Show All Answers

1. Do I need a building permit to upgrade or retrofit my home to better resist earthquakes?

The following is a list of items that do not require a building permit.

• Installing anchor bolts, plates and/or straps to secure the existing house walls to the existing foundation.
  
• Installing metal anchor straps to connect posts to footings, beams to posts, floor joists and/or roof rafters to walls.
  
• Adding plywood or similar bracing to existing un-braced crawlspace and/or basement cripple walls. Care should be taken to ensure that existing foundation ventilation openings are not covered by the work.

The following is a list of items that do require a building permit.

• Addition of new walls and/or foundations to resist earthquakes.
  
• Installation of prefabricated brace wall panels or brace frames.
  
• Work that alters the structural framing of the building (walls, beams, posts, foundations, etc…). This does not include attachment of simple anchors, plates and/or straps as described above.
  

2. Even though a permit is not required for the work, can I obtain a building permit to upgrade or retrofit my home to better resist earthquakes, especially if required by my Insurance?

• Yes, the city will issue a building permit and inspect the work for earthquake retrofits. If the work is for installing anchor bolts, plates and/or straps to improve the connection of the house to the foundation, but is not based on an engineered design, the permit and inspections will state: “Voluntary non-engineered seismic upgrade to improve the lateral force resistance and/or anchorage of the building. The installation only validates the anchors, plates, straps, etc. are installed as recommended by the manufacturers, and does not represent a seismic upgrade meeting the requirements of the State Building Code.”

3. If I am going to retrofit all or part of my house to better resist earthquakes, do I have to bring the entire home up tp the current codes for earthquake resistance in effect today?

• No. A voluntary earthquake upgrade does not require the entire building to be brought up to the current code requirements. The limitation would be that any new earthquake resistance retro-fitting cannot create a hazard for the existing building such as cutting existing wall sheathing or other structural members for access to install anchor bolts.

4. What do I need to obtain a permit?

• A completed building permit application and three sets of plans and/or information that describes what work will be done is required. Example: if the work involves installing anchor bolts, plates and/or straps to secure the existing house walls to the existing foundation, provide information from the manufacturers on the anchor bolts, plates and/or straps, identify the size, length and spacing of the anchors, describe the location of where they will be installed, such as “in the crawl space, connecting the sill plate to the foundation wall”.


• Permit Applications

5. How much does a permit cost?

• Building permit fees are determined by using the fair market value of the project (what a contractor would charge for materials and services). Example: The permit cost for a fair market value of $500 would be around $90.00.

6. What is the purpose of the permits and codes?

• The purpose behind building codes is to give reasonable assurance that a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.

7. Do I have to have a license to do work on my own home?

• No. A homeowner (who owns and occupies the house) may do any or all of the work. If you are not sure of your abilities to do any or all of the work, it is recommended that you hire a licensed contractor.

8. If I use a contractor, why should I use a licensed contractor?

• For one thing, any contracted person doing work who is not currently registered with the State Construction Contractors Board is doing so illegally. Would you want this type of person working on your home? Another reason is the registration provides some protection to the homeowner from being charged for work and materials not provided or paying twice for them (material suppliers and subcontractors can place a lien on your home if they do not receive payment from your contractor). You can verify if a contractor is registered on the State Construction Contractors Board.

9. If I am having my project done by a licensed contractor, should I rely on my contractor to get the permits?

• Often there is a misunderstanding between the contractor and owner as to who is responsible for obtaining the permits. Be sure it is clear who is responsible. If the contractor were to be responsible for obtaining the permits, it would be wise to have the contractor provide proof they did so. The owner will ultimately be responsible for the work on their property.

10. How long does it take to get a permit?

• The length of time varies depending on the complexity of the project. The Building Services Division has a staff member available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am - 9 am and 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm or by appointment to review small, simple projects “over the counter.” This means you can come in and leave with a permit (taking approximately one-half hour). It may take other more complex projects up to two weeks before they are reviewed.

11. Do I have to have my plans drawn by a Professional Designer, Architect, or Engineer?

• No. The owner or anyone they choose may draw the plans as long as they are clear and detailed enough to indicate what and how the project will be built. If the earthquake upgrade is intended to upgrade the house to the current code requirements or an established seismic retrofit standard, a design professional will be required to prepare the plans and design.

12. Why do I need inspections? Do I have to pay for these inspections?

• Inspections are required at various stages of the project to see that the work is following the approved plans and codes. There is no additional charge for the inspections. They have been paid for with the permit fees.

13. How do I get an inspection?

• To request an inspection, call the City Inspection Request Lines (526-2400). Please leave the following information: Address of the job site, the permit number, the type of inspection needed, contractor or contact person, and a contact telephone number. Inspection requests received before 7:00 am will normally be done that same day. Requests received after 7:00 am will be done the following workday. The Building Services Division will try to accommodate requests by homeowners to schedule a time for the inspector to meet them when necessary.