This page explains how PermitCove guides are researched, checked, updated, and corrected, and how the site stays independent. PermitCove is founded and edited by Ahmed Khalifa, who researches, edits, and updates every guide.
Sourcing standards
- Official sources first. Guides are built on the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ): city and county building and development services pages, published handouts, permit bulletins, fee schedules, inspection guides, adopted code text, and state rules when a city points to them.
- Every specific number is linked. When a guide states a size limit, height, setback, fee, review time, or deadline, it links to the official page or code section where that number appears, right where the number is used.
- No invented thresholds. If we cannot find a number on an official source, we do not guess one. We say the rule varies and point you to the office that decides it.
- Secondary sources stay secondary. Forum posts, contractor websites, and news stories can tell us what homeowners are asking about, but they are not used as the source for a rule or a number.
- Examples, not a national rulebook. Local amendments often change model codes such as the International Residential Code. A rule from one city is presented as that city's rule, not as the rule everywhere.
When rules conflict
Neighboring cities, counties, and unincorporated areas often handle the same project differently. When that happens, a guide names the jurisdiction behind each rule and shows the differences side by side instead of blending them into a single answer. When two official sources from the same jurisdiction disagree, for example an older handout and a newer department page or a newly adopted code edition, we follow the most current official source and may mention the older figure so readers are not confused if they see it elsewhere. In every case, the rule published by your own AHJ for your address is the one that counts.
Updates and "Last checked" dates
We revisit guides when an official source changes, when a reader reports an issue, and during regular reviews of the most-read pages. Guides that have been re-checked against their sources show a "Last checked" date. That date is changed only when the guide has actually been re-checked, not to make a page look fresh.
Corrections
If you find a mistake or an outdated rule, please tell us through the Contact page or by email at ahmedkhalifa@permitcove.com. The most helpful reports include the page URL, the sentence or number in question, a link to the official source that shows the current rule, and which jurisdiction it applies to. We correct an article once the change can be confirmed on an official source. A forum post or contractor quote is a useful tip, but not enough on its own to change a number.
Independence and advertising
- PermitCove is an independent publication. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting for any city, county, state, or federal office.
- PermitCove does not publish sponsored posts, paid reviews, or paid placements. If that ever changes, the content will be clearly labeled on the page where it appears.
- The site may display ads, including ads served by Google AdSense, to help cover the cost of running it. Advertisers do not write, review, or approve our content, ads do not influence what we publish, and an ad is not an endorsement. How ad partners use cookies is explained in our Privacy Policy.
Images
Photos taken by other people are used under their license, such as Creative Commons, and are credited to the photographer and source with the license named. Some guides use illustrations to show the general type of project. Images are there to help you picture the work; they do not show a specific property, real measurements, or what your building department will approve.
Not professional advice
Our guides are general information, not legal, engineering, or construction advice. Always confirm requirements with your local building or permit office before you start work. See the Disclaimer.
Contact
Questions about this policy, corrections, and topic suggestions are welcome on the Contact page. You can learn more about the site on the About page and about its founder on the author page.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
