Building:

·   Installation, removal, or alteration of any wall, ceiling, or floor with studs, including making openings for windows or air-conditioning units, lowering walls, filling in ceiling areas where tube lighting was removed, modifications to false ceilings, installation of skylights; or changes to the size of window or door openings;

·   Installation, removal, or alteration of patio covers and/or patio enclosures; and room additions.

Electrical:       

·   Relocation or installation of a new receptacle or switch;

·   Changes to the radiant ceiling heating;

·   Addition of a receptacle for a dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer or outdoor use;

·   Addition of electrical mounting boxes for items such as ceiling fans, lights, or lamps;

·   Replacement of fluorescent tube lights with can lighting or addition of can lighting; and

·   Relocation of wall lamp mounting boxes.

Plumbing:      

·   Addition, relocation, or replacement of any piece of plumbing pipe inside the wall, floor, or ceiling;

·   Addition, relocation, or replacement of water heaters, showers, tubs, dishwashers, shutoff valves;

·   Addition or relocation of pipes for sinks, toilets, water heaters, showers, tubs, or shutoff valves; and

·   Addition of fixtures that discharge to the sewer lines such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water softeners.

Mechanical:   

·   Installation or replacement of central air conditioning or heating systems, condensers, air handlers or heat pumps;

·   Installation of in-wall A/C or heat pumps; and

·   Addition or replacement venting for driers or exhaust fans for baths and ranges.

A general rule is that if an item is located or is supported behind the surface of the finish wall, that item will require a permit and inspection.

Building Permit Fees

Building Permit fees are collected according to the fee schedule adopted by the City Council.  All fees, with the exceptions noted below, are based upon the valuation of the proposed construction/alteration including all building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical labor and materials.  Applicants are encouraged to identify the valuation of the proposed construction/alteration on the Building Permit Application.  If a valuation is not identified by the applicant, City staff will estimate the valuation of the proposed project according to the City-adopted Building and Safety Rate Table. 

Once the valuation of the project is determined, the final Building Permit fees are calculated from the adopted Fee Table on the basis of the identified valuation of the project.  Additional Strong-Motion Instrumentation and Seismic Hazard Mapping (SMIP) and document imaging fees may also apply.

Exceptions:    

Effective September 1, 2007, flat Building Fees have been implemented per the City Council’s approval for single-item permits according to the following fee schedule:

Multiple item permits will be calculated as a combination of flat fee permits, or will based on the standard rate and value tables.