If in the town of Alton, I would say defiantly contact the building inspector as our laws change as does the weather. I have been told twice now (2 seperate projects) that a permit isn't needed and then a neighbor complains that I do not have a permit and the next thing I get a cease and desist order and I have to go and apply for one.
That is not a complaint on John as he is a great guy to talk with and easy going, but for some reason today it is ok and tomorrow it isn't. In both cases stated above he had come to the site that the work was to take place.