(a) Required: Except as specified in this code, no building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, installed, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate application has been made and permit for each building, structure or building service equipment has first been obtained from the building official. No grading shall occur without the prior procurement of a grading permit or as authorized by the building official.
(b) Work Exempt From Permit: A permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of permit as listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the building standards codes, zoning code, or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) One-story detached accessory structures used as a children's playhouse or tree house, equipment shed or utility building and similar uses provided that all of the following conditions exist:
(i) The building is accessory to a dwelling unit.
(ii) The building does not exceed one-hundred twenty (120) square feet maximum in area or twelve (12’) feet maximum in overall height from floor to roof.
(iii) The building does not contain mechanical, electrical, or plumbing installations that require permits.
(iv) The building is not located in a front, side, or other yard wherein a setback is required by City zoning regulations.
(v) The building is separated more than six (6’) feet minimum from any similar accessory structure and from the dwelling.
(vi) The structure is not regulated by Section 710A of the California Building Code.
(2) Fences six (6’) feet maximum in height or masonry block walls (3’) feet maximum in height when measured from top of soil on the lowest grade side of the wall.
(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, not extending a yard on a downslope and/or with a soils retention depth of:
(i) Thirty-six (36") inches maximum above grade without a surcharge or
(ii) Eighteen (18") inches maximum above grade with a surcharge or supporting a slope.
(4) Repairs to roof coverings not exceeding a total of one-hundred (100) square feet maximum or constituting the entire portion of a particular roof type within any 12-month period.
(5) Detached decks which are twenty-nine (29”) inches maximum above grade.
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(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 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) 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.
(13) Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
(14) Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Electrical Permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
(15) Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the California Electrical Code.
(16) Repair or replacement components of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.
(17) Temporary decorative lighting.
(18) Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.
(19) Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets thereof.
(20) Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location.
(21) Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
(22) Removal of electrical wiring.
(23) Temporary, as defined in Section 108 of the California Building Code, for wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories.
(24) The wiring for temporary, as defined in Section 108 of the California Building Code, for theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
(25) Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty (50) watts of energy.
(26) Low-voltage electrical power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the California Electrical Code.
Plumbing Permits. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:
(27) Water lines to residential refrigerators for ice-making machines.
(28) Emergency Repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation and a permit is required, the permit application shall be submitted to the building official within the next working business day.
(§ 3, Ord. 1707-NS, eff. January 1, 2023)