When it comes to building or renovating your home, you won’t get very far without the correct permits in place. It is essential that you acquire the right ones, not only under city law, but also for you and your family’s safety. (Image Source)

The city of San Diego regulates construction for the safety of all residents, as well as for the preservation of certain areas of this great county. Visit the City of San Diego website for more detailed information and guidelines on how to obtain the appropriate permits, or contact them at dsdweb@sandiego.gov.

What types of permits are there?

There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and combination, which are generally obtained for single-family homes and other small projects. Most residential projects require a combination permit.

What types of construction require a permit?

Complete demolition, relocation of buildings, and new construction always require a permit, and they generally require a combination permit that covers the structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical components of your project.  Certain types of renovations require permits.

What home improvements don’t require a permit?

Any superficial changes to your home do not require permits. If you are merely painting, or redecorating, permits are generally unnecessary. Fences up to six feet high, as well as platforms, decks, and walkways up to thirty inches high do not require permits. General plumbing, electrical, or mechanical repair work such as adjusting or replacing faucets, switches, and linings does not require a permit.

Minor work permits:

There are types of minor home improvements that only require permits, but can be issued easily through the Inspection Services Office. If you need to move an electrical outlet, or install a water heater, this is the type of permit for you. Contact the city’s Inspection Services Office at (858) 492-5070.

If you are planning to pursue a home improvement project, be sure to have a licensed design build contractor, architect or designer draft the plans for your project first.   With properly drafted and engineered plans the necessary permits can be obtained easily.  Your contractor should be responsible to call and pass all the required inspections.

Whenever beginning a construction project in San Diego, a number of permits must be required. Many homeowners are unsure as to when the permits are necessary, and what they are actually for. Here is a quick guide to San Diego Building Permits. (Image Source)

What are San Diego Building Permits?

Building permits are merely measures put in place to ensure the safety of residents. These permits are able to regulate construction, and make certain that homes and buildings will not cause harm to the residents. Due to the differences in climate and geography across the country, state and local governments are responsible for establishing the appropriate codes and guidelines for any construction project.  Some areas also enforce certain laws and permits in reference to energy conservation requirements.

After getting permits from the city, there are a number of procedures that must be followed. You may have to submit plans to the city that outline your construction and you will have to establish details regarding the type of construction.

What kinds of construction need a permit?

Most types of construction need some type of permit. All new construction requires a number of permits, and any remodeling or renovation projects that modify electrical, mechanical, structural, or plumbing of the house also require permits. From structural preparation for earthquakes, to protection against electrical fires, these changes should be made by home remodeling professionals, and do require permits.

How do I obtain a permit?

Some types of permits are considered over the counter, which means that you can obtain it in one trip. Others require you to submit plans and applications and then return to receive a permit. You can get a permit at the city’s Development Review Center, which is located in downtown San Diego.  If you are making small changes to your home that still require a permit, you can visit the city’s Inspection Services Office for rapid processing.

What is zoning?

Depending on the location of your home or new construction, zoning regulations may be addressed. City Council has approved maps stating how many residences or specific types of buildings are allowed in any given area. Different types of zoning regulations determine how large the houses are allowed to be in a certain area, or how many residences can be built there. If you want to build something that is not allowed in a specific zone, you may apply to the city council for an exception.

In San Diego there are planned districts that show the intention of the property in that area. Some projects may be long-term plants, so it is essential that you check zoning regulations and procedures before having your heart set on a certain home or addition.

What are the inspections?

Property owners are responsible for having inspections throughout the course of the building process. The type of construction will designate the inspections that are required. Most permits expire after 180 days if you have not scheduled inspections during that time. Your project will be considered in violation of city codes if your construction is completed without proper inspections within the time frame given. If this happens, you are able to apply for a permit extension and reactivation.

Murray Lampert Construction recently added a new feature called Live Remodel to their website www.murraylampert.com.  Click on Gallery and then Live Remodel to watch a major home renovation from demolishion to completion.

There is time lapse photographs from the start of the project to date, and live video was added this week. So check out www.murraylampert.com/gallery/live_home_remodel.php for weekly updates.

Be sure to view the the conceptual drawings and plans designed by their staff Architect Frank Piermarini.

Lumber is being delivered the week of August 9, 2010, so there will be a dramatic transformation.