Standard plans are intended to serve as a base design that has already been reviewed by the Department of Building and Safety for Building Code Compliance. However, each property is unique, and modifications / customizations to a pre-approved standard plan may be necessary. Any customization of a pre-approved standard plan must be completed by the plan’s owner. Please note that design changes may result in additional costs and could result in additional permitting review timelines, as revised portions of the plan will require City review.

One-time Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment that are custom made or installed at a specific job site. The evaluation and testing can often be performed at the location where the fixture/equipment is installed. Application for this type of approval may be filed by the building owner, installer, vendor, or manufacturer. The approval is for one time and for a specific location, and it cannot be used for another installation.

General Approval/Laboratory Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment to be used anytime and anywhere within the City. The testing and physical evaluation are usually done in an approved laboratory, unless a suitable site visit is prearranged. Application for this type of approval shall be filed by the manufacturer.

all

• Installation of one Residential Elevator; or
• Installation of one Cabled Traction Elevator; or
• Installation of one Hydroelectric Elevator. 

one

• Installation of Fire Sprinkler for a single Family Dwelling or Duplex.
• Installation of Fire Sprinkler in a Commercial Building that is a. Four (4) stories or less and b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations. 
• Installation of fire Sprinkler in an Apartment that is a. Four (4) stories or less and; b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations.

must

• Plumbing systems for buildings of 4 stories or less and up to 5 sheets of riser diagrams.

• The project is an apartment or commercial building; and
• The building is 2 stories or more; and
• The building is 4 units or more; and
• The project does not add new floor area; and
• The project must have no changes in use; and
• Only one building is allowed per plan check application.

When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:

• require a permit
• find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
• determine what fees maybe applied and penalties if not paid on time
• determine appeal procedures

The current property owner is responsible for complying with the Order, even if previous owners or tenants have performed the un-permitted work or created the violation.

Refer to the Obtaining Permits to Resolve Orders (.pdf) information bulletin for more detail.