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This is one of the most common questions we receive at Nevada County’s Building Department. A homeowner thinking about remodeling, adding a small addition, a garage conversion, adding a gazebo to backyard, or replacing siding or reroofing typically hopes the answer “no.”
Folks seem to have an unreasonable fear of obtaining building permits and the entire inspection process. No fears — the permitting and inspection process really is not that difficult. Because many homeowner projects actually do require a permit, it might be helpful to look at some questions that might arise.
<b>Why are there building codes and building permits?</b>
Quite simply, building codes — including codes on structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other components of your home — are in place to help ensure your safety.
The codes set a number of standards, and all are intended to help builders, homeowners, and the community have safe and secure buildings. Building permits are your legal permission to proceed with the project, as well as your agreement or contractor’s agreement to do the work in compliance with current codes. A house may be around for a 100 years, and there may be many owners — the Building Department wants to ensure the home is safe for many generations.
<b>If I get a permit, can I do the work myself?</b>
Absolutely! You can perform any construction work on a home that you own, providing you are not building or remodeling the home with the specific intention of selling it in the next twelve months.
<b>When do I need a permit?</b>
The 2007 California Building Code requires a permit any time an owner intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.
<b>What are the benefits?</b>
Let’s say you want to add a few extra electrical outlets in the garage and a mistake is made during the installation which later causes a fire. Is your insurance company going to cover the cost of fire caused illegal electrical work?
One of the major benefits of obtaining a permit is having technical resources at your side — the certified building inspector. Your Nevada County certified building inspector, with years of trade experience and code training, can work with you during your project. He can answer questions, provide guidance before you start your project and save you time, money, and frustration.
<b>When is a permit not required?</b>
Redecorating and minor repair jobs do not require a building permit. This includes replacing cabinets; replacing floor covering; painting and decorating; replacing roofing; replacing windows if you are not altering the size of the openings; replacing small areas of siding if you are not also making structural alterations; replacing plumbing fixtures if you are not altering the plumbing system; and replacing light fixtures and appliances if you are not altering or replacing wiring.
If you are not sure, the Building Department staff at 265-1222 and they will be happy to answer your questions.
Where do I get a permit?
Building permits for unincorporated areas are issued at the Rood Center in the Building Department, at 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
<b>Is there a fee?</b>
Yes. The fees vary, and are based on the size of the project, and the number of inspections that will be required. Again, call us and we can give you an approximate cost over the phone.
<b>What will I need to get a permit?</b>
That depends on the nature of the permit. For example, a permit to install a roof- mounted solar system might simply require the name and model number of the equipment, while a permit for a room addition will require five complete sets of plans, two sets of Title-24 energy code documentation and other information based upon the complexity of the project. Call us or stop in at the Building Department, explain your project, and we can go from there.
<b>Info for contractors</b>
The Building Department provides a helpful service via the Internet: the “One Stop Shop.” You can sign up for free and obtain simple permits like reroofs, water heaters, and siding over the Web. You can also follow the status of your plan checks from each department. Visit “mynevadacounty.com” for information about “One Stop Shop.”
Folks seem to have an unreasonable fear of obtaining building permits and the entire inspection process. No fears — the permitting and inspection process really is not that difficult. Because many homeowner projects actually do require a permit, it might be helpful to look at some questions that might arise.
<b>Why are there building codes and building permits?</b>
Quite simply, building codes — including codes on structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other components of your home — are in place to help ensure your safety.
The codes set a number of standards, and all are intended to help builders, homeowners, and the community have safe and secure buildings. Building permits are your legal permission to proceed with the project, as well as your agreement or contractor’s agreement to do the work in compliance with current codes. A house may be around for a 100 years, and there may be many owners — the Building Department wants to ensure the home is safe for many generations.
<b>If I get a permit, can I do the work myself?</b>
Absolutely! You can perform any construction work on a home that you own, providing you are not building or remodeling the home with the specific intention of selling it in the next twelve months.
<b>When do I need a permit?</b>
The 2007 California Building Code requires a permit any time an owner intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.
<b>What are the benefits?</b>
Let’s say you want to add a few extra electrical outlets in the garage and a mistake is made during the installation which later causes a fire. Is your insurance company going to cover the cost of fire caused illegal electrical work?
One of the major benefits of obtaining a permit is having technical resources at your side — the certified building inspector. Your Nevada County certified building inspector, with years of trade experience and code training, can work with you during your project. He can answer questions, provide guidance before you start your project and save you time, money, and frustration.
<b>When is a permit not required?</b>
Redecorating and minor repair jobs do not require a building permit. This includes replacing cabinets; replacing floor covering; painting and decorating; replacing roofing; replacing windows if you are not altering the size of the openings; replacing small areas of siding if you are not also making structural alterations; replacing plumbing fixtures if you are not altering the plumbing system; and replacing light fixtures and appliances if you are not altering or replacing wiring.
If you are not sure, the Building Department staff at 265-1222 and they will be happy to answer your questions.
Where do I get a permit?
Building permits for unincorporated areas are issued at the Rood Center in the Building Department, at 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
<b>Is there a fee?</b>
Yes. The fees vary, and are based on the size of the project, and the number of inspections that will be required. Again, call us and we can give you an approximate cost over the phone.
<b>What will I need to get a permit?</b>
That depends on the nature of the permit. For example, a permit to install a roof- mounted solar system might simply require the name and model number of the equipment, while a permit for a room addition will require five complete sets of plans, two sets of Title-24 energy code documentation and other information based upon the complexity of the project. Call us or stop in at the Building Department, explain your project, and we can go from there.
<b>Info for contractors</b>
The Building Department provides a helpful service via the Internet: the “One Stop Shop.” You can sign up for free and obtain simple permits like reroofs, water heaters, and siding over the Web. You can also follow the status of your plan checks from each department. Visit “mynevadacounty.com” for information about “One Stop Shop.”
Brian Washko is director of the Building Department.
