Building General information

Permit Expiration

In addition to the requirements of Section 106.4.4, every permit issued shall expire by limitation and becomes null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed, passed final inspection within two (2) years from date of issuance of said permit. See Municipal Code, Section 9.1.06.

Working Hours and Signage

  1. All construction activity shall be prohibited except between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

    No construction activity shall be permitted on Sundays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
  2. At least 2 signs, weather proof, 12"x 18" minimum shall be posted on the construction site showing working hours, name and emergency phone number of the contractor. The location of said sign should be acceptable to building inspector.
  3. Size of letters on signs shall be at least 2 inches high and 1/2 inch thick with contrasting background.

Pedestrian Protection

Provide a construction fence and or canopy per sec. 3303, UBC at public right-of-way for pedestrians protection if any work to be performed on any building or structure adjacent to public right-of-way.

Demolition Permit

  1. There will be a 14-day waiting period after a demolition permit application is filed, before a demolition permit may be issued.
  2. Every holder of a demolition permit and/or building permit shall completely enclose by fencing the construction site prior to the start of demolition or construction. See also Chapter 33 of the U.B.C. regarding protection of pedestrians. If excavating, contractor shall notify the underground service alert (USA 1-800-422-4133) prior to any excavation.

Underground Utility Lines

Provide underground conduits for future electrical, television/cable, and telephone lines. Verify with inspector for additional information.

Grading and Dust Control

  1. A grading permit is required when grading involves 3 feet or deeper cut or fill and/or 200 cubic yards. Submit grading plans and soils report to the Building and Safety Division for plan review.
  2. Dust shall be controlled by continuously watering the ground or as specified by the soils engineer or building official.
  3. A grading performance bond may be required by the Chief Building Officer or his designee if the size of grading and/or the condition of adjacent properties warrants it. Special attention must be given to drainage pattern.

Shoring & Excavation

A shoring permit is required for any vertical cut or fill that is 5 feet in height or over. Engineered shoring plans and calcs must be submitted to the Building and Safety Division for plan review. Per Section 3301.2 of the Uniform Building Code, the holder of shoring permit shall notify in writing the owners of adjoining buildings not less than 10 days before such excavation is to be made. An OSHA permit is also required; a copy of which shall be submitted to the Building and Safety Division for filing. Slot cut shoring shall be approved by a licensed soil engineer and building official. Shoring contractor shall notify the underground service ALERT (USA) prior to any excavation (USA 1-800-422-4133).

Drainage Pattern:

Drainage must not adversely affect the subject property nor the adjacent properties in any shape or form and must be conducted to the street storm drain system through devices acceptable to the City Engineer.

Foundation Stem Wall

Foundation stem wall that exceeds 24" measured from the top of the footing shall be designed as a wall per Sections 1914.3 and 2106. Vertical and horizontal rebar sizes and spacing (maximum 24" o.c.) shall be specified.

Sandblasting

The sandblasting must be wet sandblasting, and all the precautionary measures must be taken by the contractor to protect life and property of neighbors, residents and the public.

Also, the contractor must notify adjacent residents 48 hours in advance.

Survey Legal Lot and Building Height Survey

  1. For new construction and major building additions, an updated legal lot survey map shall be submitted to the Building and Safety Division for review. Survey map must be stamped and signed by the surveyor (a qualified Civil Engineer).
  2. A building height survey shall be done prior to roof framing inspection to check the height of the highest ridge, parapet, gable, pitched or hipped roof when approved plans or field inspections show that building height is less than 2 feet from the allowable maximum height of the building. A certification shall be submitted to the Building Department stating the height or heights of the building from the natural ground level.

Garage Door

Garage door clear opening, including hardware shall be 7'4" minimum and by 18'0"wide and 19'0"deep clear inside dimensions. Garage door springs to be state approved with break retainers and manufacturer's labels.

Narrow Lot (25 ft.) Requirements

  1. Neither fence nor any projection shall encroach into the required 3 feet exit court except for projections may be permitted per section 1005.
  2. The 36-inch minimum required clear width must be maintained for the life of the building and a covenant shall be recorded with the Los Angeles County Recorder to that effect.

Roof Covering (Residential Bldgs)

Roof covering shall comply with the provisions of the Municipal Code. A minimum fire rating of Class B is required if any part of the roof is within 10'0" from the property line.

Opening on Walls

An opening or operable windows in a wall or partition, having a width and height of at least 18" with floor to sill height less than 30" through which a person might fall to a level of 30" or more below the finish floor, shall be provided with a permanent guard rail conforming to the requirements of Section 509. The required window for emergency egress and rescue in each sleeping room shall comply with section 310.4.

Common Nail Application

Only common nail shall be permitted for the required nailing application on vertical and horizontal diaphragms. (shear wall and roof/floor sheathings)

Reinforcing Bars and Steel Shapes and Plates

All reinforcing bars and steel shapes and plates shall be made in USA. When foreign steel is used, a mill certificate by approved U.S. testing lab shall be submitted to the Building and Safety Division for review and approval. The mill certificates shall include the mill patch and I.D. numbers.

Welding of Rebars (Except ASTM 706 Bars)

Welding of reinforcing steel shall be indicated on the drawings and welding procedures shall be specified. Steel specifications (Mill Certification) shall be submitted for review and approval.

Welding Criteria of Structural Elements

The approved fabricator who performs welding of any structural members, elements, connections, etc. in a certified shop shall submit a certificate of compliance to the building official and to the engineer or architect of record that the work was performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Special inspection is required for any field welds of structural members and welds performed in a non-certified shop.

Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Plans Review

Electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans are required to be submitted for plan check for 3 or more dwelling units, commercial, and industrial buildings. Fire alarm systems as required by the bureau of fire prevention shall be included on electrical plans.

The approval of plans, specifications and calculations does not permit the violation of any section of the Building codes, or other City Ordinance, State or Federal Law.

Best Management Practices For Construction Activities

  1. All persons working at the site should obtain, read and understand the Best Management Practices pamphlet for the type(s) of construction being done.
  2. Stockpiles of soil, demolition debris, cement, sand, top soil, etc. must be covered with a waterproof materials or bermed to prevent being washed off site.
  3. Fuels, oils, paints, solvents, and other liquid materials must be kept inside bermed areas. Spills must not be washed to the street.
  4. Waste concrete must not be washed into street, storm drain catch basins, or public right-of-way. all dust and slurry from concrete cutting must be removed using a wet-dry vacuum or equivalent.
  5. Trash and other construction solid wastes must be placed in a covered trash receptacle.
  6. Eroded soil from disturbed slopes must be contained using berms, silt fences, setting basins, or good erosion management practices such as reseeding.
  7. Wash water from cleaning construction vehicles and equipment must be kept on-site within a containment area.