Section 105.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read:
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from 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. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
2. Wood fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high or concrete or masonry wall not over 4 feet (1219 mm) high when not subject to specific city of Palo Alto Planning and Zoning regulations.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height 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.
4. Oil derricks.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route, accessible parking spaces, or required exits.
7. Wood decks not over 30 inches above surrounding grade or finishes, not attached to a structure, or serving any part of the means of egress.
8. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
10. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
11. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
12. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings and not considered a public playground.
13. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
14. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
4. Temporary decorative lighting: Exterior listed plug-in decorative lighting plugged into a waterproof GFCI receptacle outlet.
5. Replacement of overcurrent devices: Replacement of any overcurrent device less than 1,200 amps of the same capacity in the same location.
6. Wiring for temporary theatre, motion picture or television stage sets.
7. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more 50 watts of energy.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
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 regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its listing/approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
[. . .]
(Ord. 5564 § 1 (part), 2022)