-Public Works Department-
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Building & Engineering Divisions - Telephone (626) 939-8425

1. Do I need a permit for a fence? Not if it is 6' or under and/or not retaining over 30" of soil. Please check with the Planning Department for any other restrictions at (626) 939-8422.
   
   
2. Do I need a permit to re-roof my house? Yes, even if you are only re-roofing over existing material.
   
   
3. Do I need a permit to build a patio? Yes. Most any work done to your home requires a permit. If you are not sure if you need a permit, please contact the Building Division at (626) 939-8425.
   
   
4. Do I need a permit for a storage shed? Not if the total projected roof area is less than 120 square feet and it is less than 7' high; any structure larger will require a permit and you do need to contact the Planning Department for approval.
   
   
5. Do I need a permit to put in a new driveway? Not unless you are going to replace the driveway approach or add a new driveway approach, then a permit is required from the Engineering Division. If you want to widen the approach, you will need to check with the Planning Department for any additional requirements prior to permit issuance.
   
   
6. How many sets of plans do I need to submit for plan check? Small residential plan checks require 2 sets; large residential & commercial projects 3 sets (sometimes 4 sets may be required). A change in grading or drainage of a lot requires 4 sets.
   
   
7. Can you recommend a contractor? No, we do not make referrals, however, you may review permits that have been issued in our city, or look through the yellow pages of the phone book. It may be beneficial to get referrals and at least 3 quotes. Also check the contractors' license, with the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 or www.cslb.ca.gov.
   
   
8. How can we find out if our room addition or patio is legal? Come into City Hall to the Public Works Department, Room 215 and you may look up your address on microfilm to review permits for your property.
   
   
9. Do I need a permit to change out my windows? Yes. A floor plan of the house identifying all the rooms, which the windows will be changed, is required, including the size(s) and type(s) of window(s) being changed.
   
   
10. Can we drain our pool into the street? A pool cannot be drained into the street. It must be drained into your sewer system usually through an exterior cleanout.
    
    
11. Do I have to hire a licensed contractor? If you intend to do the work yourself on your own property you are not required to hire a contractor. If you choose to hire someone, it is advisable to make sure they are licensed. It is against the law for someone to represent oneself as a contractor if they are not licensed. If you hire an unlicensed person you are acting as an employer and required to have workers' compensation.
    
    
12. Who can "pull" a permit? Only a licensed contractor or property owner may "pull" a permit.
    
    
13. Does the Contractor we hired, have to have a City Business License? Yes. Business License phone number is (626) 939-8447.
    
    
14. Who do we call to have our street repaired? The Maintenance Division (626) 939-8458.
    
    
15. How can I get a traffic count? You may talk to someone in our traffic division and they may provide the information over the phone at (626) 939-8425.
    
    
16. How do I request information or get action on a traffic issue? You may put your request in writing to the attention of the Traffic Committee.
    
    
17. Were do I report a traffic signal that is out? Report non-functioning or signal lights out to the Maintenance Division at (626) 939-8458.
    
    
18. Who do I contact to report illegal construction? The Public Works Department may take a report over the phone at (626) 939-8425.
    
    
19. Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical service? Yes. You will need to obtain an electrical permit before you start work and need to contact Southern California Edison for a meter spot. The phone number to call for a meter spot is (800) 655-4555.
    
    
20. How can I find out where my sewer connection is located? You may come to the Public Works Department and look up the permit(s) and/or review the sewer maps for your location.
    
    
21. How long does plan check take from the date of application? Small additions and minor tenant improvements generally take approximately 14 working days. New tract houses and large commercial projects may take as long as 30 working days.
    
    
22. How are building permit fees calculated? Fees are calculated by one of the following:
    
    • Valuation of work as determined by a standardized per sq. ft. cost table.
    • Valuation based on fair market value of labor and materials.
    • Per item as is the case with the Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical permits. Fee schedules are available at the Public Works counter.
    
    
23. Where do I report street light outages? Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911 or www.sce.com.

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