WORK REQUIRING PERMITS AND WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMITS

2010 California Building Code

Section 105 - Permits

105.1 Permits Required:

Except as specified in Section 105.2, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.

105.2 Work Exempt from Permit:

A building permit shall not be required for the following:

1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m²).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. 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, unless supp
5. orting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
6. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
7. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above 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, Division 3 Occupancy that are less than 24 inches(610mm)deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18925 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 supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
14. Non fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753mm) in height.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.

Exemption for the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinance of this jurisdiction.

2010 California Plumbing Code

Section 103.1 - Permits
103.1.1 Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make any installation, alteration, repair, replacement or remodel any plumbing system regulated by this Code except as permitted in Section 103.1.2, or to cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate plumbing permit for each separate building or structure.

103.1.2 Exempt work. A permit shall not be required for the following:
103.1.2.1 The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this Code.
103.1.2.2 (1) The clearing of stoppages, including the removal and reinstallation of water closets or;
103.1.2.2 (2) the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

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 Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

2010 California Mechanical Code

Section 112.0 - Permits
112.1 Permits Required. Except as permitted in Section 112.2, no mechanical system regulated by this code shall be installed, altered, repaired, replaced or remodeled unless a separate mechanical permit for each separate building or structure has first been obtained.

Section 112.2 Exempt Work. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
112.2.1 A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, portable cooling unit or portable evaporative cooler.
112.2.2 A closed system of steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
112.2.3 Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this code.
112.2.4 Refrigerating equipment which is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this code.
112.2.5 A unit refrigerating system.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

2010 California Electrical Code

Section 89.108.4.1 Permits
Except as exempted in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, relocation, or alteration of any electrical system.

(b) Consistent with the requirements of section 17960 of the Health and Safety Code, the local enforcing agency shall enforce the requirements of this code, but shall exempt the following activities from the requirement for a permit or inspection.

(1) Listed cord and plug connected temporary decorative lighting.

(2) Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor.

(3) Repair or replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location. 

(4) Installation or maintenance of communications wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment.

Exemptions from permit and inspection requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of any provision of law or this code.