Foundations Minimum Requirements

Unfinished Basement Without Concrete Floor Slab

Perimeter foundation permits can be issued "over the counter" if the proposed building is not going to be raised and there are no exterior alterations proposed to the building.

• The following plans are required:
  • Plot plan
  • Foundation Plan showing location of proposed work and indicating the number of stories of the structure
  • Foundation construction detail. (See attached standard details.)

Finished Basement With Concrete Floor Slab

Perimeter foundation permits may be approved "over the counter" for projects where new concrete floor slabs are installed but where the building is not raised and there are no exterior alterations proposed.

• The following plans are required:
  • Plot plan
  • Foundation Plan showing location of proposed work and indicating the number of stories of the structure
  • Cross section of the building showing existing and proposed ground to wood clearance, basement headroom and number of stories in the building
  • Basement floor plans showing existing and proposed use of every space including any area that is not intended as living space (laundry, workshop, storage). Any area not intended as living space must be designated as "non-habitable space" on the plans.
  • No heating or air conditioning can be permitted in any "non-habitable space."
  • Details of all proposed wall and ceiling finishes as well as any proposed electrical plumbing or mechanical fixtures.

Note: Private garages must be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of a minimum 1/2" gypsum board applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms must be separated from rooms above by not less than 5/8" Type 'X' gypsum board. Doors openings between a private garage and the dwelling unit are required equipped with a self-closing, self-latching door that is either a solid wood or solid core or honeycomb core steel door not less than 1-3/8" thick, or a 20-minute rated door.

Revised August 27, 2014