Building and Safety FAQs

Q: When is a building permit required?

A: Permits are required for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, demolition or conversion of any building or structure, except as follows:

  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.
  2. Fences not over 6 feet in height.
  3. Oil derricks
  4. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
  5. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III – A – liquids.
  6. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to width does not exceed 2:1.
  7. Platforms, decks, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
  8. Painting, papering and similar finish work.
  9. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
  10. Replacement of glazing within an existing frame where weatherproofing of the opening is not disturbed.

Q: Can water piping and electrical conduit / cable be installed in the same trench?

A: Yes, no physical separation is required as long as the trench is deep enough to provide the minimum burial depth of the electrical conduit/cable.

Q: What is the minimum separation between a septic system and a water well?

A: A 50-foot minimum separation is required between the tank and any water well.
     A 100-foot minimum separation is required between leach lines and water wells.

Q: What is required to be completed for a final inspection?

A: All work must be complete except the following:

  1. Painting
  2. Floor Covering
  3. Interior doors and finish

For additional information, please contact us at (559) 600-4560 or E-mail Building Inspectors