Source: https://www.ci.vacaville.ca.us/government/community-development/building-permits-and-inspections-1087
Timestamp: 2020-01-24 06:27:15
Document Index: 305348579

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 12']

Building Permits, Inspections, Code Compliance, Certified Access Specialist Program | Vacaville, CA
Building Permits, Inspections, Code Compliance, Certified Access Specialist Program
The Vacaville Building Division issues permits, preforms inspections for new construction and alterations, and provides Public Certified Access Specialist Consultations and Inspections within the City of Vacaville Municipal Limits. The Building Official also investigates complaints related to the maintenance, including accessibility, of all buildings in Vacaville once a completed complaint form provided to City Staff. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on business days.
Getting a permit can be easy! You can apply for many permits online using our Online building permits - eTRAKiT system. You can get many simple permits over the counter on Tuesdays during Over the Counter Permitting - TI Tuesday. You can schedule and check on the status of inspections using our Building Division - Automated Phone System any time or by Calling 707-449-5152 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.
Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbook
The Building Division investigates all Accessibility and Code Compliance allegations.
All persons wanting to make a complaint about New Development or existing buildings within the City Limits need to complete and sign a Complaint Form. However, a Complaint form is not required regarding any concern about Accessibility for any portion of the built environment in Vacaville.
new home, housing, code enforcement complaint
Please email, fax, mail or hand deliver the signed complaint form to the Building Division Community Development Department. Accessibility complaints may be made by phone, email, voice mail, or text.
The City offers the following services to all citizens within the City Limits:
Free consultations regarding Access laws and standards to local businesses and individuals.
Access inspections for all nonresidential alterations an improvements including Parking lot Striping inspections, exterior walking path inspections, Rough Access inspections for interior alterations, and a final Access inspection for Tenant Improvements and Alterations.
If a permit applicant passes all related Access inspections associated with a particular building permit, the work completed under that permit should provide the permit holder Qualified Defendant Status in State Courts pursuant to Civil Code 55.54.
All allegations made by any person, abled bodied or not, are investigated and the results of the investigation are entered into the public record as a Code Enforcement Investigation. If violations of Access standards are found the City pursues access compliance.
Having a dispute with your neighbor?
While we do promote people being good neighbors, the City won't necessarily be able to resolve your dispute.
The Neighbor Law website provides valuable information on resolving common disputes regarding fences, trees, property lines, and so forth. We have a copy of their book available at our office for reference.
Free or low cost mediation services and legal services may be available. Visit the Solano County library's Legal Assistance and Mediation Resources website.
Why doesn’t the Building Division open a Code Enforcement Case based anonymous complaints?
The Building Division of the Community Development Department does not open a Code Case on anonymous complaints. However, all calls received involve, at a minimum a patrol, of any geographical area associated with the anonymous grievance. The Building Division only creates a Code Enforcement Case, a public record, and conducts an investigation when a signed and completed complaint form is provided by a citizen making an allegation.
In the United States, a public official acting on behalf of another individual to secure a benefit for that person, anonymous or not, contrary to the duty and rights of another person meets the legal definition of Corruption. In addition, disputes between private citizens in Vacaville have, in the past, evolved into situations where one or both parties file anonymous complaints that contain what are later determined, during the course of a formal investigation, to be misrepresentation of a material fact, otherwise known as Fraud, material misrepresentation, or false accusations regarding a property or citizen of Vacaville. It is a misdemeanor in California to file a false report to any public employee engaged in code enforcement. In an effort to encourage truthful, accurate, and objective reporting, and to protect the civil rights of all citizens anonymous complaints do not result in the opening of a Code Enforcement Cases.
For the reasons stated in the preceding paragraphs, a completed, truthful and signed complaint form is required prior to Building Division staff creating a formal Code Enforcement Case and performing an investigation.
Is it a municipal code violation if I refuse to pay for a shared lot line fence if I or my neighbor use the fence as a pool barrier?
No, the City does not have an ordinance regulating property line fences or private disputes between neighbors. And does not have an ordinance requiring property owners to share fence repair or rebuilding costs for any reason. Private disputes between neighbors are considered private nuisances and private nuisances are administered in Solano County Civil Court.
However, the City investigates all Code Enforcement related complaints received. The first step in the scheduled investigation of a complaint is to determine if a Public Nuisance exists. If it is determined that a Public Nuisance exists then the next step is to determine if there is a violation of the Uniform Housing Code or the Abatement of Dangerous Building Code. In general a property owner in California is required to maintain his or her property under the laws that were adopted at the time a home was built. If not maintained then more than likely a Public Nuisance exists but not always. State law requires that any remodeling done to a property must meet the Building Codes in place just for the work shown on the permit at the time of permit application. The entire property is not required to meet current code standard when a maintenance, remodel or repair permit is issued, just the work being performed must meet current law.
This is an important concept to understand, especially when it comes to Single Family private swimming pools or spas. Pools or spas for which a new permit, alteration or repair permit were issued prior to January 1, 2018 are required to have one pool barrier if no remodel work has been done on the pool or spa. Pools or spas (without a lockable cover) for which a new permit, alteration or repair permit is issued after January 1, 2018 are required to have two pool barriers. The key to understanding the Code enforcement issue is the date of the last permit issued for work associated with the pool or spa. If not maintained under those code requirements then it is likely a Public Nuisance exists.
Statewide pool barrier requirements began on January 1, 1998. That law said that whenever a building permit is issued for construction of a new swimming pool at a private, single-family home, the pool shall be equipped with at least one of 5 specified safety features, including: (1) a pool enclosure; (2) a safety pool cover; (3) exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool; (4) self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism on doors providing direct access to the
pool; or (5) other means of protection. Permits issued between January 1 1998 and December 31 2006 must be maintained to meet this law. If not maintained under those code requirements then it is likely a Public Nuisance exists.
The Pool Safety Act was modified in 2007 and it said; on and after January 1, 2007, whenever a building permit is issued for construction of
a new swimming pool or spa (without an lockable cover), or for the structural remodeling of an existing pool or spa (without a lockable cover), at a private, single-family home, the pool shall be equipped with at least 1 of the 7 drowning prevention safety features, including the 5 devices specified above, except that a device as specified by an ordinance governing child access to pools would no longer be an authorized device and a spa must also be covered with a lockable or
latchable cover, plus (6) removable mesh fencing meeting standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM); and (7) swimming
pool alarms meeting ASTM standards. The bill would provide that prior to the issuance of any final approval for the completion of permitted
construction or remodeling work, the local building official shall inspect to ensure that the above standards are met and that the drowning prevention
safety features are in good working condition. Permit issued between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2017 must be maintained to meet this law.
The pool or spa (without a lockable cover meeting ASTM F1346) requirement for two barriers beginning January 1 2018 is as follows:
Health and Safety Code 115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features:
(1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa (without a lockable cover meeting ASTM F1346) from the private single-family home.
Please note that it is only Spas that do not have a lockable cover meeting the requirements of ASTM F1346 that must have two barriers.
What is the difference between a building inspection and code compliance?
Building Inspection is a separate and distinct legal process from Code Enforcement. A building permit inspection applies to new construction associated with an issued permit and makes a single determination with little room for judgment, either the work assorted with an issued permit meets a State adopted construction standard or it doesn’t.
On the other hand, and contrary to popular belief, a Code Enforcement investigation is only related to the use and maintenance of the property. In addition, unlike building permits were the owner is granting access to the city to inspect the permit related work, private property owners have a number of Constitutional rights related to Privacy and Property Taking that must be considered in all Code Enforcement Investigations. The use and maintenance of a property in Vacaville is further separated into two categories, Substandard Buildings for Housing and Dangerous Buildings for Commercial facilities. Except for Accessibility requirements in commercial facilities, both substandard and dangerous buildings violations occur when the building is not maintained such that the building remains in compliance under the Building Codes or Standards it was originally constructed.
For example, a home built 50 years ago is required to be maintained under the codes in place at the time it was built. However, If a repair or alteration is made to the building then the work done under that permit is required to meet current State Adopted Codes but not the entire structure. Staff has broad legal discretion when determining substandard conditions. For example, repairs that can be easily made in one visit by a licensed professional Electrician, Plumber, or Heating and Air Contractor are rarely considered substandard housing conditions. Also, intentional damage done to a property, by a tenant or owner, that is obviously not related to normal weathering or use is not considered a substandard condition. In addition, in order for a Code Enforcement violation to exist, the alleged violation must be a public nuisance. The City has no authority and does not act on private nuisances such as neighbor to neighbor or tenant landlord disputes involving only their individual properties. Private nuisances are the jurisdiction of the Courts.
A public nuisance interferes with the public as a class, not merely one person or a group of citizens. In Vacaville a violation of the locally adopted Uniform Housing Code or Dangerous Building Code is a public nuisance. But a dispute between property neighbors, between a tenant and a landlord, or a homeowners association and a resident are not public nuisances they are private nuisances. Again, private nuisances in Vacaville fall under the jurisdiction of the Courts.
When do I need to obtain a Building Permit from the Building Division?
Nonresidential; All commercial improvements or repairs of any kind on private property, including work at a triplex or apartment site, in Vacaville require a building permit but minor work may be exempted by the Building Official on a case by case basis. For permits associated with, tents, candles, festivals, food vendor, fire alarms, fire suppression, or fire sprinklers, compressed gas, or combustible liquids check with the Fire Department (707) 449-5452.
Residential; If you are a homeowner or a property owner of a single family dwelling unit or duplex the following list of items do not require a building permit for your residence or property, but the work is required to meet the California Building Standards and zoning codes:
◾solid wood fence (masonry walls are not exempt) up to 7 feet high but always check with Planning for location and height requirements, 707-449-5140.
◾minor, like for like, electrical and plumbing repairs that do not extend existing wiring or piping. This includes emergency electrical, sewer or water line repairs.
◾Landscape improvements including the installation of irrigation system pipes and valves.
◾painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, dry wall repair 32 square feet or less and similar finish work in a individual dwelling unit.
◾Swings and other playground equipment.
◾Decks not attached to the dwelling exceeding 200 square feet not exceeding 30 inches above the adjacent ground surface.
◾Prefabricated Swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
◾one-story detached building used for storage or a children’s playhouse with a floor area up to 120 square feet and without electricity, plumbing, or heating.
◾retaining wall up to 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and not supporting a surcharge (sloping ground, foundation, fence, etc.) or hazardous liquids.
◾free standing prefabricated component, site assembled, or site built pavilions, pergolas and gazebos that do not have exterior walls ( i.e. walls constructed and weatherized to keep out wind and moisture from the interior of the structure) regardless of their floor area size, do not require a permit.
◾Patio slabs and similar concrete work that does not cover a weep screed, block lot drainage, or exceed zoning lot coverage. Check with Planning, 707-449-5140, regarding lot coverage requirements.
◾Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches away from the support wall and do not require addition support.
◾Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity of the tanks do not exceed 5000 gallons including rain water storage systems.
Always check with Planning 707-449-5140 for lot coverage, setback, location and height requirements for all decks, sheds, and fences prior to performing any improvement.
Where do I find the Vacaville Building Code?
The Building Code for the City of Vacaville made up of a series of building regulations adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. Vacaville is required by State law to use only those regulations when performing plan review and inspection. The regulations can be access at the California Building Standards Commission Website, http://www.bsc.ca.gov/.
The regulations are called California Code of Regulations Title 24 apply to new work and not to existing conditions.
◾Part 1 – Building Stnds Administrative Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 2 – Building Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 2.5 – Residential Building Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 3 – Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association)
◾Part 4 – Mechanical Code (Int’l Assoc of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials)
◾Part 5 – Plumbing Code (Int’l Assoc of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials)
◾Part 6 – Energy Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 7 – see Title 8, CCR
◾Part 8 – Historical Building Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 9 – Fire Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 10 – Existing Building Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 11 – Green Building Standards Code (International Code Council)
◾Part 12 – Reference Standards Code (International Code Council)
Only licensed contractors and property owners (Owner/Builder) or the authorized agents of contractors or property owners may be issued building permits. An authorized agent must be authorized in writing by either a contractor or property owner. That written authorization must be provided to the City staff prior to the issuance of a building permit. Contractors must have the appropriate classification for the work, such as C36 for plumbing . Contractors must have knowledge of their craft, be tested, fingerprinted, bonded, and have an FBI background check to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board . Property owners who obtain a building permit are designated Owner/Builders by State law and assume full responsibility for the work and their workers’ safety and are assumed to have the same knowledge of codes and construction methods as licensed contractors. The work may only be done on an Owner/Builder’s principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months or more prior to completion of the work. Owner/Builders cannot sell more than two properties for which they were issued a building permit during any three-year period. Owner/Builders must do the work by themselves or with immediate family, employees, or licensed subcontractors. Employees are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, disability insurance, and unemployment compensation (Know the Risks of Owner/Builder – From the Contractor’s State Licensing Board).
Downtown Connectivity and Streetscape Design Plan Community Workshop
January 23, 2020 workshop (6:00 p.m., McBride Senior Center) will include a presentation of key strategies from the draft plan, which will be available for public comment in February. This plan will be part of the Downtown Specific Plan. Come find out more and influence how downtown evolves!
1/15/2020 3:45:25 PM
City Council to consider Public Involvement Strategy for Land Use Planning
January 28, 2020 meeting will consider a plan to provide greater opportunities for public involvement in the land use planning.
1/13/2020 2:41:17 PM
Fee adjustments to go into effect January 1, 2020
Development impact fees to increase 3.4% due to rising construction costs.
12/27/2019 9:39:42 AM