FAQs • Pleasant Hill • CivicEngage

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Building Division

1. When do I need a building permit?: In brief, you will need a permit for any work that physically changes or adds structures to your property. When in doubt, please call the Building Division at (925) 671-5200.

2. Why get a permit?: Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house or business.
The primary advantage of a permit is it brings you the services of a building inspector who approves each phase of the construction process and ensures the work is done safely and properly.

3. How long is my building permit good for?: A building permit expires 180 days (6 months) after the date it is issued. The 180 day expiration date starts over after each approved inspection by a Building Inspector.

4. My permit is about to expire but I’m not finished with the work. Can I get an extension?: We allow a one-time extension of 6 months. Your request for an extension needs to be submitted in writing to the Building Division before your permit expires and must be approved by the Building Official.

5. I am adding a new bathroom to my house. What is my first step?: Your plans first need to be reviewed by Central Sanitary District located at 5019 Imhoff Place,
Martinez, CA 94533. Once Central Sanitary District has approved your plans, you are ready to submit your plans to the Building Division at City Hall. This applies to all residential and commercial projects involving the addition of a new bathroom.

6. Can I check the permit history on a property in Pleasant Hill?: Yes, you can visit the Building Division at City Hall and review the address file which contains the permit history and inspection records for the property.

7. How long is a typical plan check for a residential addition?: Any project that involves adding square footage to your home will be reviewed by the Planning, Engineering and Building Divisions. The typical plan check review time is 2-3 weeks.

8. Am I required to have an architect draw my plans?: Plans for Tenant Improvements on commercial properties must be stamped and wet signed by an architect. Plans for residential projects are not required to be drawn by an architect.

9. Can the owner of a commercial property pull a permit?: The owner of a commercial property cannot pull a building permit. All projects at any commercial property require a contractor to be listed on the permit. Therefore, the contractor must pull the permit.

10. Can I pick up the permit for my contractor?: For residential projects, if your contractor is listed on your permit we will only release the permit and approved plans to your contractor as their signature must be on the permit.

11. Are plans required for adding solar onto my house?: Yes. We require three sets of plans along with a completed Building Permit Application to be submitted to the Building Division. The typical plan review is 2-3 days

12. How can I set up an inspection?: To set up an inspection, call the Building Division at (925) 671-5200 during business hours. Call 1 day ahead to be added onto the schedule for the next day.

13. Do I need a permit to re-do my driveway?: A building permit is not required for ground work such as driveways, pathways and patios. However, your project may require an encroachment permit through the Engineering Division if any work will encroach on city property (street, curb or gutter).

14. Do I need a permit for a deck?: If your deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade then you do not require a building permit. Otherwise, a building permit is required to construct or replace any deck.

15. Do I need a permit to replace windows and doors?: A permit is required when any portion of the window and/or door frame, exterior siding, or interior sheetrock is removed/replaced. An inspection of the flashing will be required and a final inspection upon completion. Retrofit windows do not need a permit or inspection. A permit is required to replace a front door, garage door and interior fire rated doors.

16. I want to get rid of my pool. What are my options?: There are two ways you can remove a pool on your property. The first method is to dig out the pool entirely and fill the remaining hole with engineered back fill. This method allows for habitable structures to be constructed over that area. The second method is to cave-in the pool. This way does not allow for the construction of habitable structures over the area where the pool used to be. Both methods do require a building permit.

17. I live in an HOA. Do I need their approval before I pull a permit?: Every Home Owners Association has its own requirements for what type of work needs their prior approval. Always check with your Home Owners Association before obtaining a building permit.

18. What inspections are required for a re-roof?: Tear off (comp to comp); Tear off inspection (bare deck) and Final inspection.
Tear off (shake to comp); Deck nailing inspection and Final inspection.
Overlay (2 layers max); Final inspection.
We do not perform “in progress” inspections on reroofs.

19. Do I need a permit for a shed?: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet are exempt from permit. However, the structure still needs to comply with setbacks. If the accessory structure will have electricity, no matter the size, a building permit is required.

20. Are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors required?: Whenever there is an addition, remodel, or new construction smoke detectors are required in the residence. There shall be a smoke detector in each bedroom and hallway. A Carbon Monoxide detector is required in the residence.

21. What is required to get a demolition permit?: All structural demolitions need to be approved by Bay Area Air Quality and a J number must be issued. Then your demolition plans and your J number can be submitted to the Building Division for review and permit issuance. Your demolition plans must include a site plan accurately showing property lines, the buildings to be demolished and the location of utilities on site. Please contact the Building Division for additional submittal requirements.

22. Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?: Kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash do not require a permit. However, you are required to upgrade the electrical if you are going to remodel any part of the kitchen. High efficiency lighting such as florescent or LED along with GFCI protected outlets are required. An electrical permit from the Building Division is required for this work.

23. Who can I contact regarding mold?: The City of Pleasant Hill is not certified to handle mold. Please contact Contra Costa County Environmental Health at 925-692-2500.

24. Do I need a permit for a pergola or arbor?: If the pergola or arbor will be permanently attached to the ground, a building permit is needed.