What we do
DoINeedAPermit.org helps homeowners with one question: does my project need a permit, and how do I get it? You give us your address and your project, and the quiz gives you an answer for your property, free.
Where we can, we then do the paperwork:
- We file it for you ($125). In 1070 towns that take permit applications online, on OpenGov, Cloudpermit or GovWell portals, we fill in the town's application, submit it on the portal and answer the town's questions about it. The town's filing fee due at submission is included up to $75. You get an email at every step and the permit when it's issued. If we can't submit your application, you get your money back.
- Ready-to-send application ($49.99). In 181 towns that take applications by email, we fill out the town's own form with you and send it back ready to email, with what to attach.
- Your city's form, filled in ($49.99). In 220 cities we type your answers onto the city's own permit form.
- Filing Kit ($24.99). Everywhere else: the answer for your address, what your town needs from you and step-by-step instructions to file it yourself.
See the towns we file in, by state. Shed, carport, fence or pool dealer? We can file your customers' permits.
Who runs it
DoINeedAPermit.org is an independent, online-only business founded by Ivan Tchesnokov. We have no office you can visit; we work by email at hello@doineedapermit.org. We are not a government site, and we are not lawyers or contractors. Your town's building department always has the final say on your permit.
Where our facts come from
- The "Filing in <town>" box at the top of a town page comes from our filing records: which portal or email address the town takes applications on, and which projects we file there. We check it before we offer filing in a town, and the box shows the date it was last updated.
- City forms shown on a page are the town's own published application forms.
- The town guides below that box are written with the help of AI from public sources: the town's building department pages, its code and the state's building code. They can be out of date or wrong on details. Before you build, confirm the rule for your project with the town, or use the quiz, which checks your address.
Found an error?
Email research@doineedapermit.org with the page address and what's wrong. We fix confirmed errors and update the page date. If a town page contradicts what the town's own site says, the town is right.
Refunds and terms
The Filing Kit has a 30-day full refund. For filing, see our terms. Your data: privacy policy. Anything else: contact us.