@Alan Grobmeier government regulations make building starter homes in many markets not feasible.Take our market in PDX I am building 23 lots right now.. we pave on Monday.44k per lot to develop them  does not include soft cost of 5k a lot for eng. and permits. so say 50k and they are shovel ready... and this does not include the cost of the dirt .... now building permits are 30k per house.. 

Can anyone tell me when is a permit required?

You are not permitted to solicit other members for anything in the forums outside of the marketplace forums.

You need Licensed Plumber, electrician, hvac guys that can pass an inspection and pull permits to be legit.

Is data from the city on permits issued one way to find out?

Since Im mainly involved on the financing end I would look at the after repair value (ARV) of the construction, permits/softcosts, holding costs, land acquisition costs, and etc to make sure you have sufficient margin or safety for profit if you need to sell or equity if you need to refinance or take out that construction loan so you can hold.I would always recommend multiple exit strategies prepared in advance so you arent forced to take any specific route.Generally Land acquisition costs are 10-20% of project cost but in areas where the ARV is 300-400 persqft or higher you can pay a higher cost for land and still make your intended equity creation (if you intend to refi) or profit margin (if you intend to sell). 

A multimillion-dollar building permit was submitted for FedEx near the Memphis International Airport.The permit, valued at $3.2 million for “building renovations,” was posted April 19 for 3140 Tchulahoma Road.

It can require permits and inspections by the City etc.

Needs $50k in work, but I haven't accounted for licenses/permits.

Blinds are preferred however you must inform tenants in advance that they are not permitted to install Curtin rods.