The 2022 Building Code is now in effect, accessible online at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes.

Our current plancheck process takes 6-8 weeks to complete.

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m²).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabi­nets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment associated with single family dwellings.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m²) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.

Electrical:

1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
2. Reinstallation of attachment plug recepta­cles but not the outlets thereof.
3. Replacement of branch circuit over-current devices of the required capacity in the same location.
4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, appa­ratus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved port­able electrical equipment to approved per­manently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
8. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horse­power (746 W) or less.

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material; such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.  The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

In general, state law requires that plans for com­mercial or industrial projects be drawn by a li­censed engineer or architect. Other structures of a complex design or those not conforming to the California Building Code definition of conventional construction may also require plans by a licensed engineer or architect.

School impact fees are established by the local school district and are assessed on new residential and commercial construction of 500 square feet or more, regardless of whether or not there are school age children in the household. School fees for residential construction apply only to living space; garages and workshops are exempt.

Class K is a relaxed construction standard available to owner-built rural dwellings and ap­purtenant structures intended "... to allow and facilitate the use of alternatives to the specifica­tions prescribed by the Uniform technical code to the extent that a reasonable degree of health and safety is provided..." To qualify, the property must be zoned for a one acre or larger minimum lot size and the structure cannot exceed 2 1/2 stories. The fee to process the permit is the same for a Class K or Uniform Building Code structure. (Note: Class K does not apply to commercial, industrial or rented structures.)

Please see PG&E's Backup Power information page. Our Forms and Handouts page includes several resources that may be helpful, including our Expedited Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic System process, a Generator Permitting Info Packet, and Guidelines for Online Permit Applications, among others: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/planning-building-services/forms-and-handouts. Please note that all generators must be inspected to verify code compliance, method of installation, and site placement, but that portable/temporary generators that are not connected to a structure's permanent wiring system do not require a permit.