No Building Permit Neededīuilding a fence, replacing cabinets in your kitchen? Find out about the work you can do without a building permit. Replacing your roof, furnace or water heater? Some simpler projects such as minor repairs or alterations still require a building permit but it may be issued online or over the counter in our Permit Center when you submit your application. There is a streamlined process for obtaining permits for residential solar rooftop systems.