Best Practices

Q: What are Best Practices?

A: Best Practices range from following the legal processes required for obtaining construction approval, customer relations, construction safety, scheduling, energy efficient design, and the actual building activity. Best Practice related to building activity is typically divided into six major construction categories: Foundation including site work and storm water runoff, Framing, Exterior finishes, Insulation, and Interior finishes.

Q: What is the Best Practice associated with a Building Permit?

A: A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law the State of California and they provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel, when that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced. You r local Building Department cannot design or prepare you documents for you. If you do not know how to prepare construction documents then you should consider hiring a licensed contractor, designer, Licensed Architect, or Licensed engineer.

Q: What Do I Need in Order to Obtain a Permit?

A: In the State of California building is a privilege not a right. Much in the same way you need a driver licensee to drive a motor vehicle; you need a building permit to construct. In general a project must be submitted with construction drawings with a completed Building permit application. These construction drawings or plans must show all proposed work and details.

Q: What Does a Complete Set of Plans include for new buildings and additions?

A: In general Plans should include

• Site Plan - showing setbacks from property lines
• Foundation plan
• Floor Plans
• Structural Plans
• Elevations (front, rear, and side views. Show existing grade and structure height.)
• Cross-Section of the building

Q: What are the most important Best Practice issues associated with the site and foundation work?

A: Construction jobsites are major contributors to polluting waterways because they are especially prone to heavy erosion. Grading, excavation, and exposed soil combined with the normal trash, debris, and chemicals used during the homebuilding process result in a murky cocktail that can easily flow into storm drains after a rainstorm. To address this problem, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to regulate storm water runoff from construction sites. The NPDES requires that builders obtain a permit before construction.

As part of the permitting process, builders must develop a Storm water Pollution Prevention Plan or SWPPP (pronounced "swip"). A SWPPP explains how the builder will keep soil and toxins from leaving the jobsite and flowing into waterways. Within the SWPPP are a series of Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are the specific steps the builder will take to reduce jobsite erosion and run-off. It's important that builders understand the permitting process, but even more critical that they implement and maintain the BMPs on the job site. Failure to do so can result in lawsuits, fines, and work delays.

Q: Where can I get specific information on Storm water Best Management Practices?

A: Free manuals related to design and construction associated with BMPS can be obtained at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/manuals.htm or by calling Caltrans Publications Distribution Unit. Publications staff can be reached at: (916) 323-5606, (916) 445-3520 or by fax at: (916) 324-8997. For any other information regarding storm water runoff contact : State Water Resources Control Board 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814, P.O. Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95812, (916) 341-5250, fax (916) 341-5252

Check with you local jurisdiction regarding any requirements they may have for storm water runoff.

Q: I am working on a residential project and am looking for practical details and methods illustrating framing, exterior finishes, insulation, and Interior finishes to help me get the job done right. What should I do?

A: The fist step in any project is to check to see if a building permit is required by your local Building Department. There are a number of publications and resources available on construction, one that contractors and homeowners have found useful is the Journal Of Light Frame Construction Field Guide “ Manual of Best Practices Manual” volumes one and two, available at www.jlconline.com.

Q: When May I Start Building?

A: The building codes as empowered by the State of California Health and Safety codes are clear that no construction is allowed until the permit is issued. Once the permit application and accompanying plans have been submitted, the building department will review and process the plans. Following approval of the plan and payment of fees, a permit will be issued.

Q: I have a permit for a custom home and I want to make some changes but keep the project on schedule. What is the best practice with respect to changes?

A: When design decisions or changes are made and you have a permit form a local Building Department, the “right” thing to do is to wait for the architect to revise the drawings, and then submit the revisions to the Building Department for approval. Not waiting for “approved revisions from the local Department is always a recipe for inspection problems and more delays.

Q: What needs a building permit?

A: As required by the State of California Health and Safety Code, The California Building Standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission apply across the state. Those standards determine when a permit is required . In addition, local cities and counties are allowed to make local amendments to the “California Building Standards” . You should contact your local building department for permit requirements. For most permits, If you live within the City limits , you would contact the City Building Department. If you live outside the City limits you would contact the County Building Department.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Planning Division and the local Building Department?

A: The Planning Department is responsible for regulating the type, scale and the design of land use that may be established at a given location. They must check to see if the proposal is 1) consistent with the general plan, 2) meets local zoning requirements and 3) meets the requirements of CEQA (California environmental Quality Act). The local Municipal Code, together with the official zoning map, establish zones to regulate land use for compatibility with surrounding uses. Development standards are included for density, height, yards and open space, parking requirements, landscaping and irrigation, etc. you always need to get planning’s approval first.

The local Building Department is responsible for structural and life safety concerns in the construction, demolition or alteration of buildings including, but not limited to, matters such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, energy conservation and access for the disabled.

Q: Who May Apply For A Building Permit?

A: Property owners, licensed contractors or authorized agents may apply for a building permit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work are required by State law to sign the Owner-Builder Verification stating that they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from the requirement of having Workers Compensation Insurance, or they will be required to provide a certificate of insurance.

Q: I want to sell food. What do I need to do?

A: The first step is to make an appointment through the County (not your local City) with an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS), also called a Health Inspector for your area. You local county for your area and will give you a copy of the laws, handouts and materials to aid you in the application process. The EHS will explain the process for obtaining a Permit to Operate including fees required and the inspection process. A food handler’s certification may also be required.

After the initial consultation you need to submit a completed application for a Permit to Operate. You must also submit a detailed facility plan and obtain a building permit if there is to be any construction or remodeling. There are strict State standards and laws for building materials and equipment for food facilities. Please check with your health inspector first before investing in equipment, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, hot water heaters, lighting fixtures, or building materials such as counter tops, wall, ceiling, and floor materials. You should also be aware that many existing buildings were not constructed with food facilities in mind. There may be requirements for grease traps, dry food storage facilities, water, and restroom and septic system plumbing requirements. There are also fees for the plan review and an annual fee for your Permit to Operate.

You should also contact the City Planning or Building Inspection Department if you live in an incorporated City or the County Planning and Building Department if you live in the County. You may need to have a building permit from them and/or Planning Department clearance for zoning issues. You will also need a business license which you obtain from the Treasurer-Tax Collector, either from the City or the County, depending on where your business is located. You will need clearance from Environmental Health before the other departments will issue you a business license

Q: I am putting in an in-ground swimming pool. Do I need a permit?

A: Yes, you will need a building permit for your pool and an electrical permit to run the appliances necessary to clean the pool or to have lights.

Q: I am putting up a sign for my business. Do I need a permit?

A: Yes--you will need a building permit for your sign and an electrical permit if it is lighted.

Q: I am tearing down an old house before starting my new one. Do I need a permit?

A: Yes--you will need a permit to demolish your old building.

Q: I am only changing my electrical service. Do I need a permit?

A: Yes--you will need to have this inspected before the power company will begin your service.

Q: I am installing underground fuel tanks. Do I need a permit?

A: Yes. The required pressure test on tanks and piping will require a plumbing permit, as well as an electrical permit for the pumps. A permit is also necessary for above ground tanks.