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 work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 12 months after the permit issuance date, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days or more, at any time after the work is commenced.
Before such work may be recommenced after expiration, a new or renewed permit shall first be obtained to do so. The fee, therefore, shall be based upon the valuation for the work remaining to be inspected and approved for the project, but such fee shall not exceed 50% of the full permit fee based on the latest adopted Fee Schedule. Revisions to the original plans and specifications for such unfinished work shall be required to be made where applicable provisions have changed as a result of a Code update. Such revisions shall be submitted for review and approval by the Building Official and pertinent fees paid in accordance with the County adopted Fee Schedule.
The Building Official may, without requiring payment of an additional permit fee, extend the time for action by the permittee one or more times, for good cause, upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. Permit extensions may be approved by the Building Official, in writing, for periods not exceeding 180 days from the permit extension date.
Demolition permits issued for the correction of violations shall expire after 30 days.
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.
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.
Requirements for plans will vary; however, handouts B-1 and B-2 shall be used as guidelines.
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?
• Monday: 8am – 4pm
• Tuesday: 8am – 4pm
• Wednesday: 8am – 4pm
• Thursday: 8:30am – 4pm
• Friday: 8am – 4pm
