Building And Construction Permits In Redwood City California

 

Redwood City Permit Management and Expediting Services

 

• What Kind of Building and Construction Permits do you Need in Redwood City?
• What is the Redwood City CA, Permit Application Process?
• Does Redwood City Have a Electronic Permit Application?
• What do you Need for a Building Permit Application in Redwood City CA?

 

What Kind of Building and Construction Permits do you Need in Redwood City?

Buildings should be constructed according to the latest code and regulations to ensure they’re safe to use. Most local and state governments have their version of building codes. They provide guidelines and establish standards for everyone, from private residents to commercial property owners to follow.

Local building authorities enforce these standards through permits and inspections. A property owner needs to get a permit before they can build, repair, restore, or renovate their property.

Building construction, and most renovation, and major repairs require permits. If you work on the property without acquiring one, you might get into legal trouble or pay fines. Almost every project that alters the property significantly requires a permit. Examples of projects that require permits include:

• Kitchen extension, renovation, or addition
• Roof installation
• Room expansion or addition
• Spas and pools
• Garage installation
• Water heater installation or replacement
• HVAC installation or replacement
• Skylight installation
• Solar panel installation
• Siding repair or replacement
• Water heater installation or replacement

If you’re uncertain whether your project requires a permit, consult with a professional permit and plans management company. They will examine your plans and listen to your requirements before offering honest advice. It is always a good idea to double-check before working on a project to avoid legal trouble down the line.

What is the Redwood City CA, Permit Application Process?

The permit application process is relatively straightforward. All of the information and application forms are available on the Redwood City Department of Building website. You can download these forms, print them, fill them out, add your signature, and then send the packet to the department. Here’s a look at what the application process looks like:

Once you submit the application packet with the required number of plans, the department will send them for review to different experts. These experts will evaluate every aspect of the design to check whether it complies with the code. If the plan is sound and there are no errors in the application, the department will issue the permit. If the plan doesn’t live up to code, the experts will add comments and plan checks to the document and send the packet back. You need to make the corrections requested before resubmitting the plan.

The application process is a little more complicated for large-scale projects. You might need to visit the department personally for plan interviews.

Does Redwood City Have a Electronic Permit Application?

The Redwood City Department of Building also allows online application, and this process is easy. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the permit application form.
• Send an email to the permit technicians with the application form and ask for electronic submittal.
• The permit technician will confirm that the plan is complete before replying to your original email with a plan submission link.
• Upload all of the required plans and documentation into this portal and follow the instructions provided for paying plan review fees.
• You’ll be informed if the plan is approved or if there are any plan check requests.
• You can resubmit the plans through the same website link. Just make sure the plans are in a different folder.

This process doesn’t take a lot of time and doesn’t require the hassle of dropping by at the department regularly.

Redwood City Permit Application Checklist

Your application packet will only be approved if it is complete so it is essential to check it before submission. Here’s a look at what should be included in the package if you’re in Redwood City, CA:

The application form duly filled and without any errors.

• Copies of drawings. You need to submit 4 copies for a new residential addition, 3 copies for the addition of more than 500 sq ft, and alterations. Site plan with all information regarding the street, lot size, setbacks, on-site parking, trees and landscaping, and easements.
• Plot and grading plan.
• Floor plans – Existing and proposed.
• Elevation plans.
• Construction section and details.
• Foundation and roof plans.
• Two sets of structural calculations.
• Soils report for new buildings, basements, hillsides, etc.
• Two Sets of Energy compliance forms.
• Two Sets of Local development standards.
• Two Sets of job specifications.
• Two Sets of fire sprinkler forms.
• Four Sets of local development standards.
• Traffic impact speeds.
• Local development costs.
• Water and sewer fees.
• Environmental Impact assessment.
• NPDES permit compliance.

The requirements vary from one project to another, so it is vital to check what applies to your plans. Consult with a plans expediting company like Service First Permits to make sure all of your plans are in order.
 

Why Hire a Permit Expediter for The Job?

A permit expediter is an experienced professional who is familiar with the permit application process. They take over the responsibility so you can focus on other aspects of the project development. Here are some reasons why hiring a permit expediter is a good idea:

Expediters double-check all aspects of the application and make sure the plans live up to code before submitting them. This reduces the chances of the application coming back with plan checks.

Professionals in this field have connections with the local building authority. They’re familiar with the policies and procedures involved, which is why it is easier for them to get the permit through quickly.

It is more affordable to hire expediters. You need to pay the fee every time you submit your application to the department. This can prove to be quite expensive if your packet keeps coming back with plan checks. Expediters will do their best to ensure the plan is approved at the first try. 

These professionals can also help you with the more complex projects that require personal meetings with the department experts and other such additional steps. They know these processes like the back of their hand and make sure everything is completed methodically.

If you want to know more about the process or wish to consult with Service First Permits, don’t hesitate to reach out. Their team will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you get permits quickly.