Do I need a permit to add or replace a fence?
If the side or rear yard fence is 6 feet high or less, you do not need a building permit. No front yard fence, wall, hedge or screen planting of any kind located between the front property line and the front-most wall of the residence is permitted to exceed 4 feet in height. For corner lots, no fence, wall, or hedge may exceed 3 feet in height when it is located within the site distance triangle area; the remainder of the front yard area outside of the site distance triangle area may have a fence, hedge or screen maximum of 4-feet. The site distance triangle on corner lots is the area formed by the intersecting curb lines (or edge of pavement when no curb exists) and a line joining these points at a distance of 40-feet along each line from their point of intersection. Please also note that you may not build your fence too close to the street in the city's right-of-way without an encroachment permit (see Encroachments). Should you have any questions regarding fence regulations, please contact the Planning Department at (650) 802-4263.
Do I need a permit to build a greenhouse or a tool shed?
Single-story buildings that are NOT attached to other buildings may not exceed 120 square feet without a permit. However, there are Planning Department regulations that govern the location and height of these non-permitted buildings. For any structure above 120 square feet, contact the Building Division at (650) 802-4261.
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall?
If the retaining wall is wood, no permit is required if it is 3 feet or shorter. A permit is not required for a masonry or concrete retaining wall less than 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. See the permit information above. However, as with fences, you may not build a retaining wall in the city's right-of-way without an encroachment permit. Contact Don Gilbert in Public Works, at (650) 802-4203 for information on encroachment permits.
Do I need a permit to connect to the city storm drain system?
Yes, you will need an encroachment permit. See the Encroachments section, and call the San Carlos Public Works Department at (650) 802-4203.
Do I need a permit to install a pool, a spa, or a hot tub?
Hot tubs, spas, and swimming pools do require building permits and security fencing. Call the San Carlos Building Division, at (650) 802-4261, for more information.
Do I need a permit to install or reface my kitchen cabinets?
You do not need a permit to reface your cabinets. However, a typical kitchen remodel does require a permit. Please contact the Building Division, at (650) 802-4261 for more information.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace?
Yes, most furnaces are replaced by mechanical contractors, and they will obtain the permit for you.
Do I need a permit to replace a sink or a toilet?
If you are simply replacing a toilet like for like, a permit is not required. We will issue a simple plumbing permit involving sink replacement or similar work. Please call the Building Division, at (650) 802-4261, for more information.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes, most roofs are replaced by roofing contractors who obtain the permit. In fact, roofing contractors apply for more permits any other group of contractor. Residential re-roofs are at least "B" rated. No unrated roofing is allowed in California. Please contact the Building Division, at (650) 802-4261, for more information.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater?
Yes, whether you pay a plumber to do the job or replace it yourself, a permit is required. Codes have changed dramatically since most old water heaters were installed. Please call the Building Division, at (650) 802-4261, for more information on recent code changes as they pertain to water heater installations in California.
How does the Building Division define whether or not a room meets the definition of a bedroom?
We are asked this question quite often. The following is the Building Official's definition of what constitutes a bedroom within a single family residence:
Bedroom: any space in the conditioned area of a dwelling unit or accessory structure which is 70 square feet and greater in size and which is located along an exterior wall, but not including the following: hall, bathroom, kitchen, living room (maximum of one per dwelling unit), dining room (in proximity to kitchen, maximum of one per dwelling unit), family room (maximum of one per dwelling unit), laundry room, closet/dressing room opening off of a bedroom. Sewing rooms, dens, studios, lofts, game rooms, and any other conditioned room along an exterior wall which is 70 square feet or greater in size will be considered to be bedrooms unless the room is specifically exempted. If a home office, library or similar room is proposed, it may be exempted from being considered a bedroom if there is no closet and at least one of the following is present: a) permanently built-in bookcases, desks and other features that encumber the room in such a way that it cannot be used as a bedroom; b) a minimum 4 foot opening, without doors, into another room; or c) a half wall (4 foot maximum height) between the room and another room.
Please contact the Building Official, at 650-802-4262, if you have further questions.
May I use a credit card to pay for building fees and permits?
Yes, we accept Master Card & Visa for permits and fax permits.
What types of construction in San Carlos require a building permit?
Most anything that you can possibly think of requires a building permit from the city. It is much easier to list things that Do Not require a permit.
- Fences 6 feet tall or shorter; however, our Fence Ordinance governs where tall fences are allowed. Check with the Building Division to discuss location of fencing before you start construction.
- Wood retaining walls 3 feet tall or shorter measured from grade and concrete or masonry walls less than 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing.
- Painting and wallpapering.
- Freestanding sheds less than 120 square feet, but check with the Planning Department for setbacks to property lines, height, etc.
- In general, any mechanical or structural work (e.g., cabinets, doors, windows, roofs), plumbing work (e.g., sinks, irrigation, water heaters), or electrical work (e.g., appliances, furnaces, garage door openers, pool pumps) require a building permit. If you have any questions about a specific project, call the San Carlos Building Division, at (650) 802-4261.
Remember: Building permits help ensure that any work done in your home is done safely and correctly. Although safety is our main concern for you and your family, a project built without permits and inspections will often cause problems and delay a sale when it is time for you to sell your home.
