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1. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, remodeling, expansion, addition or repair to a structure.

Work requiring a permit includes (but is not limited to) additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, trellises, carports, sheds, skylights, covered patios, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, termite repairs, solar panels and most interior and exterior remodeling work. Additional sub-permits may also be required for plumbing, heating and cooling, re-roofing and electrical work.

Construction undertaken without a permit may be subject to a penalty on all required permits and may involve dismantling or uncovering completed work to provide access for inspection. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, call the local building department before starting the work. Building Permits

2. Are construction plans required?

If you asked the question, they probably are. In order to approve your building permit application the plan checker or building inspector needs to have a clear picture of your project. You must always assume that someone other than yourself is going to do the construction. Very minor work, such as dry rot repair, usually does not require plans. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, removal or addition of walls, exterior changes, additions, will all require plans.

3. Who may apply for a permit?

Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or subpermit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work will be required to sign an Owner-Builder Declaration 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.

4. What kind of plans are required?

All plans must include the name, address, stamp and signature of the architect, engineer, designer or other person preparing the plans. No marked-over or altered plans will be accepted. If major revisions are necessary or additional information is required, the original drawings must be corrected and resubmitted.

Completeness and clarity of the drawings is essential. Remember that the plan checker can only review your plans to the level of the information you supply. Your plans would be considered complete if you could give them to a total stranger and he/she could understand how the building will be constructed and what the finished project will look like. Incomplete and unclear plans can delay issuance of your permit.

5. What information is required on drawings?

For more information, please visit our Drawing Requirements page.

6. When do I need an architect or engineer?

See examples of when you might need an architect or engineer by visiting our Architects and Engineers page.

7. When do I need an encroachment permit?

If your construction project requires frontage improvements or any other work to be performed in the City right-of-way, an encroachment permit will be required. If no work is being done, but the right-of-way will be occupied or used for storage i.e. storage bins, ladders, scaffolding, an encroachment permit will still be required.

An encroachment permit can be obtained by visiting the Public Works Department.

8. How many copies of the plans do I need?

The number of plan sets required is based on the number of agencies that must review your project. One set will be returned to the permit applicant as the "Job Copy," 1 set will be retained by the jurisdiction and 1 set, by law, must be retained for the County Assessor.

Compare your proposed project with the review responsibilities. Follow the instructions in each section, total the number of sets as applicable, and submit that number of plan sets with your permit application.

Two sets of plans are the minimum required for Building Division Review. This is for projects that require review only by the Building Inspection Division, when there is no addition of square footage. An additional set is required for the Humboldt County Assessor.

If your project is for a commercial, industrial or multifamily use or for a building containing hazardous materials, 1 set of plans is required for review by the Fire Department, add 1 set of plans. If your project is being plan checked by an outside plan checker, i.e. commercial projects or apartments over 4 units, add 1 set of plans.

9. When do I need an inspection?

Inspection Services & Guidelines - FAQs