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:
- 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.
- Fences not over 6 feet in height.
- Oil derricks
- Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
- 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.
- 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.
- Platforms, decks, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
- Painting, papering and similar finish work.
- Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
- 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:
- Painting
- Floor Covering
- Interior doors and finish
For additional information, please contact us at (559) 600-4560 or E-mail Building Inspectors