The CA Building Permit Process & Requirements --- Part 1 of 2 

Hello Josue. You are quite welcome and I am very glad that the information was helpful to you. I appreciate you letting me know. Take care and be well. - Jose M

You're most welcome

Hello and thank you for expressing your query. The turnaround timeframes are exclusively set by the local building department. However, building department permits are typically processed within two days of submittal, as long as the submittal is complete; which, the requirements on this video --- are --- imperative, as they help eliminate setbacks - and, understanding the requirements will help the success of the submitted building permits. However, if you are referring to the permit issuance --- in general, throughout California (assuming that is where you are) it typically takes up to two weeks for the first review of the submitted construction plans and documents for new single family dwelling projects; and, 15 days for average commercial projects (non-high rise), and, if there are no plan review comments by any of the reviewers during the initial review, then the permit and plans are issued after the two weeks (residential) or after the 15 days (commercial); however, 9 out of 10 times there are plan review comments - so on average I’d say one month for new residential and two months for new commercial, before they are issued for construction. But once again, the local building department sets the turnaround timeframes. If you have a specific project you are inquiring about, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly and I would be more than happy to further help (jm.wboard@yahoo.com). Future videos on this channel will present plan review requirements and permit submittal requirements which will help eliminate or drastically reduce setbacks for building permit and plan submittals to a wide range of projects; these requirements merely set the stage for the future videos. Thank you for your question. Take care. - Jose M

As long as they feel like it ,ifc,if, feel c like it.they require an asinine list of must haves,before they yell," stick m up"

Depends on how much cash you give them in a brown envelope under the table. It also speeds things up if you send a pretty young woman with a short skirt. But that only works if the guy or woman behind the desk likes women...

I completely understand where you are coming from; and I agree, to an extent, that the permit process can exhibit some business-like characteristics. I cannot speak for every agency; however, the business considerations (in theory) support the effective functioning of the permitting process. Thank you for sharing your perspective. JM

Hello and thank you for checking out my channel - excellent project you are looking into building. When your time allows, feel free to contact me directly at jm.wboard @yahoo.com. I may have some information that could be of help to you.

Hello from the left coast, California... It appears you are absolutely right. Although I can't say that I am quite familiar with NC contractor laws; I was able to learn that in the State of North Carolina (recently as of 2011) state laws were amended to clarify "owner-contractor projects," with some limitations. However, building departments will require you to complete and submit an affidavit as part of the permit application; the building department then transmits the affidavit to the State License Board for their review. Keep in mind, however, that local jurisdictions - can - further regulate owner-contractor permits through their local Ordinances; this is unlikely, however, it is always best to double check with your local city or county as a precaution. Here is an awesome summary of this law which contains FAQs: www.sog.unc.edu/sites/default/files/additional_files/Owner-Contractor%20FAQs.pdf Also, here is an example of an affidavit, this one is from Wake County: s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wakegov.com.if-us-west-1/s3fs-public/documents/2021-09/Owner%20Exemption%20Affidavit.pdf Besides the point, but the closest I've been to NC is when I did my boot camp at Ft. Jackson (a.k.a. Relaxin' Jackson), South Cackalacky (Carolina) ... absolutely beautiful State that I will visit again; I heard from a couple of locals, when I was there, that they preferred NC over SC, which I still remember. Anyhow, I hope the above helps you. Take care. Jose M

Thank you so much!! This is very helpful!

@@SmartLifeSolutionsWork Any time! Have fun with your DIY projects!

Greetings and thank you for checking out the video. The information/process is almost universal. There could be some slight differences in every state; however, at this time I cannot think of an example of what could be different though. Please let me know if you have any questions. Take care. Jose M

Hello. Thank you for reaching out with your excellent question. Undertaking improvements without the necessary permits in Citrus Heights, or any jurisdiction for that matter, can lead to several potential issues, both immediately and down the line, especially when it comes to selling the property. 1. Immediate Implications: Without the proper permits, any improvement or construction work - if discovered, the homeowner could be subject to fines, be required to obtain permits retroactively (often at a higher cost (double fees)); or, even be compelled to remove or redo the work at their own expense. 2. Selling the House: When selling a property, the seller is typically required to disclose any renovations or improvements made. Potential buyers or their home inspectors may ask to see permits for any work done to ensure it was completed under a building permit. If unpermitted work is discovered, it can deter buyers, lead to a reduction in the property's value, or require the seller to obtain the necessary permits and inspections retroactively. In some cases, this could involve undoing the work if it doesn't meet code requirements, which can be costly and time-consuming. 3. Insurance Considerations: Unpermitted work might also affect insurance claims. If damage occurs related to the unpermitted area, an insurance company may deny the claim, leaving the homeowner responsible for the costs. 4. Safety Concerns: Beyond the legal and financial ramifications, there's the issue of safety. Work done without permits may not adhere to safety standards, potentially putting the occupants and future owners at risk. It's always advisable to consult with the local planning/building departments before starting any home improvement projects to understand the permit process and ensure all work is done legally and safely. Doing so not only protects you but also preserves the value and insurability of your home. I hope this response helps you. If you need additional clarification regarding the code enforcement process as it relates to unpermitted work, please do not hesitate to reach out again. Best of luck.✌ Jose M

Hi Erick -- and congratulations with the additional projects you are starting to get. I would be happy to help guide you to success. Please feel free to email me directly at jm.wboard@yahoo.com so we can exchange contacts. Jose M

Hi Gab. It is quite unusual for the permit process to take longer than a couple of days for the work you describe. I am hopeful there is a valid reason for the delay. Nevertheless, your submittal to the County seemed accurate. What they referred to as “cut sheet” is indeed the manufacturer’s specifications that you submitted. Quite frankly, I would reach out to the building department (email or phone) to inquire. However, often, in addition to what you submitted, building departments want to see a sketched site plan of the house which shows; the proposed location of the mini-split along with distances to the property line, electrical disconnect location and size - including conduit and electrical wire size and type; all which can be drawn by your electrical contractor (or yourself, if you feel up to the challenge) and should not necessitate architectural plans. Finally, the one item that most likely will be required (Which if it is, they probably should have informed you prior to submittal) is the submittal of what is called a “CR1R-ALT-02-E” or a “CF1R-ALT-05-E.” These are energy code forms that can be completed by anyone and are found in this link (the CF1R-ALT-02-E): www.energy.ca.gov/files/2019-compliance-documents-residential-alterations-and-additions-non-hers Also, if you or your contractor need help with the energy forms, here is the CA Energy Commission’s hotline you should contact (800-772-3300). They are helpful and can assist with the completion of the energy forms. But once again, what I describe above may not be required by the local building department. For all we know, the permit could be ready for issuance - they just haven’t informed you yet. Let us hope that is the case. I hope the above is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at jm.wboard@yahoo.com if you need any further assistance with this submittal. I’d be happy to help. I’d love to hear how things go for your project. Take care. - Jose M

@@CBO.online Hey Jose, just following up in case the info is useful to your viewers. I got the final sign off on the installation 2-3 weeks ago. What happened is that I submitted my first application per the online help desk's instructions as a mechanical permit. The folks in the office were used to getting these submitted as OTC (over the counter) permits, which have a more streamlined process and carry a standard fee. They basically could not figure out how to process my application as an mechanical permit and asked me to turn in an OTC application. This caused further delays because they then lost track of which application they should be processing. After going back and forth over the phone and email for about 4 weeks I ended up going in person and just took us about 30 minutes to figure everything out and received the permit to start the work that same day. They ended up using the OTC application and they included the electrical component as part of that same permit. It was more expensive than I was expecting ($295) and another ($400) for the HERS Certification. Scheduling the inspections was an efficient process and they came out within 48 hours the two times they had to come out. They did not sign off on the first inspection but asked me to 1) label the electric box 2) move my smoke detectors to within 12 inches of the ceiling, and 3) terminate the condensation lines to the outside of the building, as I had originally terminated them to the crawl space. After making these corrections, I received the sign off.

@@dadioodude Hi Gab. Hey, thank you very much for sharing your experience, this will certainly be helpful to viewers. In fact, I may use your example to create a quick example mechanical permit submittal & inspections process; as your experience (jurisdiction's process) is very similar to most all the jurisdictions in California -- minus the initial mishap of 4 weeks... yikes, good thing it was figured out. Many jurisdictions are transitioning to online submittals, and often encounter setbacks/glitches; so, perhaps this was the case. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience -- thank you and I am glad your permit is now signed off. Have a wonderful weekend/week! - Jose M

Hello, First, I want to express my sincerest empathy for the situation you are facing. Based on what you have described, it seems like multiple safety and procedural violations are occurring. It is crucial to address these issues through the proper channels to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to hold those responsible accountable. Here are a few steps and agencies you might consider contacting for assistance: • CAL/OSHA - www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/complaint.htm : For concerns about workplace safety, including the lack of proper barriers around dangerous areas, you can file a complaint with CAL/OSHA. They are responsible for ensuring that workplaces adhere to safety standards, and they can inspect the site to assess compliance. • State Water Resources Control Board- calepa.my.salesforce-sites.com/complaints/Complaint : For issues related to water runoff, erosion, and the potential impact on watershed health and your property, contacting the State Water Resources Control Board or your regional water quality control board could be a crucial step. They can address violations related to water management and grading that may affect your property and the wider community. • State Licensing Board www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/filing_a_complaint/ : If the contractors involved are licensed, consider filing a complaint with the state's licensing board. In California, this would be the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). They have the authority to investigate and discipline licensees (and/or unlicensed individuals) not adhering to state laws. • Local Building Department: If you haven't done so already, formally submit a complaint in writing to your city's building department, outlining all your concerns and the responses (or lack thereof) you've received from the city manager. • State Department of Consumer Affairs www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/consumer.shtml : They can offer guidance on next steps when dealing with potential violations of consumer rights or safety standards. • Local Media: In cases where public safety is a concern and you are not receiving adequate responses from city officials, contacting local media outlets can bring public attention to the issue, which sometimes prompts quicker action from the authorities. And, • Legal Advice: It might be beneficial to seek legal advice from an attorney specializing in property law or municipal law. They can provide guidance on your rights and the best course of action, possibly including contacting state or federal agencies if local authorities are not responsive. Remember to document everything, including dates, times, conversations, and evidence of the issues you are observing. This documentation will be crucial in any formal complaints or legal actions you may pursue. I'm truly sorry you are experiencing this, and I hope these resources help you find a resolution. Jose L. Martinez

Greetings, sir. I may have what you are looking for; please reach out to me directly at jm.wboard@yahoo.com so we can connect.

Hi Tony. This is normally a routine building permit submittal and some jurisdictions may consider this a “combination permit” since it involves more than 2 trades. This is primarily for permit fee purposes though. However, a very important first step is to contact the Planning/Zoning department to check for project feasibility. When you contact them, be prepared to provide them with: the address of the work proposed, the scope of the work, size of the workshop proposed, setbacks (meaning distances) from workshop to sides/rear and front (and distance to other structures). Planning department will further guide you to the next steps. Then from the building department standpoint, in addition to the submittal of a building permit application, you are likely required to submit building plans that show: electrical proposed - including location(s) of panel boards (both new and existing) and amperage, location(s) of proposed electrical receptacles and light fixtures; plumbing proposed - including pipe sizes and types, trench detail; utility tie-in locations; floor plan showing interior room dimensions and interior finishes. Also, if you are in a county jurisdiction - then you may have additional requirements related to Wildland Urban Interface standards that affect the exterior finishes and venting, so be sure to discuss this with your local building department. I am also assuming you are in California; other states may be similar, but requirements do vary. Tuff Shed may handle the permit process, so you may want to check with them about that. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need further clarification or assistance. - Jose M

@@CBO.online What if I just build the shed and not report it can I get away with it

@@tonyfat2458 Hi Tony. I appreciate your candor. First, I am not at all endorsing you to "build the shed and not report it." I can tell you many reasons why inspections are important, but far to often people don't want to hear that. However, something else to consider is insurance coverage - if, say the structure, or valuables within, were damaged as a result of an act of nature; e.g., flood/fires etc. During some of the California fires (at least in Monterey County), that was happening to some property owners that had unpermitted structures; insurances were not covering their losses on unpermitted structures and valuables within. However, please discuss this with your insurance. To answer your question though --- you may "get away with it," or you may not... Even if you do get away with it, the legitimacy of the structure will very likely come up prior to - or during the sale of the property. I have also seen property owners legally go after previous owners (sellers) for not disclosing unpermitted work, because after all - (generally) from many building department's standpoint, the new property owner inherits the violation. Please discuss with an attorney, however. Not sure I answered your question; but I hope you consider the information. If I may say, it is well worth spending a bit more time/money and effort to go through the process - rather than getting into some future pain in the a-- legal issues. - Jose M

​@@CBO.online i want to build 4 container home on my land what permits do u think I would need

@@Sayyourmum Hello. It truly depends where you are at (State and city or county); however, in general, a building permit - which could include the submittal of construction drawings; and clearances (or perhaps permits) from the following agencies: utility company(ies) for water/sewer/electrical, public works, environmental health (usually if on septic or water well), fire department (for fire sprinklers) and the planning/zoning department. You should start discussions with local planning department, however. They normally are the first step in the process, when developing. I hope this helps. Best of luck and congratulations. Jose M

Hi. Yes; unfortunately, such structures are not exempt from building permits, at least per the model and CA State Codes (if you’re in California). If you’re not in California, double check with your local building department; there may be some rural communities that may not require a permit for an open carport. Start by talking to your local Planning/Zoning Department, they will then refer you to the Building Department. Thank you for the question. - Jose M

Don't you worry about doing anything for me, I would be more than happy to help you. Please feel free to contact me directly at jm.wboard@yahoo.com. We can start there and connect further if need to. I look forward to hearing from you. - Jose M

@@CBO.online hey bud. So over the last couple days I called the agent selling a 1 acre lot in the city I’m in. Thinking I might be able to covert it into 100 unit appointment complex. It’s zoned for multi family, but water meters are under a moratorium. And was told the city doesn’t allow for new construction. Should I just look somewhere else or try to get a single family home on the 1 acre + Accesory dwelling units to put on AirBnB to lower my cost of living. Thanks In advance for your guidance.

@@justhector420 Hi Hector. Forgive the delayed response; before scratching the idea to build your 100-unit apartment complex, you may want to find out from the city if indeed they have a moratorium on new housing (water meters) - just to be sure, unless you’ve already confirmed; in fact, I would encourage you to take a look at the city’s moratorium policy, which is public information, to find out what the stipulations and exemptions are. Also, you are on the right track by thinking the ADU route; not many people may be aware; but under the new CA Senate Bill 9, combined with other existing ADU laws, you can build multiple ADU’s & JADU’s (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) on a residential lot (see Section 65852.21 and Section 66411.7 of Senate Bill 9). Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are essentially the same as ADU’s in terms of utilities it may have; however, JADU’s are limited to attached structures and interior conversions, as well as size restrictions - generally. But if you are looking into building ADU’s in the same city, then the moratorium may affect your plan, unless you get a hold of the moratorium policy; maybe there are exemptions that won’t preclude you from building such housing. But certainly, ADU’s and JADU’s can be a viable alternative, considering all the state laws eliminating red-tape to build them. I hope the above is helpful to you. Please contact me directly if you have additional questions. My direct email: jm.wboard@yahoo.com. Take care, - Jose M Link to Section 65852.21 (Senate Bill 9): leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=65852.21. Link to Section 66411.7 (Senate Bill 9): leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=66411.7.

Hi Daniel -- Most of the contents of this video is modeled after general California building processes and codes. However, the information presented is similar to most all other States. I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions you may have., Take care, Jose M

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