Yesterday I ranted about people who fail to check the rules and regulations when doing something on their own property (out of a mistaken belief that, because it's their property, they can do whatever they want). Today, I want to give you some help with this.

 

As I mentioned, before doing anything major (and sometimes even minor) on your property, you should check local, state, and federal laws to be sure you can even do what you're thinking about doing. Some things will only require city permission, others will require state, still others will need federal, and some things will need multiple permits. So do your homework!

 

I will give you examples of each permit level using Utah as my source (since I'm familiar with the state).

 

What does "local level" mean? Well, that depends on where you live. If you live in an incorporated city then that city is your most local level. If you live in an unincorporated town then the county is your most local level. In some cases, even if you live in an incorporated city permits may be required by the county, but not specifically by the city. So check with both!

 

Local Level Permits
An example of a local level permit is a building permit. Yes, that's right, even if it's your property you don't have the authority to build without a permit. According to City Applications, you will normally need a permit for any type of construction, be that new construction, structurally altering or demolishing existing building. You can view a list of project examples on their website.

 

Bear in mind that since cities are responsible for building permits, not all cities will have the same requirement. That's why it's so important to check with your local authority before beginning a project! And if you move, don't assume the laws are the same in your new area.

 

Other examples of local level permits are:

 

Obviously, the state level is the state level. Some permits are required by the state, but not by a specific county or city. And it should be pointed out that some things require multiple permits, and what the state allows your city may not. Again, check first!

 

Permits on the state level include things like exotic animal ownership, professional licensing, and concealed firearm carry permit.

 

Owning exotic animals is heavily regulated, not just on the state level, but also on the federal. In most cases, however, a state permit should cover things, but you may need a federal permit if you are transporting the animal across state or international lines. If you are interested in owning exotic animals (and that includes a lot of species you might not consider "exotic" - which is why you should CHECK!) in the state of Utah, you will need to check their status in the Utah Administrative Code.

 

If you want to obtain certain professional licenses in the state of Utah you will need to visit the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Professional licenses through the DOPL include all medical, construction related, and even hunting guide careers. But be aware, the DOPL doesn't cover all professional licensure! If you're looking for, say, a realtor license, you'll need to visit the Utah Department of Commerce: Division of Real Estate. If you're looking for an attorney license you'll need to visit the Utah State Bar.

 

Let's say you want a concealed carry permit. You'll need to visit the Utah Department of Public Safety: Bureau of Criminal Identification. These are also the folks you'll need to visit should you wish to get a Private Investigator license. (Or, if you're on the other end of the law, they're the people to contact if you want your record expunged)

 

The feds are in charge of a few things. Federal level permits typically cover all interstate and international resources and businesses.

 

For example, the US Fish & Wildlife Service is in charge of all animal and animal habitat conservation. They issue permits for such things as endangered species and CITES import and export, and falconry. They also issue the migratory bird hunting permit, or Duck Stamp, as well as the Harvest Information Program (HIP) number that all migratory waterfowl hunters must have, in addition to, the state issued hunting permit. If you're looking for hunting and fishing licenses, you'll need to get those on the state level (fishing licenses can usually be bought in local stores, but for hunting you'll need to visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources).

 

The National Park Service issues archeological permits in accordance with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the Antiquities Act. These permits are required by any qualified individual or group that wishes to do archeological research on federal lands. You will need to contact the Bureau of Land Management in your state if you wish to use state lands.

 

Other examples can be found via the Small Business Administration.

 

If your business deals with aviation you'll need various licenses and certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Alcohol is another example with multiple permit requirements. If your business deals, in any way, with alcohol, you'll need to acquire a permit via the US Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; however, you'll also need to contact the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

 

So, what have we learned today? That the US has a crap load of bureaucratic red tape. We've learned that there is a rule or regulation of nearly everything, so check everything. Although I've used Utah as an example, every other state in the nation will have similar regs and similar governmental departments overseeing them. Some of the federal links I've given have links to state offices that handle the state-level permits and licenses, and all of the federal links I've given will serve you on the federal level regardless of what state you live in.