New Commercial Structure

• Five sets of complete architectural drawings (All drawings must be on of 24"x36" sheets).
• Two sets of structural drawings (All drawings must be on 24"x36" sheets).
• Two sets of structural calculations.
• Two sets of Tite-24 (T-24) energy compliance documentation
• Two sets of current site-specific soils report. Soils investigations which are performed more then 12 months prior to the application date are not considered current under Rohnert Park Building Department policy.

Commercial Tenant Improvements

• Five sets of architectural drawings (All drawings must be on 24"x36" sheets).
• Two sets of structural drawings (All drawings must be on 24"x36" sheets).
• Two sets of structural calculations.
• If the project involves alteration of the existing heating or lighting system, California law requires T-24 energy compliance documentation.

New Residential Buildings

Currently the Rohnert Park Building Department does not have Master Plan submittal requirements for subdivision projects. However, the submittal requirements for non-subdivision single family residences and apartment buildings are as follows:

• Five sets of architectural drawings. (All drawings must be on 24"x36" sheets)
• Two sets of structural drawings. (All drawings must be on 24"x36" sheets)
• Two sets of structural calculations.
• Two sets of T-24 energy compliance documentation.
• Two sets of current (soils investigation performed within the last12 months) soils report.

Residential Additions

Often homeowner's, wishing to save the cost of architectural drawings for an addition to their residence, attempt to provide the required construction drawings necessary to obtain a building permit. As long as the drawings are on 24"x36" sheets and contain the required information, homeowner generated drawings are acceptable, except in the case of unconventional construction.

By state law, only a California licensed architect or engineer may produce unconventional construction documents. Unconventional construction must also be justified by arithmetical calculation. For a definition of unconventional construction, contact the City Building Department.

Each page of all construction drawings must have a title block, which contains the name of owner, address of project, title of project and the name, address & phone number of the person responsible for producing the drawings. Drawings produced by someone other than the property owner are to be signed by that person. Licensed architects and engineers must also affix their professional stamp to each drawing that they are responsible for.

Types of drawings required for residential additions include:

• Complete site plan indicating frontage street, all existing structures on the property, area of addition(s), property lines, distance to all property lines (set backs) and a compass directional arrow.
• Elevation drawings showing the complete building at all new exterior sides. These drawings shall also indicate type of siding & roofing material to be used as well as the method of attachment (8p nail @ 12" o.c., for example). Elevation drawings are often used to indicate framing details such as header sizes and lateral bracing elements, as well.
• Cross Section drawing depicting at least one section of the building in one direction. This drawing should also show any insulation, under floor clearances, flashing & framing details which are not shown on other drawings.
• Floor Plan(s) shall show each room and the location of all doors & windows as well as the use of each room i.e. bedroom, etc. Separate floor plans for each floor must be provided. Also, show dimensions for addition(s) including windows & doors.
• Foundation Plan must show, through sectional and aerial view, compliance with Rohnert Park residential foundation standards. That means, at a minimum, the addition foundation must conform to the foundation of the existing structure. That is, if the existing foundation is constructed of piers. Otherwise, the foundation must consist of piers that are 6' o.c., minimum 12" in diameter and 9' in depth. All foundation drawings shall show dimensions, placement and size of rebar.
• Framing Plan

• Roof Framing plans shall indicate the size, material and spacing of members. In the case of pre-manufactured roof trusses, submit the design, spacing and calculations.
• Floor Framing plans shall indicate the size, material and spacing of individual members.
• Structural Details shall be provided that depict the use of mechanical fasteners for roof framing to plates, attachment of new construction to existing construction and all lateral bracing elements.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage to habitable space first requires the approval of the City Planning Department. Once Planning approval is granted you may submit your application for a building permit. Your application must be accompanied by drawings that contain certain specific information. The drawings and information required are as follows:

• Floor Plan shall show all dimensions, location of doors and windows. Indicate on the floor plan the use of the room i.e. office or bedroom, etc. If the garage contains a water heater or furnace this too must be depicted on the drawing. (Should the garage contain fuel-burning appliances such as a water heater or furnace, contact the Building Department for enclosure and venting requirements.) Also indicate location of electrical receptacles and smoke detector.
• Elevation drawing is required when the room is to be used as a bedroom. In this case the room must have a window that has a sill height of no greater than 44", a minimum openable width of 20" and an openable height of no less than 24". The elevation drawing will provide the opportunity for noting the appropriate dimensions. This drawing will also provide the means for depicting the location of insulation and the type and thickness of wall coverings to be used such as gypsum board.