Building Codes and Permits
Building and Safety provides service to the public by verifying safe building design and construction through the enforcement of building codes and standards.
Applicable Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to submit in order to get a building permit?
What kind of information is needed on the plans?
Do you have to be a licensed contractor to pull permits?
No. Anyone of the following may pull the permits:
- The property owner.
- Someone with a letter of authorization from the owner.
- A California-licensed contractor with the appropriate license.
When do I need inspections?
How long is the plan review active?
Plan review is active for 360 days from the day the permit application is made, and it expires by limitation. Prior to expiration, the owner/agent may request an extension of up to 360 days by justifying his/her reasons for the extension.
How long is the issued permit active?
Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within six months after the date of issuance of such permit or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of six months, or if the work authorized by such permit does not receive final inspection approval within three years from the issuance date of the permit.
Before such work may be recommenced, a new or renewed permit shall first be obtained.
The fee, therefore, shall be based upon the valuation and extent of work remaining to complete the project, but such fee shall not exceed one-half the current permit fee, providing no changes have been made or will be made in the original plan and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration has exceeded one year, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which he may perform work under that permit when he is unable to perform work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons.
The Building Official may, without requiring payment of an additional permit fee, extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding six months upon written request by the permittee, showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.
How can I file a complaint?
Since anonymous complaints are not accepted, you need to call our office ( 805-654-2771 ) and get a complaint form.
When will my plans be plan checked?
The Building and Safety Division makes its best effort to provide less than 15 days turnaround time, and if this time frame is not desirable, you may request for an expedited plan review with a 35% surcharge on the basic plan check fee. (See below)
What is the plan review process?
The Building and Safety Division is legally required to approve the building in the design stage before issuance of any permit for construction. In order to approve the design, it becomes necessary, therefore, to conduct a formal, detailed plan review to verify compliance with applicable codes.
Once the plans are accepted for review, they are placed in line for initial plan review based on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are, however, some exceptions for ‘quickie,’ counter review, fast track, and expedited plan reviews.
For details, refer to plan review services. When the plans are reviewed, a correction letter is prepared and plans are marked in red ink where corrections are needed.
Plans and related documents are picked up by the contact person for corrections. After the corrections are made by the owner/agent, plans are accepted for a second plan review, and they are placed in the resubmittal line on a first-come-first-serve basis.
At the second review, if the plans are in compliance with the corrections requested, they are approved. If there are still undone corrections, a second review correction letter is prepared by the plan checker. Thus, the plans go back and forth in the system till they are approved.
What are the different plan review services?
- Regular Plan Review is done on a first-come-first-serve basis. Turnaround time varies from 15 to 20 working days.
- Expedited for Residential and Non-Residential Building: The requirements of plans are per handouts B-1 and B-2. With a surcharge of 35% over the basic plan check fee, plans are given priority, and plan review service is provided within 10 days of initial submittal.
- Quickie for Residential and Non-Residential Building: Plans with limited complexity which are not likely to require more than 30 minutes for plan review qualify as “quickies”.
Requirements for plans will vary; however, handouts B-1 and B-2 shall be used as guidelines.
Examples of what qualify as Quickies are:
- Minor revisions to plans which were previously approved by Building and Safety. Changes of the plans shall be entered on the original tracings and shall be identified by “clouding” the revision. Two copies of revised sheets shall be submitted for approval.
- One-story residential additions, maximum floor area of 1,000 square feet.
- Retaining walls where there are no more than two height variations throughout the length of the wall.
- Commercial greenhouses of standard pre-engineered design not exceeding 12,000 sq. ft. in floor area (structural calculations required).
- Mobilehome foundations.
- Tenant improvement less than 3,000 sq. ft. of “B” and “M” Occupancies type III-N and V-N Construction as defined in the Uniform Building Code. Plans must bear the wet signature of a California registered architect or engineer. Drawings must be submitted as a single, complete package, including architectural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans. Submittals must be limited to tenant improvements which involve minor alterations to an existing building and do not require the plan review of State Energy Conservation standards, fire-rated walls, fire-rated corridors, fire-protected openings, or handicapped restrooms, or change of occupancy.
- Agricultural pumps, temporary power, pedestal, power pole, and similar uses when over 200 amps but not exceeding 400 amps.
- Rewiring of existing service when over 200 amps but not exceeding 400 amps
.
Fast Track
For Non-Residential Building Only: (Subject to Building Official Approval) With a surcharge of 35% over basic plan check fee, plans are accepted in three phases. Handout “B-2” shall be used as a primary guide, and requirements of each phase shall be:
PHASE I (Foundation Only Permit)
- All site work plans, including underground plumbing, mechanical and electrical work.
- Foundation plans and structural calculations for the entire building.
- Plancheck and permit fees shall be 35% of total fees.
PHASE II (Structural Shell Only)
- Complete structural plans and calculations shall be submitted for the structure above the foundation.
- The location and details of all bearing walls, firewalls, occupancy separation walls, and area separation walls shall be submitted.
- Plancheck and permit fees shall be 45% of total fees.
PHASE III (Tenant Improvements)
- Complete architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical plans and all required energy calculations shall be submitted.
- Location and details of all handicapped accessibility features shall be shown on the plans.
- All corridors, stair shafts, and other existing features shall be clearly shown and detailed.
- Plancheck and permit fees shall be 20% of total fees.
Instant (or “Over the Counter”)
For Residential and “U-1” Occupancies: Plans for minor, standardized projects which are not likely to require more than 15 minutes for review may be submitted to the plan checker at any time for processing while the applicant waits. No plan check number need be assigned to projects in this category. (This service is available only between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting January 6, 2014) The requirements for plans will vary; however, Building and Safety handout B-1 shall be used as a guideline.
Examples of what qualifies as “Instance” are:
Retaining walls having a single height throughout their length.
- Fences.
- Signs.
- Minor changes of the plans (simple beams, rafter size and spacing, etc.).
- Less complex decks where no engineering is required.
- Spas.
- Patio covers.
IPC Inspector Plancheck
Inspector Plancheck for Minor Residential Additions and U-1 Occupancies: Drawings for one-story residential additions of conventional construction will normally be reviewed by the building inspector rather than the plan check staff. Plans shall contain sufficient information to show compliance with basic code requirements. Refer to handout “B-1” for specific requirements.
Additions involving engineering calculation and two-story additions shall be referred to plan check staff.
Examples of what qualifies as IPC are:
- One story room additions less than 1,000 square feet (nonengineered).
- Patio covers, carports, garages (nonengineered) except for those utilizing Building and Safety preapproved “handout” sheets, which will be issued over-the-counter.
- One-story pool house/recreation buildings less than 1,000 square feet (nonengineered).
- Decks (nonengineered).
- Revisions to plans where no engineering is involved.
- Mobilehome foundations, if Counter Staff is unable to issue permit over-the-counter.
- “Granny flats” (one story, conventional construction, 700 square feet maximum, detached).
What are the different types of plan reviews?
- Building: Includes life safety, structural, handicap accessibility, and energy conservation.
- Plumbing: Includes plumbing lines, water heaters, water closets, sinks, and lavatory, etc.
- Mechanical: Includes furnace, condenser, wall heaters, chillers, and duct workers, etc.
- Electrical: Includes electrical wiring, panel sizing, electrical equipment, etc.
Where can I get information on minimum requirements on my plans?
When are the Plan-Check Staff Available?
Plan review information: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Plan check staff: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Appointment is required to see plan reviewer.)
