TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR: BUILDING DIVISION 617-4683 PLANNING DIVISION/ENGINEERING DIVISION 617-4645

BUILDING PERMITS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF WORK:

Fences under 6' in height (except CMU Concrete Masonry unit wall) as long as they are not constructed in the front yard setback or over easements.

Portable structures (not to exceed 120 s.f. of floor area.)

Painting, papering, and similar finish work.

Concrete patios (No roof structure) & walks not more than 30" above grade.

Open-trellis roof structures not exceeding 120 s.f. of projected roof area.

Concrete/asphalt driveways (not more than 30" above grade).

Carpeting/flooring tile, lino, etc.; unless disabled access is an issue.

Small sheds without electrical or plumbing (detached/120 sq. ft. or less of floor area); zoning setbacks must however be adhered to (Contact the Planning Dept. for details.)

Replacement of electrical fixtures.

Retaining walls under four feet high (from bottom of footing to top of the wall -no surcharge).

Replacing door and windows in-kind.

Installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations to meet current Building Code.

Replacing plumbing fixtures in-kind.

Residential wood paneling (finish work).

Adding insulation in attic (approved or listed material to be used).

Plumbing, electrical and mechanical work associated with above exempted items requires separate applicable permits. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Fences must meet the zoning code requirements for height in the front and streetside sideyards. Contact the City's Planning Department for these requirements.

2. Any work within the street right-of-way requires an Encroachment Permit. Contact the City's Engineering Division for these requirements.

3. a. Portable spas and portable pools must be located on the rear half of most lots. A Building Permit may be required. Please check with the Building Division.

b. Portable spas and portable pools must be fenced off to the standards of an in-ground pool. See the City's Planning Department for these standards and the Building Division for requirements for barriers for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

4. Small structures over three feet high are not allowed in the front yard and sideyard setback areas.

5. Small structures may be placed within the rear yard and interior sideyard setbacks. Check with the Building Department and Planning Department for code requirements and zoning regulations.

6. Driveways, patios, and landscaping contouring cannot be designed and built so as to direct rain water runoff onto a neighbor's parcel.

7. If you are thinking about a project, check to see if there are any Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (C. C. & R.) on your lot which would preclude it. C. C. & R. sometimes have higher standards than City requirements. C. C. & R. are enforced by legal action from other property owners and not by the City. A copy of the document can be obtained from a title company for a fee.

8. Caution: Fences on rear and interior side property lines should be discussed and agreed upon with your neighbor before you start construction to avoid disputes about the location of the common property line.

9. Caution: Replacement of water and sewer pipes requires permits. See Permit exception handout for Plumbing items with no permit requirements. Repairs to the main and that portion of the lateral between the main and the front property line cleanout or manhole within the right-of-way are the responsibility of the City Repairs or replacement of the sewer lateral between the front property line cleanout or manhole and the structure are the responsibility of the property owner. If any portion of this lateral is in the City right-of-way, it may require an Encroachment Permit. Contact the Engineering Division for requirements.

ANY CAUTIONS?

1. Any replacement work that requires structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical changes does require a building permit.

2. There is lead in most old paints. Chips from scraping, dust from sanding, and painted doors, windows, trim, cabinets, and sheet rock may contain lead.

3. There may be asbestos in textured ceiling materials, rigid siding, and floor tiles. This is a hazardous material that must be disposed of properly. Have your material tested before attempting to remove it. Contact Air Quality Management District at 757-3650 for further details and the Building Department if asbestos is present.

4. Sidewalk, driveway, and lawn sprinkler work cannot take place in the City right-of-way without proper permits. Contact the Engineering Division for requirements.

5. Find the location of all underground pipes and wires before you dig.

6. Buildings or structures are not allowed in utility easements.

7. The back of the sidewalk is usually not your front property line. Front property lines are generally two feet or more behind the sidewalk. The area between the sidewalk and your front property line is part of the right-of-way. Any work in this area will require an Encroachment Permit. Contact the Engineering Division for Encroachment Permit requirements.

8. Illegal construction does not become legal with time. If you suspect that you have construction that is illegal, you should contact your insurance company and the appropriate City departments to determine the status and possible remedies. Any suspect construction also must be disclosed on real estate disclosure forms.