Permits are the way the City of Chico regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: Some examples of projects requiring permits are as follows: Most major projects will require permits of some kind (building permits and/or planning permits). This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which protect its occupants and neighbors in everyday living and in the case of emergencies or natural disasters. Some minor projects are allowed without obtaining building permits. However, depending upon the project, other permits (planning permits, encroachment permits, special activities permits, etc.) may be required. In either case, the construction of such projects should be in conformance with all applicable codes. Some of the projects which do not require a building permit are: Minor improvements typically not needing a permit: These examples are only some of the exempted projects which are listed in various code books.
Not all exempted projects have been included. Contact the Building Division for additional information. If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a Stop Work Order will immediately be issued by an Inspector. You will be required to apply for the permit(s) and pay fees (up to triple the amount of the original fee). After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work which has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the Stop Work Order. In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you may be required to replace or restore the area to its original condition prior to your construction. Permits are issued by the Building Division at the Permit Counter which is located in the Chico Municipal Building, 411 Main Street. On some simple jobs, a permit can be obtained during the first visit. In most circumstances, more time will be needed to review the plans in detail prior to issuing any permits.
A minimum of three complete sets of plans (minimum 24" x 36") are required to obtain permits for most projects. Four sets are needed for Commercial projects or projects which require other permits. Please note it is acceptable if one set of plans consists only of: a site plan, floor plan, and elevations. Staff at the Permit Counter can assist you with the requirements for your specific project. In general, however, a complete set includes two sets of energy calculations, truss calculations, and structural calculations (but is not necessarily limited to): When applying for a permit, the following information is required to complete the permit submittal: Plans, drawings and specifications may be prepared by anyone for the following projects: If any portion of any structure exempted by this section deviates from substantial compliance with conventional framing requirements, that portion must be designed by a licensed design professional. Permits may be issued to: When a permit is issued, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified.
A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement. Contractors are required to have a current City of Chico business license and current State of California Contractor's license. If employees are to be used, Workers' Compensation Insurance Company and policy number must be supplied. The cost of building permits is based upon the City of Chico's fee schedule. All fees are detailed in the fee schedule under the Community Development Department (CDD) Planning Department fees, Building Division fees, and Exhibits 1, 2 and 3. Fees may be paid in cash, personal checks, money orders or by credit card (Visa or Master cards). Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects, such as re-roofs, water heaters, window replacements, and termite repair work can be fully permitted over-the-counter. Other projects, require that plans be submitted for additional review. For most projects the City can review the plans within three weeks of submittal.
It is your responsibility to call us for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still the property owner's responsibility to make sure the inspections are made. During the construction phase, inspections by City Staff are required prior to covering any concealed areas. Inspections also are required prior to: Inspections are also required prior to connecting to or the hook-up of: These inspections are required to insure that the construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and project conditions-of-approval, and/or that all current code standards are being met. In turn, this will help to insure your personal safety and to secure the value of the improvement. It is your responsibility to schedule all inspections. An appointment must be made at least one working day in advance. During busy construction months, you may have to schedule several days in advance. Periodic inspections must be scheduled until the project is completed and final approval is given by the City.
After the job has received a final inspection, the building permit will be kept on file with the City of Chico as proof of the work completed. Property owners may do work on their own property, but certain regulations must be followed including Workers' Compensation Law. If the property owner hires anyone they may need to purchase Workers' Compensation Insurance. Proof of this insurance will need to be provided to the Building Division. The property owner will also need to fill out an Owner-Builder Statement prior to the issuance of a permit. Contractors are required by the State of California to be licensed by the California State Contractors' License Board (CSLB). You can verify a contractors' license information by telephoning the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). CUSD School Fee Rates Generally, permits expire after 180 days if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of City codes.