When it comes to your building project, preparation is everything. This is especially true before visiting the local building department office. If you are ready to build something in the State of California, use the time-saving steps here.
Come Prepared
It’s important to note that building, fire, and planning departments throughout the State are significantly understaffed. You want to ensure the government does not become your consultant or designer. In fact, it is a conflict of interest for any official to act in that way on any project inside the City where they are employed.
The first step in your building process should be to define your project. This means, is it an addition, alteration, major project, subdivision, new construction, or something else? Is it a commercial or a residential project? Does the entire building have to be upgraded to meet the modern Accessibility and seismic requirements?
Knowledge is Power
Even if you are working on a project that does not require the use of a permit, there are situations when it may be unable to meet the zoning regulations for the City where the work is being done. Even if you are only having a 200 square foot building erected on your property line, you will still likely require zoning clearance.
Except for very minor alterations, such as replacing the windows, it is necessary to have a minimum of three sets of plans on-hand. Even if you just want to replace the windows, it is still essential to acquire zoning clearance and to meet the California Energy Commission regulations for the visible light index, U value, and Solar Heat Gain Factor for your specific area and climate zone.
It is necessary to submit the required compliance documents to receive a permit. It is also necessary to receive an installation certificate after the installation process. Important note – do not remove the stickers on your windows until the inspection is complete.
If your project involves an addition, be sure you have established the property lines and the setbacks on the plan and then stake out the site for the first inspection. If you plan to change the grade, be sure to include the necessary topographical lines on your plans and place stakes for the elevation on the first floor and the elevation for the manhole cover located upstream. This is important if there are going to be plumbing fixtures on the new floor.
When any is going to be done on your property, you must understand and abide by all California overtime laws in place. This will ensure you don’t break any laws in this regard.
Understanding New Subdivision Construction
With subdivisions, the need for some type of privately funded infrastructure is typically necessary. The requirements may vary in some parts of the State but will usually require the subdivision improvement agreement and Parcel map, which will be recorded and then bonded. There are more than a few factors to consider, and it is necessary to coordinate with things like public utilities and construction noise for the construction of the subdivision.
Along with the Stormwater management plans, it is necessary to acquire a General Construction Permit, which is provided by the regional water quality control board. This is a document that needs to include the SWPPP or Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. This Plan is prepared by a QSD or Qualified Stormwater Developer.
Even if the department does a plan check for Ventilation provisions, Gas or water sizing, or electrical loads, make sure to provide these. You will need them, anyway, to properly construct any new construction project or addition. This will show that you are an industry professional or that you have done your homework, which is equally important.
Preparing for Your California Construction Project
As you can see from the information here, you need to consider several things and consider when it comes to a construction project in California. Be sure to keep this information in mind to know what is expected of you.