Pinole's Residential Permits

Residential Permits

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SAME-DAY PERMIT PROCESSING OFFERED FOR MINOR BUILDING PERMITS BEGINNING OCTOBER 4, 2022!

The City of Pinole is now pleased to begin to offer same-day over the counter in-person and virtual appointments for permit issuance of a variety of minor permit types listed below. All appointments will be held on Thursdays from 9am-11am, with the exception of Solar permitting, which will be held on Tuesdays from 9am-11am. More information and online scheduling will be available by September 27, 2022!

  • Reroofs
  • Water heater replacement 
  • HVAC replacement 
  • Electrical Panel replacement
  • Back-up Generator 
  • EV Chargers
  • Swimming pool/space equipment change outs/replastering
  • Window/sliding glass door retrofit/repair
  • Residential rooftop solar (less than 10kW)

If you plan to sell or remodel your home, you may be affected by recent real estate law changes, which require a disclosure statement for property remodeling and additions where permits have not been obtained.  Additionally, homes being sold must comply with the City of Pinole Sewer Lateral Ordinance and obtain a video inspection of the sewer lateral which is then Submitted to the Public Works Department for review.

The Building Division currently does not provide inspections of houses being placed on the resale market. If permits were not secured for remodeling or additions, it can be a very costly and inconvenient process for the homeowner.  Permit history for properties can be obtained by making a public records request through the City Clerk's Office.

Lenders require proof a building permit has been secured. If the work involved additions or remodeling without permits, the wallboard must be removed to expose the framing members, as well as electrical and plumbing work, that was not inspected during construction.

Although a contractor will often secure the necessary permits, the responsibility for obtaining building, mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits lies with the homeowner.

A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
2019 California Building Code Section 105.2

  • Cosmetic work, such as installing carpet, painting, wallpapering.

  • Minor improvements, such as replacing a garbage disposal or dishwasher.

  • One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and/or storage sheds or playhouses and under 120 Sq. ft. of projected roof area and do not have electrical or plumbing.  Note:  if structure exceeds 8 feet in height a permit is required.

  • Fences not over six (6) feet in height (typically, fences shorter than six (6) feet do not require building permits; however, all fences must comply with the placement, height, and appearance requirements of the Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 17.42.)

  • Retaining walls under 4 ft. in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and not supporting a surcharge.  (Surcharge is a vertical load imposed on the retained soil that may impose a lateral force in addition to the lateral earth pressure of the retained soil.  Examples include sloped soil, vehicle loads supported by retained soil and fences installed on top of retaining walls.)   

  • Swimming pools less than 5,000 gallons set above the adjacent grade.

  • Detached platforms, walks and decks without a cover, under 30 inches high and under 120 sq. ft.

  • Removable window awnings projecting not more than 54 inches.

A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

  • Installation of free-standing fireplaces (wood burning not allowed)

  • Fireplace inserts

  • Replacement of hot water heater, furnace or air conditioner

  • Water softeners

  • New sewer, water or gas line

  • Changes or replacement of retaining walls

  • Room additions

  • Window Replacement

  • Fire damage repair

  • Electric service upgrade, electric service panel relocation, and new wiring or electric outlets

  • Installation of heat pumps or solar panels

  • Reconstruction or modification of a dwelling

  • New siding or new roof

  • Termite repair work

  • Pools, spas and hot tubs

  • Patio covers, decks over 30 inches high OR over 120 square feet OR attached to the house, and gazebos

  • Permanent affixed or freestanding signs

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Building Division has created handouts explaining requirements for various residential improvements. For additional information, please review documents below.

GET INSPECTION RESULTS BY PHONING (510) 724-8914.  THE PERMIT NUMBER IS NEEDED AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED INSPECTION CODE.  After dialing the inspection request system, select option 3, then entering your permit number.  The system will repeat the permit number and ask you to confirm.  Then enter the inspection code for which the status is needed.  The system will confirm the date and status.

If you have questions, contact the Building Division at (510) 724-8912

  • Click here to learn more about the Building Permit Process.