With more people working remote, we know some residents might want to take advantage of this time to make updates to their homes. We want to remind everyone that a building permit is required for almost all interior and exterior changes to a building!

A permit is required whether the change involves new construction or replacement to ensure that improvements are built per building health and safety codes.

This includes but is not limited to the following:

• room additions
• remodel of existing home
• accessory dwelling units
• new roofs and reroofs
• kitchen and bath remodels
• water heaters
• furnaces
• HVAC
• generators
• new or replacement siding
• retaining walls and fences over seven feet in height
• windows and patio doors
• decks
• accessory structures (sunrooms, garages, gazebos, arbors, trellises, and sheds over 120 feet)
• skylights
• solar photovoltaic panels
• spas
• pools
• windscreens

The property owner for a single-family dwelling, a contractor licensed by the State of California or an owners authorized agent can obtain permits. Tenants may apply for a permit if they have written permission from the property owner and the property owner signs the permit documents.

Not sure if you need a building permit? Contact the Building Division at 650-330-6704.