Permit applications are divided into three categories that determine the timeline for either the permit approval or for the initial plan review comments.
- Some home projects limited in size are subject to Building Permit Exemption when being done as a single activity or not in conjunction with a larger project. These include:
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- Painting, wallpapering, bookshelves, cabinets, tile or marble work
- Fences and gates not higher than 6 feet
- Roof, deck, and siding repairs when 100 square feet or less
- Retaining walls less than four feet high when it can be demonstrated that there is no lateral pressure against it
- Small-sized home projects often only require an Expedited Building Staff Review before a building permit can be issued. This process is usually completed in 1-2 Days.
Small home projects are typically characterized as:
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- Change of contractor.
- Minor interior electrical repairs, upgrades, or temporary electrical service not requiring plans.
- Minor interior plumbing repairs, upgrades, or water heater replacement, not requiring plans.
- Minor interior mechanical repairs, upgrades, or HVAC replacement, not requiring plans.
Roofing and window change-outs. Please contact the Planning Department before submitting a Building Permit applications. These items must be formally exempted from Design Review.
- Medium-sized home projects often require Standard Building Staff Review before a building permit can be issued. This process is usually completed within +/- 10 days.Medium home projects are typically characterized as:
- Minor interior remodels involving plans.
- Deck repairs involving plans.
- Minor retaining wall construction, involving plans.
- Dock repairs or replacements, at the Lagoon, involving plans.
- Minor project revisions which do not include exterior changes.
- Residential solar P.V. systems (not equipped with an ESS system).
- Large-sized projects often require multi-department review — (e.g., Engineering, Fire, Public Works) before a building permit can be issued. An initial Plan Review Letter is usually issued +/- 30 Days.
- Additions, major repairs involving extensive structural components
- Major repairs involving extensive structural components Permit Applications for larger more complex projects — an initial plan review letter will be issued in twenty-eight (28) working days.
- New homes
- Major remodels involving extensive structural upgrades
- Large-sized home projects often require Multi-Department Review (e.g., Engineering, Fire, Public Works) before a building permit can be issued. An initial Plan Review Letter is usually issued +/- 30 Days. The Plan Review Letter will outline any additional requirements and next steps.Large home projects are typically characterized as:
- Additions, major repairs involving extensive structural components.
- Major repairs involving extensive structural components
More complex projects will require +/- 35 Days for initial Plan Review Letter to be issued.
- New homes.
- Major remodels involving extensive structural upgrades.
To confirm the type of building permit review required for your project, contact the Planning & Building Department at (415) 435-3838.