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Why do I need a building permit?
The issuance of a building permit ensures that appropriate plans have been reviewed and the resulting construction is inspected to satisfy local, State and Federal requirements to safeguard the public health, welfare and safety. These requirements include building construction codes for fire and earthquake safety, energy conservation codes, and zoning codes.
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What happens if I do not obtain a building permit?
Property owners who build or remodel structures without obtaining the necessary permits are in violation of the Uniform Building Codes and various ordinances. They may be required to remove the structure or pay a double fee penalty. Unless the structure is removed, structural plans and any agency approvals are still required. Upon sale of the property, you must disclose any work that has been done without the benefit of required permits. This could jeopardize the sale of your property.
Contact the Building division at (858) 565-5920, if you are uncertain whether or not a property has obtained the necessary permits.
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What is a Building violation?
Any structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished without first obtaining the proper permits is a violation.
Examples of Improvements or changes that require a permit:
Residential remodels, additions, conversions
Patio covers in excess of 300 (three hundred) square feet
Garage conversions
Certain signs (on-premise and off-premise), such as projecting and/or lighted signs, require building permits. Issuance of an Administrative Permit does not preclude the requirement for obtaining a building permit pursuant to the Uniform Building Code.
Commercial change of use, tenant improvements, office trailers; Change of occupancy changes the classification of a building. For example, if you change a residential building into an office, that is a change of occupancy. Or, if you change an office to a restaurant that seats more than 50 people, that also changes the occupancy classification of the tenant space.
Occupied mobile homes
Carports, decks, swimming pools, re-roofs, storage buildings
Electrical or plumbing systems
Sea Cargo Containers
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What happens if a zoning or building violation occurs?
You may receive a Notice of Violation or a Warning Administrative Citation from the Enforcement division advising you that a violation has been detected on your property. This notice will request your voluntary compliance. If compliance is not achieved, you may receive citations.
Failure to comply ultimately may result in abatement procedures or other legal proceedings that may include an infraction or misdemeanor citation. If you purchase a property on which an un-permitted structure is located, you, as the current owner, will be held accountable for obtaining the necessary building permits.
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How do I comply?
You may comply by removing the violation or obtaining proper permits.
Contact the Code Enforcement office in your area if a property is in violation of a building or zoning regulation.
