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 105.2 of the California Building Code and Section R105.2 of the California Residential Code:

Building:

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 does not exceed 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 permit.
2. Wood fences 7 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 IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on-grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter is not greater than 2:1 and are compliant with zoning regulation setbacks.
6. Sidewalks 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. Consult with City's Public Works Department for any off-site improvement 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 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.
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. 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 that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support. Note: Must comply with building setbacks and/or allowable encroachments per zoning regulations.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet - 9 inches in height.
14. For single-family and duplex properties, decks not exceeding 200 square feet in size, that are 30 inches or less above grade, are not attached to a house, and does not serve a required exit door.

Electrical:

1. Minor electrical repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmission stations.
3. Any temporary system required for testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus. 
4. For single-family and duplex properties:
   1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
   2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles (but not the outlets).
   3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
   4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approved equipment or make the equipment unsafe.
3. For single-family and duplex properties:
   1. Portable cooking or clothes drying appliances.
   2. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter approved equipment or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. For single-family and duplex properties, portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe. Note: Any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe that becomes defective and is necessary to remove and replace with new material requires a permit.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of a water closest, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

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: A building permit may be required.
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.
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.
7. Any AC or heat-pump AC equipment in compliance with the zoning setbacks.