What type of work requires a building permit?

Any building or structure that is to be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished requires a Building Permit from the Building Department. However, there are some exceptions that do not require a Building Permit. Some examples of these are:

• One-story detached buildings, which are accessory to single-family dwellings, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 128 square feet. (Note: these structures must still comply with the local Zoning setback requirements. Please check with the Planning Division to ensure that you are in compliance with their requirements.)
• Fences not over 6 feet high. (Note: Please check with the Planning Division and Engineering Department for additional requirements concerning locations of fences.)
• Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
• Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
• Painting, papering and similar finish work.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a single-family dwelling when projecting not more than 54 inches. Check with the Planning Division for setback requirements.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single-family residence in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. (State and local regulations concerning fences and barriers around pools and hot tubs must still be complied with.) Check with the Planning Division for setback requirements.

Note: While the building code may exempt certain work from building permit requirements, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work is not exempted.

The Rohnert Park Building Division requires that a building permit be obtained when any repair, whether it is roofing, siding, flooring or interior walls, exceeds 100 sq. ft.

Should you have any questions in regards to permits or permit requirements, call the Building Division at 588-2240.

Who can obtain a permit?

Any number of people can take out a Building Permit. However, there are certain limitations as follows:

• Property owners may take out a Building Permit as an "Owner-Builder". If all of the work is done by California licensed contractors, the building may be offered for sale. However, an "Owner-Builder" may not construct a building that is intended for sale or offered for sale within one year of completion of the project.
• A Lessee may take out a Building Permit for a project, with the same rights as an Owner-Builder, provided his/her lease allows for this to be done. (This is mostly seen in the case of non-residential buildings.) The lessee must provide evidence to the Building Dept. that they have this right.
• Contractors licensed in the State of California may take out permits for the type of work they are licensed to perform.
• Architects, acting as agents for the owner, may take out a Building Permit.
• Any other person acting as an agent for an owner or contractor who can present a verifiable affidavit showing that they have authority to take out a permit.

Workers Compensation Insurance Requirements

Section 3700 of the State of California Labor Code requires that anyone who is an employer must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. You may be considered an employer if you hire someone to perform any type of work that is done for which a permit is issued. If you hire a contractor who has employees, the contractor must have workers’ compensation insurance. If your contractor has employees and does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may be liable for any damages as a result of injury in the performance of the work for which the permit was issued. It is highly recommended that persons hiring contractors obtain proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage prior to the commencement of the work.

Business License Requirements

Anyone who takes out a Building Permit and is being financially compensated for the work they do in conjunction with the permit, must also have a City Business License. A Business License may be taken out on an annual basis or can be purchased for a "one-time only" job.