On October 11, 1995 the Board of Supervisors took action to reduce or eliminate permit requirements and/or fees for certain building permits associated with single family dwellings and duplexes. Effective November 16, 1995 (Homeowner's Relief) the following are exempt from the building permit process (no plan check or permit fees, no plan review or inspections):
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Carports of 300 square feet or less. (Must meet setback requirements.)
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Patio covers of 300 square feet or less. (Must meet setback requirements.)
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Driveways when associated with a residential building permit.
Effective November 16, 1995, (Homeowner Relief) and June 9, 1998 (Business Owner Relief), the following building permits will not require fees for permits, plan review and/or inspections. However, a no-fee permit must be obtained and all applicable inspections are still required. In some cases State and other local agency fees are applicable:
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Sea cargo containers of 320 square feet or less when used for storage
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Exterior siding or plastering
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Replacement or repair of interior drywall when on a wall or ceiling not required to be fire rated
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Skylights that are ICBO approved
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Non-masonry fencing and free-standing walls
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Hot water heater replacement (no modification or alteration of the electrical or gas system)
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Emergency gas line repair
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Electrical air conditioners and heaters replacement (no alteration to the electrical system)
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Residential Photovoltaic Electrical Systems. (Effective September 2001)
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Residential Wind Turbine Electrical Systems (effective April 2008)
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Window replacements with the same net openable area
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Door replacements that are not required to be fire-rated
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Replacement of roofing material
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Lawn sprinkler systems
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Abandon septic system/connect to public sewer
Certain permits accessory to a single family dwelling, duplex or manufactured home will not pay plan check fees if the structure is built to County standard plans (permit fees may still be applicable):
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Carports over 300 square feet
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Patio covers over 300 square feet
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Fireplaces
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Retaining walls
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Seismic retrofits
ELIMINATION OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR BUILDING PERMITS FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM COMPLYING WITH THE ZONING ORDINANCE, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY CODES, OR ANY OTHER COUNTY, STATE OR FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Also on August 8, 1995 the Board of Supervisors approved waiving investigative fees for all building violations that were being processed by our enforcement staff prior to October 1, 1995. This savings became effective October 1, 1995.
THE CURRENT POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND LAND USE, BUILDING DIVISION, IS THAT IF YOU "TURN YOURSELF IN" FOR A VIOLATION (MEANING THAT NO ENFORCEMENT ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY OUR STAFF) THE INVESTIGATIVE FEE IS NOT IMPOSED. THIS POLICY IS STILL IN EFFECT.
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