DO I NEED A PERMIT TO...

A permit is required when: “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace and electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated  by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”

Reference:

(2010 California Building Code- 2010 California Residential Code. Chapter 1; section 105.1)

Here are some typical questions asked regarding if a permit is required.

Build an addition to my house?		YES
Add central air-conditioning?		YES
Install a water-heater?		YES
Add a sink/shower/toilet?		YES
Install new outlets, switches, or plugs?		YES
Install new light fixture or ceiling fan?		YES
Add a gas line?		YES
Install new plumbing?		YES
Replace existing piping?		YES
Repair leaky piping or clear stoppages?		NO
Install new fire sprinklers?		YES
Build a patio cover (lattice or solid)?		YES
Enclose a patio?		YES
Put in a swimming pool?		YES
Put in an above-ground swimming pool less than 5000 gal.?		YES
Put in a Spa (in-ground or above-ground)?		YES
Build a block wall or retaining wall higher than 3 ft.?		YES
Build a wall under 3 ft. or a fence?		YES
Re-roof my house?		YES
Add a sign for my business?		YES
Get a large trash dumpster in front of my house?		YES
Paint the exterior of my house?		NO
Repaint my bedroom?		NO
Replace the cabinets in my kitchen?		NO
Tile a room in my house?		NO
Add lawn sprinklers?		YES
Build a tool shed less than 120 sq. ft.?		NO*
Build a playhouse less than 120 sq. ft.?		NO*
Build a walking deck/porch less than 30 inches above grade?		YES
*Permit not required, but Planning Division approval is required.