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Building & Safety

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1. When do I not need a building permit?

Permits are not required for the following:

• Fences below eight feet in height, although Planning Division approval is always required before construction.
• Retaining walls that are not more than three feet in height, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or ground slope of 5%. Please note: The presence of a building / structure within five feet or existence of a geogrid is a surcharge.
• One-story detached accessory buildings with no electrical or plumbing installed, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, that are less than eight feet in total height and do not block any windows of the dwelling; zoning clearance is required before construction.
• Awnings over doors and windows, in residential construction, which are entirely supported by the building and do not project more than 54 inches.
• Raised wood decks, which are less than 30 inches above the ground at all points
• Painting, papering, carpets, and similar finish work.

For a complete list, please see our Work Exempt from a Building Permit handout.

Building Permits

2. When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for most construction and/or repair projects, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. 

Permits are necessary for, but not limited to, residential and business additions, alterations, patios, decks, garden and retaining walls, swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, air conditioners (adding or replacing), and all electrical and plumbing installations, including lawn sprinklers, water heaters, and gas lines.  Also, retaining walls that are more than three feet in height, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or ground slope of 5%.  Please note the presence of a structure within five feet or geogrid or is a surcharge.

Building Permits

3. How do I schedule an inspection?

You may schedule an inspection online through Citizen Services until 5:00 a.m. (the morning of the requested inspection) or by phone at (925) 833-6620 until 4:45 p.m. the business day before the requested inspection.  All inspection requests received after 5:00 a.m. can be performed the following business day.  You may request either a morning or afternoon inspection. Morning inspections are performed between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., while afternoon inspections are performed between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

To speak with an inspector, you may call the morning of the inspection between 7:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Please note, we cannot give out exact inspection times due to unexpected issues that may arise in the field.  We will do our best to accommodate each applicant’s needs. 

4. Can I call and get a specific time for my morning or afternoon inspection?

Inspectors do not give out specific times for inspections. However, you may call between 7:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and speak with your inspector to see if he/she can give you a closer window of time after the inspection lists are put in order on each inspector’s list.

5. Why do I need a permit?

Permits are required to ensure health and safety through adequate inspections of structures used and/or occupied by you, your family, and the general public.

6. Who can take out permits for work at a residence?

Property owners may obtain permits for any work performed. Licensed contractors may also obtain permits for the specific work allowed by their license.

7. How do I obtain a building permit?

Building permits can be applied for electronically.  All over-the-counter type permits can be handled through e-mail.  E-mail Based Residential Permits.  

Larger projects are eligible to be processed through the City’s eprocess360 system.  

Website Electronic Submittal Procedure - e360

Plan Submittal Application Procedure - e360

Projects with small scopes of work are considered "over the counter."  For example, a Water Heater, Furnace, or Roof replacement are permits that are issued at the counter with little paperwork and no plan review required.  These permits normally take about 15 minutes in order to fill out the application and obtain the permit.

For work involving new construction or remodeling, several items are required to be submitted for plan checking.  Items that may be required, but not limited to, may be: Plot Plan, Floor Plan, Framing Details, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical plans, Soils reports, etc.  Please visit our handouts link to obtain the "Plan Submittal Checklist” for your project type, which lists all submittal documents for your project.

A plan review fee is required at the time of submittal.  The amount of time that it takes for your application to be approved depends on the complexity of the project.  Minor items are typically handled over the counter or in one business day; other small projects such as small retaining walls or simple patio covers may take one to two weeks. However, room additions and new buildings normally take 15 business days for review.

Please contact Building at (925) 833-6620 for questions on how to process your project electronically.

8. What items need to be submitted for a spa permit?

For a portable package spa, the plot plan must show the location of the dwelling, the spa, the equipment, and the setbacks from the property line and dwelling to these items. The plot plan should also provide the electrical requirements of your spa; size and type of conduit; size and type of wire; location of the disconnect; size and location of the main electrical panel; and location of any electrical or plumbing within 25 feet of the proposed spa. If the panel is less than 200 amps, electrical load calculations will be required. You may wish to review the Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas handout listing all requirements and safety barriers required for you spa.

Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas

9. How high does a fence have to be around a pool or spa?

The fence must be non-climbable and a minimum of five feet high, measured from the outside, with self-closing and self-latching gates. The dwelling may be used as part of the fence requirement, but swimming pool alarms will be required. Please refer to the Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas handout for specific barrier information.

Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas

10. Does a portable (self-contained) spa need a permit?

Yes. You may wish to obtain the Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas handout listing all requirements and safety barriers required for your spa.

Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas

11. How deep does a gas line have to be buried?

A gas line must be buried 18 inches deep for plastic gas pipe or 12 inches deep for factory-coated iron pipe. The depth is the same for gas lines under concrete. A permit is required for this work.

12. How deep does an electric line need to be buried?

Electrical lines must be buried 18 inches deep for plastic electrical conduit or 12 inches deep for rigid metal conduit. The conduit may have as little as four inches of earth coverage when placed under four inches of concrete.  A permit is required for this work.

13. Is a permit required for a block retaining wall?

In most cases, yes. Please refer to the following links for more details.

Residential Retaining Wall

Building Permits

14. Do I need a permit for lawn sprinklers?

Yes, a plumbing permit is required for the backflow device.

15. Is a permit required for replacement of a water heater?

Yes. This permit is issued over the counter and normally takes about 15 minutes to issue.  The permit can also be applied through e-mail; see Question 7, above.

Please note, if the water heater is located in the garage, it must be a minimum of 18 inches above the garage floor.  All water heaters must be strapped to the adjacent wall, to protect against earthquake damage to water pipes and gas lines.  Please contact Building and Safety at (925) 833-6620 to obtain the Water Heater Installation handout for more information. 

Residential Water Heater - Permit and Inspections

E-mail Based Residential Permits

16. Is a permit required to replace a garbage disposal or dishwasher?

A permit is needed only if the plumbing or wiring is to be altered.  Please see link below for instruction on applying online.

E-mail Based Residential Permits

17. Is a permit required to replace a shower pan, bathtub, or the tile surrounds?

Yes, a repair work permit is required.  Please see link below for instructions on applying online.

E-mail Based Residential Permits

18. Is a permit required to install a freestanding fireplace or fireplace insert?

Yes, a mechanical permit is required, and in most cases, this may be done over the counter. Please note, however, the City of Dublin does not allow wood-burning fireplaces to be installed unless they are EPA-certified units. Refer to Dublin Municipal Code 7.32.270 for specific information.

19. Do I have to be present during the inspection?

If the work is on the interior of the building, someone over the age of 21 must be on site to allow the inspector access to the area of work. On work that is completely on the exterior of the building, you may leave instructions for the inspector to enter the yard without you being home. Please note that the inspector will not enter a yard or building with unattended animals or unsupervised, minor children.

20. What type of information do I need to submit for residential remodels and additions?

Please refer to the Single Family Dwelling Additions / Alterations handout for specific information requested from the Building and Safety Division and Planning Division. We recommend that applicants also review the building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing ordinances available at the front counter. These ordinances contain specific building code information that has been amended to accommodate the City of Dublin's needs.

Single Family Dwelling Additions / Alterations

21. How long does it take for the plan review for additions?

The review time for plans is approximately 10 business days from the date of submittal. Every effort will be made to review the plans earlier if the workload allows. The same time is allotted for subsequent resubmittals (i.e., second or third submittals).  Please contact Building at (925) 833-6620 for specific plan review time based on your project scope of work.

22. Do I need to submit energy calculations for a residential addition?

Yes, all new residential construction must meet the mandatory measures regulated by the Energy Efficiency Standards. Refer to the Energy Conservation Requirements for Owner Designed Residential Additions/Alterations handout and forms for specific information. 

Residential Additions & Alterations handout

23. What type of foundation can I use for my addition?

The proposed foundation system shall be similar to the existing structure (i.e., pier and grade beam with pier and grade beam; T-footing with T-footing, etc.). If a different system is proposed (such as existing pier and grade beam with new concrete slab), a current soils report prepared by a Geotechnical Engineer will be required. Based on the report’s recommendation, this will determine if the proposed foundation design will be compatible with the existing system.

24. What codes are the City of Dublin using?

Find out which codes the City of Dublin is using.

Currently Used Codes

25. How many inspections do I need for my re-roof permit?

This depends on the materials being used for the job. Complete the Re-Roofing Questionnaire and submit it along with the re-roofing permit application at the front counter of the Building and Safety office.

26. Do you have any type of expedition process for my plan check?

The City offers over-the-counter (OTC) plan reviews for limited residential projects such as single-story additions less than 500 square feet; remodels with minimum structural changes; garage conversions to living space; and accessory structures such as sheds, arbors, patio enclosures, etc.  

Small commercial projects such as minor tenant improvements (with no structural, mechanical, or electrical improvements) or equipment/fixture replacements can also be viewed over the counter.  Appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and reviewed in half-hour increments per division/department.  Refer to the handout OTC Residential Reviews Handout for limits on review time; specific design criteria and limitations of work; and contact information.

27. Is a resubmittal given the same turnaround time of three weeks as a first-time submittal?

This depends on the type of project submitted and the corrections required in the application drawings. The internal goal date is three days for small projects, such as a residential patio cover, to as many as 15 days for a new commercial building.

28. Can I get two inspections for the same job in the same day?

If, at the time of the first inspection set up for the day, the inspector deems it necessary or can accommodate an additional inspection in their schedule, then they can arrange a second inspection for the same day. However, two inspections are never set up at the same time initially.

29. If I do the work myself, why can't my valuation be lower than if I hired a contractor?

The City has minimum charges for different types of work. For the homeowner doing their own work, the City uses a minimum valuation matrix. The fees charged are based on the cost of providing services.

30. Is it better for the owner or the contractor to pull permits?

If an owner pulls the permit, they take on more responsibility regarding workers compensation issues, whereas, if the contractor pulls the permit, then the contractor is the responsible party. However, the owner may incur a charge from the contractor for obtaining the permit.

31. Can I pay for my business license when I pay for my permit and use one check?

You can use one check to pay for the business license as well as permit fees. However, you still need to take care of the form paperwork with the Community Development Department.

32. Do I need to submit structural calculations for a residential addition?

Structural calculations largely depend on the type of construction method being used. If the building design consists of wood frame construction and follows the conventional light-frame prescriptive standards as regulated by the California Residential Code, then calculations would not be required. However, if the structure has unusual design features and does not follow the light-frame construction methods, then calculations prepared by a State of California licensed Engineer or architect will be required.

33. Can I pay for my permit with a credit card?

Yes, the City accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.

34. Does the City offer any evening inspections?

The City of Dublin offers inspections on Tuesday evenings between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  These inspections are for residential homeowners in need of an inspection for re-roof, water heaters, gas lines, accessory structures, additions, HVAC, and miscellaneous residential repair work. Please contact Building and Safety at (925) 833-6620 to schedule an appointment. You must call the day prior to your requested inspection date, before 3:00 p.m., for a next-day inspection.