Building & Safety staff reviews construction plans to verify compliance with State Building Codes and local regulations. For plan review hours, please see the “Contact Building & Safety” section of the Building & Safety Home Page.
Construction Plan Requirements
Detailed construction plans are required for most types of projects. Construction plans must clearly indicate the location, nature, and extent of the project, and show in detail how it will comply with the Building Codes. Please refer to the following examples:
- Residential Site Plan Requirements (small projects)
- Residential Plan Submittal Guidelines
- Residential ADU Plan Requirements
- Residential Addition Example Plans
- Residential Loft Addition Example Plans
- Residential Deck Example Plans
- Residential Patio Example Plans
- Residential Interior Alteration Example (small projects)
- Commercial Tenant Improvement (T.I.) Requirements
- Commercial Rooftop Equipment Plan Requirements
- Commercial Demolition Plan Requirements (small projects)
- Commercial Storage Racks Plan Requirements
- Commercial Sign Plan Requirements
Getting Construction Plans Prepared for Your Project
Construction plans must be prepared by a qualified person. Building & Safety staff does not prepare plans. For most project types, the plans must be prepared by a California Licensed Architect or Engineer. Click here for a list of project types which require plans prepared by a California Licensed Architect or Engineer.
For help hiring an Architect, please click here for the Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect.
For very small projects, Building & Safety provides standard plans and details. Click here to access the Information Bulletins and Standard Details page.
Submitting incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant plans could delay the permit process for your project and incur additional plan review fees.
Over-the-Counter Plan Review
Smaller projects which require no more than 30 minutes for plan review can typically be reviewed over-the-counter, during morning counter hours only, at the City’s Permit Center located in City Hall, Suite 140. Depending on the complexity and scope of your project, or the existing conditions which may be present, Building & Safety may require that you submit your plans for a more detailed review. The following types of projects are normally reviewed over-the-counter:
- Residential patio covers
- Small sheds and accessory structures
- Small residential remodels
- Pools and spas
- Commercial signs
- Fence walls
- Small retaining walls
Expedited Plan Review Services
Plan review services for projects over $100,000 in valuation may be expedited. The fee for expedited plan review is an additional 50% of the plan review fee. The turn-around time for expedited plan review is one half of the current plan review turn-around time for projects of similar scope and complexity.
Solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging systems are expedited at no additional cost.
Agency Clearances
Clearances from all of the applicable agencies must be obtained before Building & Safety can issue a building permit. It is your responsibility to contact the applicable agencies and obtain their approvals.
Please refer to the following Agency Referral Lists:
Since each project is unique, agency clearance requirements will vary. It is recommended that you review the Agency Referral List and contact the applicable agencies as early as possible.
