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Building & Safety

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1. When is a Building Permit required?

Nearly any home improvement project will require a permit. Projects such as new or relocated walls, new or replacement windows and doors, new electrical outlets, bathroom upgrades, central heating and air conditioning upgrades, patio covers, pools, and spas all require permits. If you’re unsure, please contact the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Building and Safety Division at (949)635-1800 x6101.

2. Why is a Building Permit required?

Building Permits ensure that minimum standards of safety are met in all construction. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owners. Further, your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the applicable codes, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to obtain permits or remove the modifications prior to a sale closing.

3. Are any projects exempt from a Building Permit?

Small home improvement projects which do not alter the structure or involve new electrical or plumbing may not require a Building Permit. Examples include painting, flooring, and fences not over 6 feet in height. In some instances, small sheds or playhouses may be exempt if they do not exceed 120 square feet in floor area. A full list of exemptions is available at http://www.cityofrsm.org/199/Building-Projects.
Building Division staff can help you determine if your project needs a permit. Please call (949)635-1800 x6101 or visit us during normal business hours. http://www.cityofrsm.org/199/Building-Projects

4. How do I get a Building Permit?

The first step is applying for a permit. The application will include a City permit application form, plans showing the proposed improvements, and a written description of the scope of the work. Additional information is available on the Forms and Handouts page at http://www.cityofrsm.org/197/Forms-Handouts. When the permit is issued, work can begin. The Building Division provides a job card that must remain on the project site for the duration of construction. The job card will be used to record all necessary inspections. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to schedule building inspections for specific times during construction. http://www.cityofrsm.org/197/Forms-Handouts

5. How much does a Building Permit cost?

Permit fees are based on the scope of work for each individual project. You may contact the Building Division for a fee estimate.

6. Where do I get a Building Permit?

Building permits can be obtained from the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Building Department located in City Hall at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. The Building counter is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 4:00 and Fridays from 8:00 to 12:00.

7. What is a Building Inspection?

Inspections are made during certain points in the project, depending on the work that’s being performed. Inspections ensure that work is being done in accordance with adopted safety guidelines, is code compliant, and is following the approved plans. The inspector will document the construction and provide documentation after construction is complete and code compliance is determined. The project is complete once the final inspection has been made.

8. How do I schedule a Building Inspection?

Building inspections are conducted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., excluding federal holidays. To schedule an inspection, please call our inspection line at (949) 635-1800 x6100 and leave the following information: project address, project number (from the job card), contact name, telephone number, type of inspection, and preference for morning or afternoon inspection. Inspection requests received after 6:00 a.m. will be inspected on the following business day.

9. How do I know if my contractor is licensed?

By law, anyone who contracts or bids on a construction project valued at $500 or more must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You can verify if a contractor is licensed by asking to see the contractor’s license and photo ID. You may also verify license status with CSLB at www.cslb.gov or (800) 321-CSLB (2752). CSLB

10. How long is the plan check process?

Building plans submitted to the City can take up to ten (10) working days from the time of first submittal. Second and subsequent submittals, if needed, are returned within five (5) working days. Some Building Plans can be submitted and approved over the counter.

11. What is my plan check status?

Please contact the Building Department at 949-635-1800, x6101. Please have the job address or permit number handy.

12. When does a Building Permit expire?

A building permit expires after 180 days if no work has been commenced or a first inspection has not been scheduled. The Building Official is authorized to grant an extension if a request is made in writing.

13. Where is the Building Department located and what are the hours?

The Building Department is located at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall, 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Counter hours for submittals are Monday through Thursday 8:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 4:00 and Fridays from 8:00 to 12:00.

14. Why do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

Plumbing permits are required for water heaters because of the risk of fire, electric shock, and explosion if not properly installed.

15. Can I use an existing slab when I'm building my new patio cover?

While a Building Permit is required for a patio cover, depending on the square footage of the new patio cover, it is permissible to use the existing slab. Please refer to the Attached Patio Cover Handout www.cityofrsm.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/83 for additional information, or contact the Building Department at 949-635-1800, x 6101 Attached Patio Cover Handout

16. Do I need Energy Efficient lighting in my kitchen remodel?

When remodeling a kitchen, 100% of the lighting is required to be Energy Efficient. Under-cabinet lighting must be switched separately from all other lighting.

17. Can we build a storage shed in our backyard?

A storage shed which is detached from the main building does not require a permit if it is 120 square feet or less. For larger sheds or other structures, please contact the Building Department at 949-635-1800, x 6101 for specific requirements.

18. Are Building Permits required for a retaining wall?

A Building Permit is required for any retaining wall over 3 feet in height. Please call the Building Department at 949-635-1800, x 6101 with any questions.

19. Does the City have sample plans to help me design my project?

The City offers a number of handouts to assist homeowners with common projects. Please refer to the forms and handouts page on the City’s website for: an attached patio cover standard, window replacement requirements, site plan example and template, and others. The City’s plan checkers and building inspectors cannot assist with project design. Their job is to ensure that projects are planned and constructed in accordance with the applicable Building and Safety Code requirements. If you have questions regarding a specific project type, please call the Building Department at 949-635-1800, x. 6101. Forms and Handouts

20. What are the benefits to obtaining a Building Permit?

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to remove the unpermitted work or make costly repairs.

Building Permits allow the City to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction. By following code guidelines, buildings will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, or future owners.

Instead of looking at the building permit process as a nuisance, it's better to see it as a service provided by your local government. Objective, trained plan-checkers will examine and approve your building plans. Experienced inspectors will ensure that work is up to standard. Any corner-cutting or poor workmanship by a contractor will come to light.

21. Why would a contractor tell me I don’t need a Building Permit when one is actually required?

In some cases, contractors or handymen advise against obtaining permits because they feel that the process would delay the project because plans must be plan checked and approved, and inspections must occur at specific points during a project. Other contractors or handymen are not licensed to do the work they are being hired to complete, and therefore could not obtain building permits for the work. The City of RSM works hard to ensure that projects are reviewed and inspected in a convenient and timely manner. The City has much shorter turnaround times than many other jurisdictions. Plan Check review times are 10 days or less and ensure that a project will be constructed in accordance with current Building Codes for the safety of the household. Inspections are performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Inspection requests received after 6:00 a.m. will be inspected on the following business day.