Projects that Don't Require Permits

Certain simple improvements do not require City permits. However, no project can violate City Code, including conducting construction outside of City adopted construction hours, nor violate any State or Federal laws and regulations.

Do Not Require Building Permits

The following projects are exempt from a building permit per Section 105 of the California Building Code and Section R105 of the California Residential Code:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses with no mechanical, electrical or plumbing installed, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet and comply with accessory structure zoning regulations. Note: These structures may still be regulated by Section 710A of the Building Code, despite exemption from permits.
2. Wood fences 6 feet or less in height and consistent with zoning requirements.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height, as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or II-A-liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on-grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter, or width, does not exceed 2:1 and are compliant with zoning regulations.
6. Sidewalks, residential decks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement, or habitable story below, and are not part of an accessible route or required exit. Consult with Planning for zoning requirements and Public Works for off-site improvements requirements, if in the public right-of-way.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work that are not part of an accessible route or furnishing a portion of a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Note: Kitchen and bathroom cabinet replacements require a permit. Exterior painting of any building requires Planning approval, excluding a single family residence or duplex.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery provided an accessible route is available.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy (single-family residence) that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground. Must comply with zoning requirements.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a detached single-family residence or duplex and not part of a public playground. Note: Play structures cannot be located in the front yard. 
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall, which: (a) do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall; (b) do not require additional support, and (c) are not on a structure located within a Homeowners Association. Must comply with building setbacks and/or allowable encroachments per zoning regulations.
13. Nonfixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5' - 9" in height.
14. Roofing repairs less than 100 square feet (one roofing square).
15. Window replacements utilizing the existing framing and not on a structure within a Homeowners Association. Note: Any window replacement for an emergency escape and rescue opening required per Section R310 of the California Residential Code or Chapter 10 of the California Building Code requires a permit.
16. A pond at a single-family residence or duplex, not for swimming or recreational use, and contains less than 18" in depth, intended for fish or aesthetic purposes and protected from public access.

Do Not Require Planning (Zoning) Permits

The following projects are exempt from a planning (zoning) permit, but may require other city permits:

1. Electric vehicle charging stations. Note: A building permit is required.
2. The installation of irrigation lines.
3. Interior alterations and remodels that do not result in an increase in the floor area within the structure or a change the use of the structure. Note: Other city permits are required, including a building permit.
4. Ordinary repairs and maintenance, if the work does not result in any change in the land use of the site or structure or the addition to, enlargement, or expansion of a structure and if any exterior repairs employ the same materials and design as the original. 
5. The addition of a photovoltaic (solar) system to an existing roof or on the ground. Note: A building permit is required to install. 
6. Any spas, hot tubs, ponds that do not exceed 120 square feet in total area, including related equipment, contain no more than 2,000 gallons of water or exceed 3' in depth, and comply with zoning setback requirements for pools/spas. Note: A building permit may be required to install.