Building FAQs
Necessary permit documents
Permits are the way the City of Chico regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction
- Building Permit: New construction, additions, alterations, spas, gazebos, patio covers, decks, house moves, most retaining walls, fences over 7′ in height, or repairs to either residential or non-residential structures.
- Electrical Permit: New installations, additions, extensions, alterations, changes, and fire and accident repairs of any electrical wiring and electrical equipment associated with a structure or project.
- Plumbing Permit: New installation, removal, alteration, repair, or replacement of any plumbing, gas, or drainage piping work, or any fixture or water heater or treating equipment in a building or premise.
- Mechanical Permit: New installations; alterations; repair; replacement; remodel; and/or removal of duct work, heating, venting, or air conditioning equipment (HVAC).
- Re-roof Permit: Re-roofing in Chico requires the replacement of any dry rot or fungus-damaged wood and the replacement with new minimum Class A, B or 25 year roofing.
- Demolition Permit: The complete demolition of an existing structure. (This permit is required to remove a structure from the property tax roles.)
Some examples of projects requiring permits are as follows
- Covered Patios
- Room additions
- Heaters/Air Conditioners
- Fire Place Inserts
- Swimming Pools
- Any and all electrical work
- Sewer Replacements
- Spas
- Water Heater Replacement
- Free Standing Decks (Greater than 30′in height and 200 Sq Ft.)
- Re-Roofs
- Any and all plumbing work (not including repairing clogs, or leaks)
When is a permit not needed?
Most major projects will require permits of some kind (building permits and/or planning permits). This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which protect its occupants and neighbors in everyday living and in the case of emergencies or natural disasters. Some minor projects are allowed without obtaining building permits. However, depending upon the project, other permits (planning permits, encroachment permits, special activities permits, etc.) may be required. In either case, the construction of such projects should be in conformance with all applicable codes. Some of the projects which do not require a building permit are:
- Retaining walls or planter boxes which are no more than 4′ in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) and do not support another structure, fence, or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
- Wood or chain link fences not greater than 7′ high.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
- Pre-fabricated swimming pools, accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.
- Minor electrical repair work, including replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed fixtures.
- Single story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc., as long as the structure does not exceed 120 square feet, is not within the front, side or rear setbacks (please confirm with Planning Dept.), does not have any plumbing or electricity, and the height does not exceed 15 feet.
- **All accessory structures (pool, deck, building, etc.) are subject to Planning regulations CMC 19.76.020 Accessory uses and structures. While preparing your project please confirm setback requirements and height limitations with the Planning Department.**
Minor improvements typically not needing a permit:
- Interior or exterior painting.
- Installing draperies or blinds.
- Installing carpeting or resilient floor covering.
- Building store fixtures (display cases) and removable partitions under 5 feet 9 inches.
- Building uncovered concrete patios,
- Changing fixtures and utility outlets, such as lighting and light switches.
These examples are only some of the exempted projects which are listed in various code books. Not all exempted projects have been included. Contact the Building Division for additional information.
What happens if I build without a permit?
If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a Stop Work Order will immediately be issued by an Inspector. You will be required to apply for the permit(s) and pay fees (up to triple the amount of the original fee). After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work which has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the Stop Work Order. In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you may be required to replace or restore the area to its original condition prior to your construction.
How do I get a permit?
Permits are issued by the Building Division at the Permit Counter which is located in the Chico Municipal Building, 411 Main Street. On some simple jobs, a permit can be obtained during the first visit. In most circumstances, more time will be needed to review the plans in detail prior to issuing any permits. Many types of permits may be applied for online through our eTRAKiT online services program. See eTRAKiT link on the Building Division Page.
Required Design Documents
Staff at the Permit Counter can assist you with the requirements for your specific project. For most new buildings, additions and remodels, a minimum of three complete sets of plans (minimum 24″ x 36″) and supporting documents are required for permit purposes. Please note it is acceptable if one of the three sets of plans consists only of: a site plan, floor plan, and elevations. Additionally, two copies of supporting documents including energy calculations, truss calculations, and structural calculations are required at time of permit application.
- Plot Plan – showing the position of the proposed project in relation to existing buildings, property lines and any easements, including lot calculation.
- Foundation Plan – indicating the type, size and location of new foundations or footings.
- Floor Plan – detailing the location of walls, supports, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, heaters, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors, and the square footage of the project. Again, as with the plot plan, what is existing and what is proposed to be built should be clearly noted.
- Roof Framing – clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of roof rafters and ceiling joists. Typically, roof slope and roofing materials are called out on this plan.
- Floor Framing – clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of all floor framing members. Floor joists, girders and sub floor size, along with foundation connections, should be shown on this plan.
- Cross Sections – clearly indicating ceiling heights, wall construction, and R-value of any insulation to be used.
- Exterior Elevations- Clearly showing how the exterior of the building will look upon completion. Doors, windows, exterior material, etc. should be shown.
- Energy Calculations- any time conditioned (heated or cooled) space is added to a building you are required to show compliance with the State of California energy efficiency standards.
- Structural Calculations – structural calculations may be required if your project is of large size, unusual shape and/or more than two stories in height. These calculations allow the Building Division to verify that structural elements are adequately sized and connected. A lateral analysis is generally required on large projects to determine the capacity of the building to resist lateral motion caused by earthquakes or wind. This portion of the project must be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect.
What other information do I need to supply in order to apply for a permit?
- When applying for a permit, the following information is required to complete the permit submittal:
- Description of the work
- Location of the project (address)
- Legal owner’s name, address and phone number
- Valuation of the proposed work which includes all labor and materials, all lighting, heating, ventilation, water supply, plumbing, electrical, fire sprinklers, and elevator equipment. The valuation will not determine the permit cost.
- Construction type and occupancy type.
Can I draw up my own plans?
Plans, drawings and specifications may be prepared by anyone for the following projects:
- Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
- Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height. However, this paragraph shall not be construed as allowing an unlicensed person to design multiple clusters of up to four dwelling units each to form apartment or condominium complexes where the total exceeds four units on any lawfully divided lot.
- Garages or other structures appurtenant to buildings described above of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height.
- Nonstructural and non-seismic work.
If any portion of any structure exempted by this section deviates from substantial compliance with conventional framing requirements, that portion must be designed by a licensed design professional.
Who can obtain a permit?
Permits may be issued to:
- Property owners (for work on owner-occupied single-family or duplex-buildings)
- Licensed contractors
- Certified Agents with a Letter of Authorization signed by the owner
When a permit is issued, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver’s License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement. Contractors are required to have a current City of Chico business license and current State of California Contractor’s license. If employees are to be used, Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company and policy number must be supplied.
How much will the permit cost?
The cost of building permits is based upon the City of Chico’s fee schedule. All fees are detailed in the fee schedule under the Community Development Department (CDD) Planning Department fees, Building Division fees, and Exhibits 1, 2 and 3. Fees may be paid in cash, personal checks, money orders or by credit card (Visa or Master cards).
How long does it take to get a permit?
Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects, such as re-roofs, water heaters, window replacements, and termite repair work can be fully permitted over-the-counter. Other projects, require that plans be submitted for additional review. For most projects the City can review the plans within three weeks of submittal.
What about inspections?
It is your responsibility to call us for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still the property owner’s responsibility to make sure the inspections are made. During the construction phase, inspections by City Staff are required prior to covering any concealed areas. Inspections also are required prior to:
- Placing concrete or grout;
- Covering electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work;
- Covering floor framing;
- Covering interior sides of wall framing;
- Taping gypsum wallboard;
- Applying stucco;
- Covering fire sprinkler systems;
- Covering penetrations of fire-rated portions or floors.
- Covering roof sheathing / roof nailing
Inspections are also required prior to connecting to or the hook-up of:
- Gas lines;
- Electrical service; and/or
- Water and sewer services.
These inspections are required to insure that the construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and project conditions-of-approval, and/or that all current code standards are being met. In turn, this will help to insure your personal safety and to secure the value of the improvement. It is your responsibility to schedule all inspections. An appointment must be made at least one working day in advance. During busy construction months, you may have to schedule several days in advance. Periodic inspections must be scheduled until the project is completed and final approval is given by the City. After the job has received a final inspection, the building permit will be kept on file with the City of Chico as proof of the work completed.
Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?
Property owners may do work on their own property, but certain regulations must be followed including Workers’ Compensation Law. If the property owner hires anyone they may need to purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Proof of this insurance will need to be provided to the Building Division. The property owner will also need to fill out an Owner-Builder Statement prior to the issuance of a permit.
How do I verify if a contractor is licensed?
Contractors are required by the State of California to be licensed by the California State Contractors’ License Board (CSLB). You can verify a contractors’ license information by telephoning the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
What are the current school fee rates?
What if I have a permit but never called for inspections?
Generally, permits expire 360 days after being issued if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of City codes. If this is the case, telephone (530) 879-6700. We will help you to reactivate the permit or apply for another with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing your project complete…including final inspection.
