After a long, stressful day, stepping inside the comforting warmth of your private sauna can make everything right again. Backyard wellness is more popular than ever; however, you need to ask yourself a very important question when considering adding a sauna: Do you need to obtain a permit for the sauna to be built on your property? The answer isn't an easy yes or no, and it will require examining your locality's building codes (and any other building regulations) and how they may affect your property prior to putting the sauna in your backyard. Therefore, if you are thinking about adding a sauna to your property and want to make your investment as effective, comfortable, and luxurious as possible, you must know and understand (a) what building permits are all about, and (b) why you need a building permit to safely construct a sauna on your property.
The main reason for the issuance of building permits is to protect the public health and safety. Building Codes are the governmental body of regulations (building codes) that provide guidance to the general public in relation to the construction of buildings and, to some extent, for homeowners as well. Building Codes are extensive lists of regulations pertaining to environmental stresses; types of materials used; and most importantly, the safety of those using the building.
Although a sauna may appear relatively small, heat, electricity and possibly complex venting and plumbing systems are all involved in a sauna's design. Building permits provide the means by which electrical wiring for heaters and lights will be installed by a qualified electrician to avoid fire hazards and to ensure that s structurally sound; provide adequate insulation; use safe and heat-resistant materials within the sauna.Permits are not only essential for your immediate safety, but will also offer protection as a homeowner over time. When it comes to selling your home, if you don't obtain permits for construction or additions to the existing structure, you will probably experience some major complications when trying to sell the property. During the sale process, a potential buyer's agent or an inspector will likely notice that the addition does not have permits. This could stop the sale and force you to go back and get the proper permits (which might require tearing out drywall to let inspectors in), or in some instances, even force you to take the sauna apart. Additionally, if you ever need to file an insurance claim for damage from an unpermitted structure, the company could deny the claim and leave you with a possible financial loss. Therefore, getting a permit provides you with an official record that the work was completed properly and according to the building codes of your area, thereby protecting your investment in your property and making it easier to obtain insurance.
The local jurisdiction is by far the biggest influence on whether you need a permit. There are significant differences in the regulations regarding building permits throughout the world, between states and municipalities, and even between townships within a particular state or municipality. The first step you should take to learn about what permits might be required in your area is to contact your local zoning or planning department, as they administer the zoning ordinances and building codes for your specific area. Depending on where you live, some more progressive or rural areas may have a more relaxed permitting system for smaller accessory structures (for example, sheds, greenhouses, saunas), while urban or historic districts tend to have more stringent guidelines for the size, aesthetics, and placement of such structures.
Another key factor in determining the permitting process for your sauna is the type of sauna you want to install.A prefabricated plug and play barrel sauna or infrared cabin can be located anywhere on your property, particularly on a patio, and run off a standard electrical outlet (i.e. household circuit). Thus, they are often classified the same as other types of temporary equipment/appliances (e.g. hot tub) and typically do not require building permits. However, it is possible that an electrical permit will be required to install a dedicated circuit for your sauna. In contrast, when building a custom-designed permanent sauna room inside your home, then you will need to comply with many more codes/standards including plumbing for a steam generator or other high voltage electrical service lines. As a result, it will be highly likely you will need to obtain multiple permits including building, electrical, and plumbing permits.
There are physical characteristics to consider as well when determining what type of permit is needed. Each municipality has established guidelines regarding the size/location of "accessory" structures, for example, a sauna. They generally impose setbacks, dictating how far from your property line, other buildings on your property and how many feet of setback from your existing house. Height restrictions do exist. If your sauna has more than a specified square foot area (i.e. 100 square feet), then most instances will require a building permit. The foundation will also play an important role; for example, a sauna located on a concrete slab/pad will likely be classified differently than a sauna located on a permanent concrete/frost-proof slab where inspections are more common.
As noted above, follow the process step by step starting with research. You can find out more information about permits by visiting your Local Government Authority [City or County] or contacting your local Building Department through a phone call or by email.Be sure to ask very specific questions such as: "What type of permits do I need for a prefab freestanding outdoor sauna?" or "I am constructing a custom sauna room in my yard; what permits do I need to get?" You should also obtain a copy of the relevant sections of the zoning ordinances and the applicable building codes so you have all of the information necessary to complete your application. Additionally, if you live in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), it is advisable to check with them as their covenants may impose stricter requirements than city codes about appearance, fencing, and sometimes usage.
Next, prepare your application. Preparing your application generally involves submitting construction drawings and detailed site plans. A site plan includes all of your property, the location of your residence, and the facility's potential location by exact measurements to all property lines. Construction drawings include the foundation, framing, insulation, electrical layout, and specifications of the heater. If you are installing a prefab sauna model, the manufacturer's manual and specifications are usually all that is required for the construction drawings. In addition, you will need to fill out the permit application forms and pay any associated fees associated with the permit, which vary depending on the estimated construction value.
After you submit your application, it will go through a plan- review process by plan examiners who will ensure compliance with the applicable building codes. When your certificate of compliance is issued and your permit is issued, construction on your project may start. Your permit will be posted at the project site so that it is visible.Three separate inspections will be required by the building department at critical points in construction. These include after foundation work has been completed; framing has been set; and the electrical system has been installed (before insulation and sheetrock are put in place). All inspections must be passed before final approval can be granted. Once the building has passed all inspections, the owner will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Completion, signifying that the sauna has been built to code and is ready to be used.
Avoiding the permitting process altogether carries extremely high penalties. The most immediate consequence of bypassing the permit process is enforcement action by your local building department. If (1) a neighbor files a complaint or (2) the code enforcement officer sees your construction, you will receive a "stop work" order and likely a fine. Once you receive a stop work order, you will be required to apply for a permit; this process will usually entail additional fees and you may have to expose parts of your construction to verify electrical/wiring or framing by an inspector. In the worst-case scenario, you will have to demolish the construction entirely because it does not comply with the applicable code.
Purchasing a home with improperly permitted improvements creates additional financial and legal risks. For example, if you decide to sell your home, you may have difficulties with your title company or mortgage lender because they often require clear titles to properties and if your home has unpermitted improvements the title will likely be unclear. In this case, you may be forced to either lower your asking price substantially or provide a costly indemnity to the potential buyer. Also, your homeowner's insurance is based on the condition of your home as disclosed and permitted (by the permit process) to be so. Therefore, if there is a fire due to the electrical wiring of an unpermitted sauna, your insurance company would have a strong reason to deny coverage for damage to the sauna and any damages to your property or to the property of your neighbors.
The permitting process is not simply a bureaucratic hurdle; it provides a structure to help protect you from future problems. The permitting process can lead to an inspection by an inspector who can identify mistakes that could be made during construction and make sure that the tradesmen working on the project are licensed to do so. More importantly, by ensuring that the proper procedures are followed and that your project has been inspected, you will know that you have a sauna that you can enjoy in your backyard. The most important first step to a stress-free backyard wellness retreat is to understand and adhere to the correct procedures to acquire a permit for your sauna.