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1. Why do we have building codes?

Building codes are in place for public safety. This allows architects, engineers, contractors, and others in the building community to take advantage of the latest technological advances accommodated in these codes with resultant savings to the consumer.

2. What is the building code?

Practically, it is the government’s official statement on building safety. Technically, it is a compendium of laws and ordinances setting minimum safety standards and arranged in a systematic manner for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of building construction - fire and structural items as well as the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.

3. Who needs building codes?

We all do - whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories, or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living.

4. Who uses the building code?

Everyone is impacted by a building construction project - architects and engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors, the manufactures and distributors of building materials and, finally, the user or occupant of the building.

5. Why inspect during construction?

It is the only way to verify independently that code compliance has been achieved. Did you know, that before you moved into your building, the construction had been inspected an average of 10 times?

Building inspections serve only to verify conformity to minimum standards and do not guarantee the quality of construction.

6. Which construction projects require engineered plans?

Business and Professions Code Sections 5537, 5538, and 6737.1 specify what an unlicensed person may design. Generally, unlicensed persons are limited to non-structural storefronts and minor interior alterations. Unlicensed persons may not design any component that would effect the safety of any building or its occupants, including, but not limited to, structural or seismic components.

7. What is a building permit?

A building permit grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.

8. Which construction projects need building permits?

Some examples of required building permits are:

• New buildings
• Additions
• Renovations
• Demolitions
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
• Water heaters, re-roofs, signs, and masonry fences over 42 inches high (retaining walls more than three feet)
• Tenant improvements in existing buildings

9. Why do I need a building permit?

Building permits provide the means for building officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare.

10. Who is allowed to pull a building permit?

Only the owner, owner’s licensed contractor, or owner’s authorized agent may pull a building permit.

11. What is the building permit process?

Before any construction or remodeling work begins, an application for a building permit must be made. Building permit application and plan check provide the means for building officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

12. What happens when I visit the Building and Safety Division?

We will ask you "What are you planning to do?" And "Where are you planning to do it?" We will provide you with information and refer you to other agencies for their input or approval. It is very common to need the Planning Department’s approval prior to issuing a building permit. You should contact the Planning Department prior to submitting plans for a building and safety review.

13. What do I do next, after I receive my building permit?

The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process. Keep a copy of the approved set of plans and job card at the site for the inspector to use during inspections. Changes should be brought to the Building and Safety divisions attention immediately. Changes will generally require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

14. How do I arrange for building inspections?

Each major phase of construction must be inspected to make sure work conforms to the Code and approved plans. The person responsible for the construction project should request the inspections. Twenty-four-hour advance notice is required.

If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to the Code, the inspector will advise (and provide a written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious and presents a safety hazard, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is allowed to resume.

15. When / how do I get occupancy of my building?

When all the work is completed the inspector will make a final inspection. If there are no further items to be resolved the inspector will sign off the permit. The permit, along with other construction documents will be placed in the permanent address file for your property. After all other agency inspections and clearances are completed, the utilities to your building are released and a certificate of occupancy is issued. Your building will then be ready for occupancy.

16. Should I hire a contractor?

Hiring a contractor will depend on how comfortable you are with doing your own project. A contractor can be hired to do part or all of the work. Hiring a contractor might cost a little bit more but you will not have to do the work and you are hiring someone who should know how to do the job and often can finish the job sooner. If you do hire a contractor we suggest you:

• Get several bids; do not always just go with the cheapest
• Make sure the bids include the cost of plan checking and permit issuance
• Call the contractor’s State License Board (800) 321-CSLB and verify the license is in good standing
• Check the status of the contractor’s bond
• Verify that their worker’s compensation policy is current
• Ask for and check references
• For further information we have free booklets at the Building and Safety Division