for getting a permit retroactively. I'm also curious if anyone faced any issues or fines after making changes like this without permits. Additionally, I'd appreciate insights on how strict Apple Valley is with local codes regarding modifications like mine. Thanks a lot for any advice or stories you can share!
3 Answers
Whether or not you messed up really depends on the structure of your house. If you replaced a window with a door, there might be some regulations, but if it was a load-bearing wall, then that's a bigger deal and likely needed a permit. Just keep that in mind!
I think there's a good chance that door was already there before you bought the place! If you're considering doing Airbnb, just know that the city might require inspections first. Just be upfront about it and see if you can get that door permitted now.
I recommend checking out who handles inspections in your area. In my experience, it can often be a third-party service focused on safety issues. They usually just want to make sure everything is up to code.