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1. Do I have to hire a contractor to perform the work after receiving a Building Permit?

No, you do not have to hire a contractor. Many homeowners do their own minor residential upgrades. However, if you do, please make sure your contractor has a City of Coalinga business license in addition to a State Contractor’s license. A final inspection cannot be scheduled until your contractor and all the sub-contractors used for your project have obtained a business license from the City. All commercial projects and HVAC work requires the use of a licensed contractor.

2. Do I need a soil report if I want to build an addition to my house?

The following examples of work may not require a soil Investigation report:

• Residential Additions/Remodels: One-story additions 750 square foot or less on level, undisturbed grade to an existing single family dwelling or a second-story additions 750 square foot or less to an existing single family dwelling with engineering design, and non-structural remodels.
• Detached Residential Accessory Structures: Detached residential accessory structures not exceeding 750 square feet in area such as:
  • Animal enclosures and similar structures
  • Barns
  • Carports
  • Equipment sheds
  • Garages
  • Gazebos
  • Patio structures
  • Playhouses
  • Recreation rooms
  • Stables
  • Storerooms
  • Trellis
  • Workshops
• Non-Habitable Accessory Structures: Miscellaneous structures such as free standing fences not exceeding 8 feet in height, decks no greater than 4 feet above grade at any point, retaining walls which retain no more than 5 feet level surcharge, photovoltaic systems, barbeques and other similar structures.

3. When is a Permit required?

A permit is required for:

• Building permits are required for new Construction, Remodeling and Tenant Improvements for both Commercial and Residential projects. Construction plans and documents are reviewed for compliance with applicable State and local laws and regulations.
• Mechanical permits are required for installation or replacement of mechanical equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, hoods, boilers and others.
• Electrical permits are required for electrical equipment and electrical installations associated with other equipment, such as outlets, lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, electrical panels and services, signs and others.
• Plumbing permits are required for installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sewer, water and gas lines, water heaters, sinks, water closets and others.

4. Why do I need a Building Permit?

The California Building Code requires a Building Permit for new construction, remodeling and tenant improvements for both commercial and residential projects; a mechanical permits for installation or replacement of mechanical equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, hoods, boilers, etc.; an electrical permits for electrical equipment and electrical installations associated with other equipment, such as:

• Electrical panels and services
• Electrical wiring
• Lighting fixtures
• Outlets
• Signs

A plumbing permits for installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sewer, water and gas lines, water heaters, sinks, water closets, etc.

If you are found performing construction work without the benefit of a building permit, a Building Inspector may stop the work in progress. Work cannot continue until a proper permit has been obtained. In these cases, permit fees are doubled. Work done without the benefit of inspections can pose a health and safety hazard and potentially make it harder to sell your home.

5. How do I obtain a contractor’s license?

Contact the California Contractors State License Board at 800-321-CSLB for information. You can also find information by visiting the  California Contractors State License Board website.

6. How long does the plan review take?

Plan review generally takes 10 business days for a 1st submittal and 5 business days for resubmittals.

7. How much does a building permit cost?

Permit costs are based on the valuation of the work. The minimum cost for a permit is $5,419, which includes 1 inspection. The Building and Safety Division has fee schedules available for re-roofs, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.

8. When do I need a permit to fix my roof?

A roof repair is 15% of the total roof area or less and does not require a permit. Any repair greater than 15% of the roof area requires a permit.

9. Do I have to put cool roof shingles on my home?

If your home has central heating and air and has 40 feet of ducts in the attic, then it must comply with the cool roof requirements. There are several way to accomplish this:

1. Cool roof shingles
2. Passing a duct test
3. Insulating your attic with R-38 or better
4.  Install as radiant barrier (remove roofing material to the trusses and install foil backed sheathing the roof)