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1. Do I need a permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, remodeling, expansion, addition or repair to a structure. Work requiring a permit includes (but is not limited to) additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, trellises, carports, sheds, skylights, covered patios, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, termite repairs, solar panels, accessory structures and most interior and exterior remodeling work.

Construction undertaken without a permit may be subject to a penalty on all required permits and may involve dismantling or uncovering completed work to provide access for inspection. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, contact us prior to commencement of the work.

2. Who may apply for a permit?

Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or sub-permit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work will be required to sign an "Owner-Builder Declaration" stating that they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from the requirement of having Workers' Compensation Insurance, or they will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

3. How do I apply for a permit?

The first step is to fill out a building permit application form. This form must be submitted for all construction and must be completely filled out and signed. If the applicant is lacking any information asked for on the form, this should be brought to the attention of the staff member accepting the application so that he or she can assist the applicant in completing the form.

For an interior remodeling project, the applicant must submit two copies of complete floor plans with details indicating the proposed changes. Be sure to indicate clearly what is new work and what is existing, what is to remain and what is to be removed.For additions or new construction, the applicant must submit two sets Title-24 Energy Calculation. Forms CF-1R and MF-1R are to be incorporated onto the plans.

Construction work must start within 180 days of the issuance of the permit. If work has not been started and no inspections have been called for in this period, the permit will be declared null and void. The permit may be renewed for one-half the original permit fee if no change in the plans are made, but the renewal process may only be used up to one year after issuance. Beyond that time a new application and full fee will be required.

The Building Official may extend an unexpired permit once for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing reason(s) for not commencing the construction. Visit our Forms, Publications, and Codes page.

4. How much will it cost?

Building permit fees are based on a proportion of the total construction cost, including all materials and labor involved in the proposed work. A building plan checking fee is assessed at 65% of the building permit fee. Plan check fees must be paid upon submittal of the plans and application.

5. Are construction plans required?

If you asked the question, they probably are. In order to approve your building permit application the plan checker or building inspector needs to have a clear picture of your project. You must always assume that someone other than yourself is going to do the construction. Very minor work, such as dry rot repair, usually does not require plans. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, removal or addition of walls, exterior changes, additions, will all require plans

6. What kind of plans are required?

All plans must include the name, address, stamp and signature of the architect, engineer, designer or other person preparing the plans. No marked-over or altered plans will be accepted. If major revisions are necessary or additional information is required, the original drawings must be corrected and resubmitted.

Completeness and clarity of the drawings is essential. Remember that the plan checker can only review your plans to the level of the information you supply. Your plans would be considered complete if you could give them to a total stranger and he/she could understand how the building will be constructed and what the finished project will look like. Incomplete and unclear plans can delay issuance of your permit.

7. How many copies of the plans do I need?

The number of plan sets required is based on the number of agencies that must review your project (Plan Submittal Requirements). One set will be returned to the permit applicant as the "Job Copy," one duplicate set will be retained by the city, and if the project involves the addition of square footage, one set, by law, must be retained for the County Assessor. View the Plan Submittal Requirements (PDF).

8. When is a Building Permit not required?

Permits shall not be required for:
- Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inch above adjacent grade, on public property, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
- Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

Exemptions from permit requirements of the California Building Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the California Building Code or any other laws or ordinance of this jurisdiction. CRC, Section 105.

9. What do I need to submit for a bathroom or kitchen remodel?

To submit for a bathroom or kitchen remodel permit, provide three sets of plan of the kitchen or bathroom on 11 inch x17 inch minimum paper. Provide an existing and proposed floor plan of the room, and identify on the plan all fixtures (e.g. lights, outlets, water closet, lavatory, kitchen sink, etc) on the plan. Please see the following brochure for more information, Bath And Kitchen Remodel Permits Brochure (PDF).

10. Do I need a permit for a fence?

A building permit is not required for fences seven feet or less. However, this does not exempt the requirements specified by the Planning Department. Please contact the Planning Department prior to the construction of a fence.

11. How high can I build my fence?

The maximum height of the fence, wall, and hedge is dependent upon the location on the property. Front Yard Setback or within the sight distance area - 3 feet maximum. Rear Yard Setback (unless this area is within the sight distance area) - 6 foot inch maximum.

12. Do I need a permit for a shed?

Yes, a building permit is required for a shed over 120 square feet and over 8ft high. Setbacks for sheds 120 square feet and under are 5ft rear yard setback and 3ft side yard setback. Any shed larger than 120 square feet and over 8ft in height require Plan review and the setbacks become 10ft rear yard setback and 5ft side yard setback. 

13. When am I required to pay school fees for my project?

School fees are required when a project includes the construction of 500 square feet or more habitable space to a structure. Fees are required to be paid prior to the issuance of a permit.

14. Do I need an Architect or Engineer?

Please refer to our Architect or Engineer page.

15. What information is required on drawings?

Please refer to our Information Required on Drawings page.