Getting approval for your building project starts with a clear letter of intent. These letters help local authorities understand what you want to build and why it meets all the rules. Your letter can make a big difference in how quickly your permit gets approved.
A good letter of intent explains your project goals, shows you know the building codes, and gives all the needed details. The samples below show how to write letters for different projects. Each one can be changed to fit what you need.
Sample Letters of Intent for Building Permit
Here are fifteen sample letters to help you create your own building permit request.
1. Residential Addition Letter
January 15, 2025
Building Permit Department
City of Oakridge
123 Main Street
Oakridge, CA 94563
Subject: Letter of Intent for Residential Addition Building Permit
Dear Building Permit Officer,
This letter serves as my formal request for a building permit to add a 450-square-foot family room to my existing home at 789 Maple Drive, Oakridge, CA 94563.
The addition will extend from the east side of the house and match the existing architecture. All construction will follow the current California Building Code and local zoning rules. The addition stays within the property setback requirements and will not affect any easements.
Plans from Smith Architectural Services are attached, showing all construction details, foundation plans, framing, electrical work, and finishes.
Please contact me with any questions about this project.
Thank you for your time,
Jane Johnson
Jane Johnson
789 Maple Drive
Oakridge, CA 94563
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jane.johnson@email.com
2. Commercial Renovation Letter
February 3, 2025
Building Department
Town of Riverdale
456 Town Square
Riverdale, NY 10471
Subject: Building Permit Application for Commercial Space Renovation
Dear Building Permit Review Board,
As the owner of 567 Business Way in downtown Riverdale, this letter requests a building permit for renovating the current retail space.
The planned renovation will change the 2,000-square-foot space from a clothing store to a coffee shop. The work includes new plumbing for the service area, updated electrical systems, and a new customer bathroom that meets ADA requirements. No changes will be made to the building’s exterior or structural elements.
The project team includes:
- Roberts Construction (General Contractor)
- Johnson Plumbing (Plumbing Contractor)
- Elite Electrical (Electrical Contractor)
All work will follow the 2024 New York State Building Code and town zoning laws.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robert Chen
Robert Chen
Chen Properties LLC
567 Business Way
Riverdale, NY 10471
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: robert@chenproperties.com
3. New Home Construction Letter
March 12, 2025
Building Permits Division
County of Pinewood
789 Government Center
Pinewood, OR 97302
Subject: Letter of Intent for New Single-Family Home Construction
Dear Permit Review Staff,
This letter is to request a building permit for constructing a new single-family home at 123 Forest Lane, Pinewood, OR 97302 (Tax ID: 12-345-678).
The proposed two-story home will have 2,200 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. The design includes an attached two-car garage, full basement, and covered front porch. The home will be built on a concrete foundation with wood frame construction.
All aspects of this project will meet or exceed the Oregon Residential Specialty Code requirements. The plans also follow all local zoning rules about height limits, setbacks, and lot coverage.
Enclosed with this letter are:
- Complete architectural plans
- Site plan showing placement on the lot
- Structural calculations
- Energy compliance forms
- Water and sewer connection plans
My builder, Evergreen Homes, has all required licenses and insurance for this project.
Thank you for reviewing this application,
Michael and Sarah Thompson
Michael and Sarah Thompson
Current Address: 456 Apartment Lane, Unit 3B
Pinewood, OR 97302
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: thompsonfamily@email.com
4. Garage Conversion Letter
April 5, 2025
Building Permit Office
Village of Meadowbrook
234 Village Hall Road
Meadowbrook, IL 60022
Subject: Permit Request for Garage Conversion to Living Space
Dear Building Inspector,
Please accept this letter as my request for a building permit to convert my attached garage into a living space at 345 Suburban Street, Meadowbrook, IL 60022.
The project will transform the existing 280-square-foot garage into a bedroom with an attached bathroom for an aging parent. The conversion includes adding insulation, drywall, electrical outlets, lighting, heating, a window, and a new exterior door. No changes will be made to the building footprint or exterior walls except replacing the garage door with a wall containing a window.
The property will still have adequate off-street parking on the extended driveway as required by village code. All work will follow the current Illinois Residential Building Code and will be performed by licensed professionals.
Please let me know if you need any additional details.
Thank you,
David Wilson
David Wilson
345 Suburban Street
Meadowbrook, IL 60022
Phone: (555) 345-6789
Email: dwilson@email.com
5. Deck Addition Letter
May 18, 2025
Permits Department
City of Lakeside
678 Lake Avenue
Lakeside, MI 49116
Subject: Building Permit Application for Residential Deck Addition
Dear Permit Department Staff,
This letter accompanies my application for a building permit to build a new wooden deck at my residence located at 456 Shoreline Drive, Lakeside, MI 49116.
The proposed deck will be 320 square feet (16′ x 20′), attached to the rear of the house facing the lake. It will be constructed of pressure-treated lumber with composite decking and have a railing that meets current safety codes. The deck will be 30 inches above grade at its highest point.
The property is zoned R-1 Residential, and the planned deck complies with all setback requirements. My lot does not have any wetland restrictions or conservation easements that would affect this project.
Included with this application are:
- Detailed construction drawings
- Site plan showing the deck location
- Materials list
- Contractor information
Thank you for considering my application,
Linda Martinez
Linda Martinez
456 Shoreline Drive
Lakeside, MI 49116
Phone: (555) 456-7890
Email: lmartinez@email.com
6. Fence Installation Letter
June 7, 2025
Building and Zoning Department
Town of Greenfield
890 Municipal Drive
Greenfield, MA 01301
Subject: Permit Request for Residential Fence Installation
Dear Building Official,
This letter requests a permit to install a fence around the backyard of my property at 567 Valley Road, Greenfield, MA 01301.
The planned fence will be 6 feet tall and made of wooden privacy panels. It will enclose the backyard area only, approximately 150 linear feet in total length. No part of the fence will extend beyond the front line of the house, and all parts will stay within my property boundaries.
The fence will have a gate for emergency access and will be built by Greenfield Fencing Company. All work will follow the town’s fencing rules about height, location, and materials.
A property survey and diagram showing the planned fence location are attached to this application.
Thank you for your consideration,
Thomas Garcia
Thomas Garcia
567 Valley Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: (555) 567-8901
Email: tgarcia@email.com
7. Basement Finishing Letter
July 21, 2025
Building Permit Division
City of Highland
901 City Center Drive
Highland, CO 80129
Subject: Building Permit Application for Basement Finishing
Dear Permit Review Committee,
This letter requests a building permit to finish my unfinished basement at 678 Mountain View Drive, Highland, CO 80129.
The basement finishing project will convert approximately 800 square feet of unfinished space into a family room, office, and bathroom. The work includes framing interior walls, installing electrical fixtures and outlets, adding a three-piece bathroom, and installing drywall and flooring.
All work will be done by Highland Home Improvements, a licensed contractor, and will follow all current Colorado building codes. Particular attention will be paid to proper egress windows, fire safety measures, and utility access.
The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems will be connected to the existing house systems. No changes will be made to the foundation or exterior walls of the home.
Attached are the detailed plans showing the layout and specifications for the finished space.
Thank you for your time,
William and Jennifer Davis
William and Jennifer Davis
678 Mountain View Drive
Highland, CO 80129
Phone: (555) 678-9012
Email: daviscouple@email.com
8. Small Business Signage Letter
August 9, 2025
Planning and Zoning Department
City of Milltown
123 Downtown Street
Milltown, WA 98271
Subject: Permit Application for Business Signage
Dear Planning Department,
As the new owner of Milltown Bakery at 789 Main Street, Milltown, WA 98271, I am writing to request a permit for installing business signage.
The planned sign will be a 3′ x 5′ wooden sign with the business name and logo, mounted flat against the front façade above the main entrance. The sign will be professionally made by Milltown Signs and will include soft, downward-facing LED lighting for nighttime visibility.
The sign design follows all requirements in the Milltown Downtown Business District guidelines. The materials, size, and lighting comply with Section 5.3 of the city’s signage ordinance. The historic character of the building will be respected, with no drilling into the original stonework.
Attached are:
- Sign design renderings
- Mounting specifications
- Lighting details
- Installer credentials
Thank you for your consideration,
Patricia Lee
Patricia Lee
Owner, Milltown Bakery
789 Main Street
Milltown, WA 98271
Phone: (555) 789-0123
Email: patricia@milltownbakery.com
9. Swimming Pool Installation Letter
September 14, 2025
Building Safety Department
City of Palm Springs
456 Desert Avenue
Palm Springs, AZ 85001
Subject: Letter of Intent for In-ground Swimming Pool Installation
Dear Building Safety Official,
This letter requests a building permit for installing an in-ground swimming pool at my residence, 890 Cactus Lane, Palm Springs, AZ 85001.
The proposed pool will be 16′ x 32′ with a depth ranging from 3′ to 8′. It will be located in the backyard, maintaining all required setbacks from property lines and structures. The pool will include a surrounding concrete deck, safety fencing with self-closing gates, and an automatic pool cover that meets safety requirements.
Desert Pools, Inc. will handle all construction, electrical, and plumbing work. They are fully licensed and insured in Arizona. All work will comply with the Arizona Swimming Pool Safety Act and local building codes.
Included with this application are:
- Site plan showing pool location
- Pool design specifications
- Electrical and plumbing plans
- Safety barrier details
- Drainage plans
Thank you for reviewing this application,
James and Susan Rodriguez
James and Susan Rodriguez
890 Cactus Lane
Palm Springs, AZ 85001
Phone: (555) 890-1234
Email: rodriguez@email.com
10. Roof Replacement Letter
October 23, 2025
Building Permits Office
County of Hillsdale
567 County Building
Hillsdale, TX 75001
Subject: Building Permit Request for Roof Replacement
Dear Building Official,
This letter requests a building permit to replace the roof on my home at 901 Longhorn Lane, Hillsdale, TX 75001.
The project involves removing the existing asphalt shingles and installing a new architectural shingle roof. No structural changes will be made to the roof framing or design. The total roof area is approximately 2,800 square feet. We will also replace damaged decking as needed and install new flashing around chimneys and vents.
Texas Roofing Specialists will complete the work using GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in Weathered Wood color. All work will follow the current Texas Residential Building Code and manufacturer specifications.
A roofing plan and materials specifications are attached to this application.
Thank you for your assistance,
Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth Brown
901 Longhorn Lane
Hillsdale, TX 75001
Phone: (555) 901-2345
Email: ebrown@email.com
11. Solar Panel Installation Letter
November 8, 2025
Building Department
Town of Sunnyside
678 Sunshine Boulevard
Sunnyside, CA 92103
Subject: Building Permit Application for Rooftop Solar Installation
Dear Building Permit Department,
This letter accompanies my application for a building permit to install a rooftop solar panel system at 234 Mesa Road, Sunnyside, CA 92103.
The proposed system consists of 20 solar panels (400 watts each) for a total system size of 8 kW. The panels will be mounted on the south-facing roof slope using an approved racking system. The installation includes an inverter mounted on the exterior wall near the electrical panel and appropriate connections to the household electrical system.
Sunshine Solar, a certified and licensed solar installer, will perform all work. They have provided structural calculations confirming the roof can support the additional weight. All equipment is UL-listed, and the installation will comply with the 2024 California Electrical Code and Solar Installation Guidelines.
Attached to this application are:
- Solar system design plans
- Electrical line diagrams
- Structural certification
- Equipment specifications
- Installer credentials
Thank you for your review,
Daniel Kim
Daniel Kim
234 Mesa Road
Sunnyside, CA 92103
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: dkim@email.com
12. Accessible Bathroom Modification Letter
December 5, 2025
Building Permits and Inspections
City of Fairview
789 City Hall Plaza
Fairview, OH 44126
Subject: Permit Request for Accessible Bathroom Renovation
Dear Building Inspector,
This letter requests a building permit to renovate the main bathroom at 345 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, OH 44126, to make it fully accessible.
The renovation will convert the existing 70-square-foot bathroom into an accessible space for a family member who uses a wheelchair. The work includes:
- Widening the doorway to 36 inches
- Installing a curbless shower with grab bars
- Adding a comfort-height toilet with grab bars
- Putting in a wheelchair-accessible sink and counter
- Lowering light switches and adding GFCI outlets
- Installing non-slip flooring
No changes will be made to the bathroom’s overall size or location of plumbing fixtures. Universal Design Builders will perform all work according to the 2024 Ohio Building Code and ADA guidelines.
Detailed plans and specifications are included with this application.
Thank you for your consideration,
Margaret Wilson
Margaret Wilson
345 Fairview Avenue
Fairview, OH 44126
Phone: (555) 345-6789
Email: mwilson@email.com
13. Demolition Permit Letter
January 21, 2025
Building Safety Department
City of Old Bridge
890 Municipal Way
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Subject: Letter of Intent for Residential Structure Demolition
Dear Building Safety Official,
This letter requests a demolition permit for the existing structure at 456 River Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. The property was damaged by flooding and has been deemed unsafe by our insurance adjuster.
The demolition will include the complete removal of the existing 1,200-square-foot single-story home, including the foundation. After demolition, the site will be properly graded and stabilized with grass seed. All utilities have been properly disconnected by the respective utility companies, and documentation is attached.
Northeast Demolition Company will handle the demolition. They will follow all safety protocols, including asbestos testing and abatement if needed, dust control, and proper disposal of all materials. All work will comply with Old Bridge demolition requirements and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.
The long-term plan is to rebuild on the same lot, and a separate building permit application will follow this demolition.
Attached are:
- Property survey
- Utility disconnection verifications
- Demolition company credentials
- Waste disposal plan
- Site safety plan
Thank you for your assistance,
George and Helen Patterson
George and Helen Patterson
Current Address: 123 Temporary Lane, Apt. 4B
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Phone: (555) 456-7890
Email: pattersonfamily@email.com
14. Window Replacement Letter
February 17, 2025
Building Permit Office
Village of Historic Heights
901 Heritage Square
Historic Heights, VA 22046
Subject: Building Permit Request for Window Replacement
Dear Historic Preservation and Building Committee,
This letter requests a building permit to replace all windows in my home at 567 Colonial Drive, Historic Heights, VA 22046, which is located in the Historic District.
The project involves replacing 12 original single-pane windows with new double-pane windows that match the historic appearance. The replacement windows will be Pella Architect Series wood windows with divided light grilles in the same six-over-six pattern as the originals. The exterior trim and sill details will remain unchanged.
The primary goal is to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the historic character of the home. No changes will be made to the size of the window openings or the exterior appearance of the home.
Historic Heights Window Company, which specializes in historic home renovations, will perform the installation. All work will comply with both the building code and the Historic Heights Preservation Guidelines.
Attached to this application are:
- Window specifications and cut sheets
- Photos of existing windows
- Installer qualifications
- Historic district compliance statement
Thank you for your consideration,
Amanda Jackson
Amanda Jackson
567 Colonial Drive
Historic Heights, VA 22046
Phone: (555) 567-8901
Email: ajackson@email.com
15. Commercial Kitchen Equipment Letter
March 3, 2025
Health and Building Department
City of Harborview
234 Ocean Boulevard
Harborview, FL 33139
Subject: Building Permit Application for Commercial Kitchen Equipment Installation
Dear Health and Building Officials,
As the owner of Seaside Café at 678 Beachfront Avenue, Harborview, FL 33139, this letter requests a building permit for installing new commercial kitchen equipment.
The project involves replacing outdated cooking equipment with new, energy-efficient models. Specifically, we plan to install:
- One commercial 6-burner range with convection oven
- One 36-inch flat-top grill
- One 30-pound capacity deep fryer
- One commercial dishwasher
- Updated exhaust hood with fire suppression system
No structural changes will be made to the kitchen space, and all new equipment will connect to existing utility hookups. The exhaust system will be upgraded to meet current code requirements for the new appliances.
Gulf Coast Restaurant Supply will provide and install all equipment. The work will be supervised by a licensed mechanical contractor for the ventilation systems. All equipment is NSF-certified and will be installed according to Florida Building Code and Department of Health requirements.
Attached are:
- Equipment specifications
- Kitchen layout plan
- Ventilation system details
- Electrical load calculations
- Plumbing connection plans
Thank you for your review,
Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor
Owner, Seaside Café
678 Beachfront Avenue
Harborview, FL 33139
Phone: (555) 678-9012
Email: richard@seasidecafe.com
Conclusion: Writing Effective Permit Letters
The samples above show how different building permit letters can be written for various projects. Each letter explains what will be done, who will do the work, and how it meets local rules. A good letter gives all the facts the building department needs to approve your permit quickly.
When writing your own letter, be clear about your project, follow local building codes, and provide all requested documents. Taking time to write a detailed letter of intent can help avoid delays and make your building project go smoothly from start to finish.