Permit Exemptions

CRC R105.2 and CBC 105.2

Building

  • 1 story detached accessory structure ≤ 120⎅
  • Fences ≤ 7’
  • Retaining walls (brick, masonry, concrete) ≤ 4’
  • Sidewalks, driveways ≤ 30” above grade
  • Paint, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops (like-for-like)
  • Window awnings with ≤ 54” projection
  • Non-fixed/movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, partitions ≤ 5’9”
  • Prefab above ground pools in R-3 < 24” deep, ≤ 5,000 gallons
  • Play equipment (detached – 1 and 2-family dwellings) 
  • Decks ≤ 30” high, 3’ setback if > 12” high (unattached and not serving an egress door)
  • Water tanks on grade ≤ 5,000 gal and ratio of height to diameter ≤ 2:1

Electrical

  • Listed cord/plug connected temporary lighting
  • Replacement of circuit breakers of the same capacity & location
  • Minor repair work, including replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles 
  • Electrical items < 25 volts & < 50 watts

Gas

  • Portable heating, cooking, or clothes-drying appliances
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
  • Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system & not connected to the power grid

Mechanical 

  • Portable heating appliances 
  • Portable ventilation appliances
  • Portable cooling units
  • Steam, hot/chilled water piping w/in heating or cooling equipment 
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
  • Portable evaporative coolers
  • Self-contained refrigeration systems containing ≤ 10 lbs of refrigerant or actuated by motors ≤ 1 HP
  • Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to fixed piping systems and not connected to the power grid

Plumbing

  • Stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes: provided that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe becomes defective & becomes necessary to remove and replace same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained
  • Clearing of stoppages or repairing of leaks in pipes, or fixtures, and removal and reinstallation of WC, provided such repairs do not involve or require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures

Emergency Repairs

Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency, the permit application shall be submitted within the next business day