 |
City of Davis Planning &
Building FAQ
| Where
is the
Planning
&
Building
Department
Located? |
| We
are
located
at City
Hall, 23
Russell
Boulevard,
between
A Street
and B
Street.
Visitor
parking
is
available
behind
the
building,
with
entrances
to the
parking
lot
located
at both
A Street
and B
Street.
Our
telephone
number
is (530)
757-5610;
fax
(530)
757-5660. |
|
| How
do I get
to your
office
from
I-80? |
| Exit
at
Richards
Boulevard
towards
downtown.
Take a
left at
the
second
stop
light
(First
Street).
Take a
right at
the
first
stop
sign (B
Street).
Follow B
Street
across
Russell
Boulevard,
and take
an
immediate
left
into the
parking
area
located
behind
City
Hall (23
Russell
Boulevard).
Follow
the
signs in
the
hallway
to
"Planning
and
Building". |
|
| What
are your
office
hours? |
We
are open
Monday-Friday
from
8:00
a.m. -
5:00 p.m;
the
office
does not
close
for
lunch.
|
|
| What
are the
hours of
availability
for PB
staff? |
| - |
Building/Planning
Technicians |
8:00
a.m.-
5:00
p.m. |
| - |
Plans
Examiners |
1:00
p.m.-
5:00
p.m.
(voice
mail
8:00
a.m.-1:00
p.m.) |
| - |
Field
Inspectors
(in-office
hours) |
3:00
p.m.-
3:30
p.m.
(voice
mail
all
day) |
| - |
Planners |
8:00
a.m.-
5:00
p.m.
(phone
and
at
the
counter) |
|
|
| What
types of
residential
structural
improvements
require
a
permit? |
| - |
Carports
and
Garages |
| - |
Decks
over
30
inches
high |
| - |
Doors
(exterior
and
interior) |
| - |
Fence
(or
Screening)
over
7
feet
in
height
(where
allowed
by
zoning) |
| - |
Fireplace
or
Chimney |
| - |
Patio
Cover,
Trellis,
Pergola,
or
Gazebo |
| - |
Patio
Enclosure |
| - |
Pools
and
Spas
(both
in
and
above
ground) |
| - |
Roofing
and
Reroofing
structures |
| - |
Room
Additions
and
Remodels |
| - |
Shower
Enclosures |
| - |
Skylight |
| - |
Stairway |
| - |
Storage
Loft
or
Platform |
| - |
Sliding
Glass
Door
(replacement
permit
required
only
if
area
of
is
changed) |
| - |
Window
(general)
(replacement
permit
required
only
if
area
of
is
changed) |
| - |
Bedroom
Window
(replacement
permit
required
only
if
sill
height
is
raised
or
if
clear
opening
is
altered) |
|
|
| What
types of
electrical,
plumbing
and
mechanical
improvements
require
a permit
when
installed
or
replaced? |
| Electrical |
| - |
Cooktop,
Oven,
Range,
etc… Replacement
permit
is
required
only if
type or
rating
is
changed |
| - |
Garbage
Disposal
No
Replacement
Permit
is
Required. |
| - |
Garage
Door
Opener Replacement
permit
is
required
if
adding
an
overhead
outlet
or
direct
wiring
the unit. |
| - |
Ground
Fault
Circuit
Interrupter
(GFCI).
No
Replacement
Permit
is
Required |
| - |
Paddle
Fan or
Ceiling
Fan.
Replacement
permit
is
required
if type
or
rating
is
changed. |
| - |
Service
or
Subpanel.
Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Spa,
Hot Tub,
or Pond
Electrical
(and
related
electrical).
Replacement
permit
is
required. |
| - |
Timer,
Transformers
for
sprinkler
valves,
landscape
lighting
etc.
Replacement
permit
is
required
if the
unit is
not
approved
for plug
in
connection. |
| - |
Wiring
(new or
extended
120 or
240
volt). Replacement
permit
is
required
if
original
wiring
is
Aluminum |
| - |
Wiring
Devices
(switch,
outlet,
etc…)
Replacement
permit
is
required
if
original
wiring
is
aluminum |
| - |
Whole
House/
Attic
Fan. Replacement
permit
is
required
if no
disconnect
is
within
sight of
fan. |
| Plumbing |
| - |
Fixtures:
(sink,
bidet,
laundry
tray). Replacement
permit
is
required
if
plumbing
is
changed. |
| - |
Bathtub,
Shower,
Toilet. Replacement
permit
is
required
per new
state
regulations |
| - |
Dishwasher.
Replacement
permit
is
required
if air
gap isn’t
existing |
| - |
Garbage
Disposal.
Replacement
permit
is
required
if
plumbing
is
changed. |
| - |
Gas
Piping
(new and
extensions).
Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Sewer
Line.
Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Solar
Equipment.
No
replacement
permit
required |
| - |
Sprinkler
Anti-Siphon
Valves. No
replacement
permit
required |
| - |
Standpipe
(washing
machine
or water
softener).
No
replacement
permit
required |
| - |
Water
Heater. Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Water
Piping
(new and
extensions).
Replacement
permit
required
if
original
is
unwrapped
galvanized
pipe
below
grade. |
| - |
Water
Softener.
Replacement
permit
required
if air
gap isn’t
existing. |
| Mechanical |
| - |
Air
Conditioning
(any
type). Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Central
Vacuum
System. Replacement
permit
is not
required |
| - |
Ducting
System. Replacement
permit
is not
required |
| - |
Extension
of duct
system. Replacement
permit
is not
required |
| - |
Exhaust
Fans
(Bathroom,
Kitchen,
Laundry
etc..) Replacement
permit
required
if the
type or
rating
is
different
in the
new
unit. |
| - |
Fireplace
Insert. Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Heating
Unit
(any
type). Replacement
permit
is
required |
| - |
Wood/
Pellet
Stove. Replacement
permit
is
required |
|
|
| How
much
does a
permit
cost? |
| Costs
vary.
You may
call our
office
at
757-5610
for
permit
fees. |
|
| How
do I
schedule
a
building
permit
inspection? |
Inspections may be requested by calling our 24-hour inspection line at (530) 756-4907. Inspection requests called in before 3:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the next working day. Requests called in on a Friday before 3:00 p.m. will be scheduled for Monday. Inspection requests placed after 3:00 p.m. , will take place in two working days (for example, if you call on Friday after 3:00 p.m., your inspection will be scheduled for Tuesday). Permits and plans must be on site.
|
|
| What
time
will the
inspector
be at my
job
site? |
Regular
Hours
Inspections
begin at
8:00
a.m. and
continue
until
12:00
p.m.;
and then
from
1:00
p.m. to
3:00
p.m. If
you have
a pager
or cell
phone
and wish
to be
notified
prior to
the
inspectors
arrival
on the
site,
you must
indicate
this
when
scheduling
your
request
on the
recorded
inspection
line.
The
inspector
will
call
your
pager/cell
and
leave
the
address
number
of your
job, two
spaces,
and the
number
of
minutes
before
estimated
arrival.
For
example:
2265 10
(2265
represents
the job
site
address,
and 10
is the
estimated
arrival
time in
minutes). |
|
| I
am a
homeowner;
I can't
take a
whole
day off
work to
wait for
an
inspector.
Can I
make an
appointment
for an
inspection? |
| Yes.
In
addition
to the
regular
inspection
process,
the
Building
Department
offers
expanded
service
to
homeowners
for a
limited
number
of timed
appointments.
The
homeowner
must be
present
for the
inspection.
Appointments
are
available
between
the
hours of
8:00
a.m.-
9:00
a.m.,
and 1:00
p.m. -
2:00
p.m. To
schedule
an
appointment
please
call
757-5610,
and
department
staff
will
assist
you.
Please
be
advised
that we
may not
be able
to
provide
next day
inspections
for
these
inspection
appointments. |
|
| How
much
does an
inspection
cost? |
| The
cost of
the
inspection
is
included
in the
building
permit
fee. |
|
| What
is the
status
of my
plan
check? |
| When
your
plans
have
been
reviewed
and your
permit
is
ready,
you will
be
called
and
notified.
If you
wish to
check
the
status,
you may
call our
office
at
757-5610
for
information. |
|
| When
do I
need a
Resale
Inspection? |
| All
residential
properties
are
required
to be
inspected
by a
city
inspector
prior to
the
change
of
ownership
to
determine
if the
property
meets
various
building
codes,
zoning
regulations,
and
security
requirements.
A
property
is
EXEMPT
from
inspection
if the
date of
close of
the
current
sale is
within 5
years of
either
the
date of
the Site
Inspection
of a
previously
validated
Resale
Certificate,
or
the date
of the
final
inspection
(or
temporary
occupancy)
of the
original/new
construction
and
no
unauthorized
changes
have
been
made to
the
dwelling. |
|
| How
much
does a
Resale
inspection
cost? |
| - |
$200.00
for
a
single
family
unit |
| - |
$250.00
for
a
duplex |
| - |
$35.00
per
unit
for
multi-family
($250.00
minimum |
| - |
$15.00
per
room
for
group
housing
(fraternity,
hotel,
etc…$100.00
minimum). |
| - |
$50.00
for
Exemption
fee. |
|
|
| How
do I
apply
for a
Resale
Inspection/Exemption? |
| The
required
forms
are
available
at the
Planning
and
Building
counter.
If a
Resale
Inspection
is
required,
it
can be
scheduled
at the
time you
pay the
fee. |
|
| Can
your
office
provide
me with
zoning/
census
tract/
flood
zone
information? |
| Yes.
Please
call
(530)757-5610
for
information.
In some
cases, a
short
turn
around
time may
be
required
to
provide
the
information
you
request. |
|
| Where
can I
find
information
about
the
Affordable
Housing
Program? |
| Information
is
available
on the
PB web
site at www.cityofdavis.org/pb
, or by
calling
our
office
at
(530)757-5610. |
|
| May
I put a
fence or
a
trellis
in my
front
yard? |
| Fences
are
generally
allowed
in front
yards,
but
there
are
height
restrictions.
A
six-foot
fence
must be
set back
ten feet
from the
front
property
line. A
four-foot
fence
may be
built at
the
front
property
line,
except
for on
corner
lots. An
open
trellis
not
exceeding
15 feet
in
height
must be
at least
15 feet
from the
front
property
line and
three
feet
from the
side
property
line. |
|
| May
I put a
storage
shed in
my back
yard? |
| One
small
shed
not
exceeding
120
square
feet in
area may
be
placed
anywhere
in a
rear
yard for
storage.
The
height
is
limited
to 8½
feet at
the peak
and 7
feet at
the
walls
(except
for
gable
ends).
Larger
sheds
are
subject
to more
strict
requirements,
including
separation
from
property
lines
and
other
structures. |
|
| Does
the city
care
what
color I
paint my
house? |
| No,
color of
single-family
homes is
not
regulated
by the
city.
However,
you may
belong
to a
Homeowners’
Association
that
regulates
color
through
Conditions,
Covenants,
and
Restrictions
(CC&Rs).
The city
does not
enforce
CC&Rs. |
|
| How
can I
find out
what can
be built
on a
vacant
lot? How
can I
find out
when
something
is
proposed? |
| A
Planner
can tell
you the
zoning
and
allowed
uses for
a piece
of
property
within
the
Davis
city
limits.
For
commercial
and
multifamily
projects,
we can
also
tell you
whether
we are
reviewing
plans in
preparation
for a
building
permit.
If you
are
interested
in
finding
a site
for a
business
use,
check
the city’s
Inventory
of
Vacant
Business
space
and
undeveloped
properties
at http://www.cityofdavis.org/pb/vacant/,
or
contact
the
Economic
Development
Coordinator
at
(530)757-5602.
The
Planning
and
Building
Department
is
working
to
improve
its
neighborhood
noticing
and
participation
policies.
When a
new
development
is
proposed
(other
than a
single-family
house)
the
Planning
and
Building
Department
notifies
owners
of all
property
within
300 feet
of the
site.
This
distance
may be
increased
for
projects
that are
especially
likely
to cause
neighborhood
concern,
such as
some
commercial
developments.
The city
may also
hold a
neighborhood
meeting
before
completing
the
staff
review
of an
application.
We have
the goal
of
improving
notification
to
tenants
of
residential
and
commercial
properties
and
providing
more
information
to those
outside
the
immediate
neighborhood
of a
project,
balancing
the cost
and
resources
necessary
for
massive
mailing. |
|
| Can
I add on
to my
house? |
| The
city’s
zoning
regulations
govern
building
use,
height,
size,
and
proximity
to
property
lines.
These
requirements
vary
from
subdivision
to
subdivision,
and
sometimes
from
house to
house.
To
confirm
the
requirements
for your
property,
call a
planner
at
757-5610. |
|
| Can
I
operate
a day
care
center
out of
my home? |
| The
city
considers
home day
care
with
twelve
or fewer
children
to be a
residential
use. No
special
approvals
are
required
for
zoning
purposes.
You will
need to
be
licensed
by the
State of
California.
For more
information
on
running
a family
day care
program,
contact
the city’s
child
care
provider
training
program
at
757-5691. |
|
| Is
there a
limit on
how many
people
can live
in a
house or
apartment? |
| The
city
cannot
enforce
limits
on the
number
of
residents
in a
house or
apartment,
other
than
those
established
by the
state
Uniform
Housing
Code.
The
city did
have an
ordinance
limiting
occupancy
of
rental
houses
to five
or fewer
adult
residents,
but this
law is
unenforceable.
State
law
requires
that
group
care
facilities,
such as
assisted
living
homes
for the
elderly,
be
allowed
as a
residential
use if
there
are six
or fewer
residents.
A
living
group,
such as
a
fraternity
or
sorority,
is not
allowed
in a
single-family
zoning
district.
Living
groups
are
organizations,
clubs,
or
associations
with
four or
more
members,
meetings,
and
other
aspects
indicating
that the
property
is being
used as
an
official
headquarters. |
|
| When
I’m at
home,
where
can I
park? |
| Anyone
may park
on any
street
in
Davis,
with a
few
exceptions.
Obviously,
parking
is
prohibited
in areas
with red
curbs or
in front
of fire
hydrants.
It is
also
illegal
to park
in front
of a
driveway.
People
are not
required
to park
in front
of their
own
homes,
or leave
space
free in
front of
someone
else’s
home.
Some
neighborhoods
of the
city
have
parking
districts,
which
may
limit
parking
to
vehicles
with
resident
or
employee
parking
permits
– the
rules
are
outlined
on the
signs.
These
areas
are
generally
closer
to the
University
campus
or the
downtown
core
area.
For
information
on
parking
districts
or to
purchase
a
parking
permit,
contact
the
Police
Department
at
(530)747-5400.
There
is no
limit to
the
number
of
vehicles
that can
be owned
by a
household.
However,
vehicles
visible
from the
street
must be
operable
and have
a
current
registration
with the
state
DMV.
Vehicles
may not
be
parked
on lawns
or other
non-paved
surfaces.
To file
a
complaint,
call the
code
compliance
program
at
757-5646
or email
codecompliance@cityofdavis.org.
A
vehicle
parked
on the
street
without
moving
for more
than
three
days may
be
determined
to be
abandoned.
To
initiate
a
complaint
about an
abandoned
vehicle,
call the
Police
Department
at
(530)747-5400. |
|
| How
do I
determine
my
property
line? |
| The
Public
Works
Department
has
subdivision
maps
showing
the
location
of
property
lines
for most
parcels
in
Davis.
You may
need to
check
the
legal
description
of your
property
or hire
a
surveyor
to
determine
where
the
property
line is,
in
comparison
to an
existing
structure
or
fence. |
|
| What
if a
lawn isn’t
mowed,
or a
property
is
unsightly? |
The
city’s
Visual
Blight
ordinance
prohibits
an
property
owner or
tenant
from
allowing
property
to
become
unsightly.
Visual
blight
is an
unreasonable
condition
that is
detrimental
to the
property
of
others
or
reduces
the
aesthetic
appearance
of the
neighborhood.
Examples
of
common
code
violations
in the
City of
Davis
include:
- Uncontrolled
grass
or
weeds
(over
4
inches
tall)
in
public
view
lacking
regular
maintenance
- Dry
grass
and
weeds
that
present
a
fire
hazard
- Materials
placed
on
the
street
or
sidewalk
- Garbage
or
trash
scattered
around
the
property
- Indoor
furniture
on
the
front
of
the
property
in
public
view
(such
as
indoor
couches
on
front
yard)
- Dilapidated
or
inoperative
vehicles
parked
on
private
property
and
in
public
view.
The
Code
Compliance
Program
is a
complaint-based
program
that
inspects
and
investigates
complaints,
including
visual
blight
complaints.
Upon
receipt
of a
complaint,
the Code
Compliance
Coordinator
will
conduct
a site
visit to
investigate
the
reported
violation.
After
confirmation
of the
violation,
the Code
Compliance
Coordinator
will
take
necessary
steps to
gain
compliance
with
City
Codes.
To file
a
complaint,
call the
code
compliance
hotline at
757-5646
or email
codecompliance@cityofdavis.org.
To speak
to the
Code
Compliance
Coordinator,
call
757-5610
during
business
hours. |
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