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Community Development Resource Agency - Building Services

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1. Are building services available with the COVID-19 closures?

2. Are building inspections available with the COVID-19 closures?

At this time building inspections may be scheduled using the normal processes - https://www.placer.ca.gov/2220/Inspections.

3. What should I do if my permit has expired?

Don't let your permit expire. We have a simplistic approach to extend permits; submit a Permit-Plan Check Extension Application Form (PDF).

Once a permit has expired, a new permit will be required to be issued to resolve the expired permit. The following will be required:

• The owner completes and submits a new Building Permit Application Form (PDF) (must be printed on letter size paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches)
• Obtain all department/division re-approval; there may be additional fees from other departments/divisions:
  • Air Pollution
  • Environmental Health
  • Planning
  • Public Works
  • Etc.
• New plans and related documents may be required (this will be reviewed at the time of submitting the new permit application)
• Fees (view current Fee Schedule):
  • 1-hour minimum fee for any applicable Plan Check. New codes will apply to unfinished work, if applicable
  • Administrative fee
  • Inspection fee multiplied by the number of inspections to complete the project
  • Records fee

4. What should I do if my permit is going to expire and I cannot complete the project before it will expire?

If no other extension has been granted, complete a Building Permit Application Form (PDF). Sign, date, and submit it to the Building Division before the expiration date for approval.

5. What should I do if my first extension is going to expire and I cannot complete the project?

Request a second extension. Second extensions require justifiable cause. Complete the Permit-Plan Check Extension Application (PDF) and sign, date and submit it to the Building Division with payment of the current Administrative Fee before the permit expiration date for approval.

6. What should I do if my second extension is going to expire?

A new permit must be applied for before your second extension has expired. The following will be required:

• The owner completes and submits a new Building Permit Application Form (PDF) (must be printed on letter size paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches)
• Obtain all department/division re-approval; there may be additional fees from other departments/divisions:
  • Air Pollution
  • Environmental Health
  • Planning
  • Public Works
  • Etc.
• New plans and related documents may be required (this will be reviewed at the time of submitting the new permit application)
• Fees (view current Fee Schedule):
  • 1-hour minimum fee for any applicable Plan Check. New codes will apply to unfinished work, if applicable
  • Administrative fee
  • Inspection fee multiplied by the number of inspections to complete the project
  • Records fee

7. Do I need to apply for a Minor Use Permit to continue the use of the temporary dwelling when extending my building permit?

Yes. A Minor Use Permit (MUP) is required to continue the use of the temporary dwelling if the project has not been completed within the first two years of the building permit. The MUP is issued through the Planning Division and may take 6 to 8 weeks for approval; please verify the time line with the Planning Division. The MUP approval must be completed before the building permit can be extended. The Building Permit-Plan Check Extension Application (PDF) must be filed before the building permit expires.

8. Do I need a permit for a storage shed or small building?

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, do not require a Building Permit (per California Building Code 105.2 "Work Exempt from Permit"). However, if the structure has electrical or plumbing a permit would be required for these items. Please contact Planning Division for required setbacks from property lines for such structures.

9. What are the minimum residential stairway requirements?

Requirements for residential stairways are as follows:

• Minimum Width: The minimum width of stairways is 36 inches.
• Rise and Run: The rise of steps and stairs shall not be less than 4 inches nor more than 7 3/4 inches. The greatest riser height within a flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. The run shall not be less than 11 inches. Stair treads shall be of uniform size and shape, except the largest tread run within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.
• Headroom: Every stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 6 feet 8 inches.

10. Is a permit required to replace a deck?

If the deck is attached to the structure and is part of the egress components, a permit is required. If the deck is free-standing and away from the structure, a permit would not be required unless the deck is elevated 30 inches or higher above grade.

11. Does the County require engineering when replacing composition roof covering with tile?

Yes, an engineer’s letter would be required to verify the existing structural framing of the roof. This is to assure that the existing roof framing is adequate for support of the new tile roof.

12. Are there pressure testing requirements for Polyethylene, Iron, or Copper water distribution systems?

• Polyethylene gas pipe pressure test requirements shall be no less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 pounds per square inch (PSI) irrespective of design pressure for 15-minute time period.
• Iron (ferrous gas piping) Pipe shall be protected from corrosion by approved coatings, or wrapping materials, or by any other approved manner. Pressure test requirements shall be no less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 PSI irrespective of design pressure for 15-minute time period.
• Copper water pipe pressure test is 50 PSI or operating pressure.

13. What are the driveway construction requirements?

View the Driveway Standards Handout (PDF).

14. How do I determine setback requirements?

The Planning Division determines allowable setbacks from property lines to structures. If a setback variance is needed, the Fire Department and Building Division may have conditions for the proposed structure.

15. How do you locate leach lines for septic systems?

Please contact the Environmental Health Department for requirements.

16. What can be installed in an easement?

Please contact the Planning Division for requirements.

17. What are the minimum depth requirement for sewer, gas, water, and electrical lines/conduits?

• Electrical line depth: 18 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
• Gas line depth iron pipe: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
• Gas line depth poly pipe: 18 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
• Sewer line depth: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
• Water line depth: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.

18. Can water, sewer, gas, or electrical be placed in the same trench?

If in a utility trench, consult with utility district for requirements. All other trenches can be grouped with water, sewer, gas, and electrical lines.

19. How do you abandon a septic system?

Most septic abandonment’s are replaced with new ones which Environmental Health handles through there Department process. If a septic is to be abandoned, a permit is required from the Building Division. The septic tank is required to be pumped, and a pumper’s receipt will be collected from the field inspector. The septic tank is to be filled with an approved method such as gravel, sand, slurry, etc.

20. How do I check my plan review status?

Refer to the Placer County Online Permits Portal. Enter information into the system to determine status of permit. If any questions, please call 530-745-3010, and staff will be able to assist you.

21. How do I know what time my inspection will be?

For information regarding inspection times, visit our Inspections page.

22. What qualifies as an agricultural building?

Please review the Agricultural Buildings Application (PDF) to determine qualifying uses for agriculture structures.

23. Who can provide the requirements for a secondary residence/guest house/in-law quarters?

The Planning Division has special requirements for these types of structures.

24. How do I schedule an inspection?

You can schedule an inspection using our Online Portal or by calling our inspection line at 530-745-3020. The automated system will assist the applicant in this process.

25. Where do I find the requirements for swimming pool fencing/enclosures?

The Building Division has an Informational Handout (PDF) available for swimming pools.

26. What are the plan checking turn-around (time to complete review) standards?

Turn-around time is defined as "the time elapsed from date of application, or re-submittal, to the date plan check comments are generated or permit issued." The Placer County plan check turn-around goal is to complete the first plan check review process within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of application. Subsequent reviews, due to such things as corrections required, are to be completed within 2 to 3 weeks from re-submittal date.

Please be aware that turn-around times are impacted by the quantity of applications or re-submittals. The date of application, or re-submittal, defines the placement of project for review among other submittals.

27. When can I talk to a Plan Checker or Building Inspector?

Please make an appointment with the building inspector or plan check staff by calling (530) 745-3000.