Do You Need a Permit to Put Up Vinyl Siding?

Installing Vinyl

• Vinyl is a basic plastic material, a resin that is applied over a substrate and allowed to harden. Siding can imitate wood but does not need to be painted the same way, and it resists moisture much more effectively. Because vinyl siding does not pose a corrosion danger and is lightweight and easy to install, you can put it up yourself, but you may need to receive the proper government permit. Each local government creates its own laws regarding permits for remodeling.

Types of Siding and Size of Project

• To find out if you need a vinyl permit, search your local government website for the section on residential construction. Most of the sites include requirements for siding projects. Some governments or cities only require permits for certain types of siding. Some will only require permits for projects above a certain size, such as siding projects for more than 25 percent of your house. Laws change as well, and governments may eventually exempt vinyl siding from permit requirements.

HOA Regulations

• HOA stands for homeowners association, a committee that governs many different neighborhoods by creating laws for the appearance and maintenance of houses. While you may not need a city permit, some HOAs may require approval for the siding project before you begin. This allows the HOA to ensure that you are choosing a siding and color suitable for the neighborhood. If this type of approval is required, it will be detailed in your HOA agreement.

Installation

• Once you have all required permits, you still need the right tools to install vinyl siding. This includes common tools like a utility knife, a claw hammer, a screwdriver and a crosscut carpenters saw, but also requires some specialized tools. You will need a snap-lock punch and a nail slot punch to help prepare the substrate and install the vinyl siding. Tin snips can also help adjust the small corners of the siding for a better fit.