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Building and Safety Permits

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1. When is a permit required?

The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Building and Safety Department at (909) 364-2780.
A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair or change in use of an existing building or structure and site improvements.

Examples of residential items that require permits:
* Water heater replacement
* Re-Roof
* Interior remodels
* Window replacements
* Patio covers
* Second Story Decks
* Balconies

Examples of commercial items that require permits:
* Moveable cases more than 6' in height
* Shelving units/gondolas more than 6' in height
* Additions of walls
* Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces
* Changes made to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems
* Change in occupancy

2. What is exempt from permits?

1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the height does not exceed 12 feet from lowest adjacent grade to the highest point and the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) 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 IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.
14. Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not exceeding 15 feet in height.
15. A tree house provided that:
a. It does not exceed 64 square feet of floor area and does not exceed 8 feet in height from floor to highest point of roof.
b. It does not exceed 16 feet in height from adjacent grade to highest point.
16. Playground equipment
17. Decks and platforms that do not exceed 30 inches in height from adjacent grade.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.
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3. Is a permit required to replace a water heater?

Yes, please contact the Community Development Department at (909) 364-2780 for information.

4. Is a permit required to replace windows?

Please see our window replacement handout.

5. Do walls/fences require a building permit?

The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Building and Safety Department at (909) 364-2780.

Freestanding walls and/or fences six (6) feet or less does not require permits. In the required front yard setback area walls/fences over four (4) feet will require a variance and building permit. Retaining walls may require a building permit. Over-height walls will require variances and building permits.