How large a rooftop antenna or satellite dish may I put on my house or property?
San Carlos is subject to strong winds, due to its steep terrain and geographical location. The erection of antenna support structures in the city increases the chance of property damage and personal injury. Furthermore, the erection of antenna support structures may affect the aesthetic quality of city life by creating unattractive appurtenances to buildings, blocking or impairing views, and creating visional clutter.

No antenna support structure or television satellite dish antenna may be constructed or erected without first obtaining Architectural Review Committee approval and the necessary building permit. For specific questions, contact the San Carlos Planning Department at (650) 802-4263 or visit the San Carlos City website at www.ci.san-carlos.ca.us and click on "municipal code." The appropriate section is Chapter 18.118 Antenna Support Structure and Television Satellite Dish Antennas

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 or Planning departments 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.
• Concrete walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over wood framing.
• 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, toilets, 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 Department 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.

Do I need a permit to install or reface my kitchen cabinets?
You do not need a permit to reface your cabinets. You do need a permit to move, add to them or replace them entirely. The placement of electrical outlets is based upon cabinet layout, so a couple of inches plus or minus dictates where plug receptacles are required. "Hung cabinets” or overhead cabinets are also very heavy, and after being loaded with typical kitchen materials weigh several hundred pounds, so attachment is critical. It is for structural and electrical safety reasons that the city requires a permit.

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. Your inspector can update you on the required platforms under water heaters installed in the garage, California seismic laws, P&T valve drains, and other newer codes.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes, most roofs are replaced by roofing contractors, who usually obtain the permit. In fact, roofing contractors apply for more permits by fax than any other group. Residential re-roofs are at least "B" rated. No unrated roofing is allowed in California. Existing wood roofing is also included in our Demolition and Construction Recycling Ordinance, so the roofer is required to post a deposit and recycle a large portion of the old wood roofing.

Do I need a permit to replace a sink or a toilet?
Yes, some residents obtain a plumbing permit only when they are replacing the sink and old Formica or ceramic tile surfaces. Normally, the city issues plumbing permits for toilet replacement only when the occasional water conservation programs are offered.

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 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 teh 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 (see Encroachments).

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 install a pool, a spa, or a hot tub?
Prefabricated swimming pools that are 5,000 gallons or less, whose walls are entirely above grade (e.g., Dough-BoyTM - style above-ground pools) do not require a permit. Hot tubs, spas, and in-ground pools DO require building permits and security fencing. Call the San Carlos Building Department at (650) 802-4261 for more information.

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 Department at (650) 802-4261.

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.

May I use a credit card to pay for building fees and permits?
Yes, we accept Master Card & Visa for "normal" permits and fax permits.