What are the minimum requirements before a new residence can be occupied?
Generally, anything that is considered to be a safety or sanitation requirement must be completed before occupancy of a new building will be granted. A Certificate of Occupancy is required to be issued by the Building Inspector before a building can be occupied legally.

Some of the items that must be complete before occupancy is granted include, but are not limited to the following:
• Approval of onsite wastewater system by the Miami County Environmental Health Department (Growth Area);
• Smoke detectors required by code installed and functioning;
• At least one fully functioning bathroom including a tub or shower, a lavatory and a water closer; any openings in the DWV system for additional fixtures shall be capped;
• A kitchen sink and cooking facilities;
• A water heater with a thermal expansion tank;
• At least one exit including landings, stairs, handrails and guardrails that fully comply with code requirements; additional exit doors do not have landing that are over 30 inches above the outside grade shall be blocked by approved guardrails or be locked by temporary double keyed deadbolts;
• Handrails on stairs with three or more risers and guardrails on porches, decks or similar platforms located 30 inches or more above adjacent surface;
• Required electrical receptacles, switches, lights, fixtures, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, and cover plates;
• Final approval of the electrical service, including grounding system;
• Required mechanical heating equipment shall be completed and approval received;
• Address posted;
• A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained until a full final approval of the residence is given.

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1. Where do I apply for a permit?
2. What work requires a permit?
3. What documents do I need to submit with my building permit application?
4. What is a site (plot) plan?
5. Is a permit required to re-roof a house, accessory structure, garage or commercial building?
6. When are plans required to be prepared or sealed by a Professional (Architect or Engineer)?
7. How long does it take to obtain a building permit?
8. What is the minimum size lot that can be developed?
9. How close to a property line can I construct a house or other building?
10. Is a garage required for new home construction?
11. How is my property zoned and what uses are allowed on the property?
12. What work requires licensed contractors?
13. How do I get information on the Contractor Licensing Program?
14. What are the adopted codes for City of Paola?
15. What makes a room a bedroom?
16. What will my building permit cost?
17. What type of inspections are required?
18. What are the minimum requirements before a new residence can be occupied?
19. Is an escape window required out of the basement of a new residence?
20. What are the minimum requirements for an emergency egress window?
21. Where are smoke detectors required?
22. Are smoke detectors required to be hardwired?
23. What is the rise and run requirements for stairs?
24. When is a handrail required for a stairway?
25. Is a landing required at all exterior doors?
26. When are guardrails required?
27. What is the frost depth?
28. How deep to I need to bury my water lines?
29. How deep do electrical lines need to be buried?
30. Can water piping and electrical wiring be in the same trench?
31. Do I need a permit to install siding on my home?
32. Do I need a permit for replacing windows?
33. Do I need a building permit to fence my yard?
34. How long is a building permit good for?
35. Who do I call for permits, building requirements, code enforcement if I live outside of the City Limits or the Growth Area?
36. Who do I contact about starting / operating a business?