I want to put a shed in my backyard. Do I need a Building Permit?

If your shed is a one-story detached accessory building used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use, and the floor area does not exceed 128 square feet, a Building Permit is not required. However, you must still comply with the setback requirements based upon your zoning. (Contact the Planning Department for Zoning questions.) Additionally, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work in a shed requires 1.) a permit and 2). the shed be on a substantial foundation (as determined by the Building Official. Contact the Building Department @ (707)588-2239, Fax (707)588-2255, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Do I need a Building Permit for a fence?

Fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit unless there is some unusual aspect involved in their construction. An example of unusual fence construction would be a fence constructed of concrete masonry units (CMU) that would result in the need for an appropriately sized footing. In this case the Building Department would require a permit accompanied by construction drawings.

Can I build a fence taller than 6 feet in rear/side yards and 3 feet in front yards?

If fences exist on your residential property City Zoning Ordinances require rear/side yard fences to be no more than 6 feet high and front yard fences no more than 3 feet high. City policy has been to accept 2-foot lattice extensions on rear and side yard fences, for the preservation of privacy, as long as all neighbors agree to the lattice extension. As in the case of fences 6 feet in height, a building permit is not required. If you want to build a rear/side yard fence taller than 6 feet high you must obtain approval from both the Planning Department & the Building Department and a building permit is required.

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

Times will vary greatly depending on the project. Some permits can be issued over the counter while others may take a number of weeks, depending upon the approvals that are required. Please see "Type of Plan Check."

Does the Building Department have the original plans to my house or building and can I get a copy of these plans?

Although building plans for some of the older structures in the City have not been kept by the Building Department, we do have copies of building plans for much of what has been built recently. At the present time, these are kept on CD and can only be accessed by coming into the Building Department. If you are the owner of a property and we have the plans on file, we are able to make copies of up to 5 views of the plans or portions of plans but only on 11" x 17" paper. The cost for this service is $0.25 a sheet.

How much does a Building Permit cost?

The cost of a Building Permit is based on the "fair-market" valuation of the construction project for which a permit is taken out. There are also Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing fees when this type of work is being done. Since each project is different, permit fees are calculated for each specific project. Please see Building Department Fees for an overview of examples of fees. Please contact our office for estimates of permit fees. In addition, if you are building on an undeveloped parcel there will be development fees. Again, these are project specific, so please contact us for more information at (707)588-2239, Fax (707)588-2255, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is the "Zoning" in my part of the City?

Zoning questions are handled by the Planning Department. Please contact them directly at (707)588-2236, Fax (707)588-2238, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it regarding Zoning issues.