When do I need a building permit?
A. A building permit is required before a structure in the City of Rio Vista can be built, enlarged, altered, removed, demolished, and/or repaired. This includes but is not limited to single-family homes, multi-family residential buildings, and commercial buildings.
Some examples of construction activity that require a permit include:
- Construction of new buildings
- Construction of tenant improvements
- Additions and remodels
- Installation of signs
- Upgrading or replacement of electrical service panels
- Adding or moving outlets, lights, switches, or other electrical equipment
- Adding or moving registers, ducts, or mechanical equipment
- Adding or moving plumbing lines or plumbing fixtures - including lawn irrigation (sprinklers)
- Demolition
- Patio covers, enclosures and decks
- Pools/ hot tubs and spas
- Retaining walls supporting a surcharge
- Fences over 6 ft. in height
- Block or masonry walls
- Photovoltaic systems
- Sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the floor area exceeds120 sq. ft. and/or the roof is over 10 ft. in height
- Re-roofs
- Re-pipes
- Water heater and water softener change-outs
- Window and door change-outs
- Drywall replacement
- Repairs of damaged areas
- Stucco and siding
There are other work types that require a permit and are not on this list. Please contact the Building Department prior to starting a project if you have any questions.
Q. When is a building permit not required?
A. building permit shall not be required for the following; however, compliance to applicable codes and setbacks are necessary:
- Painting, wallpapering, and similar work
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet- 9 inches
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Please contact the Planning Department for required setbacks.
- Walkways (not in a public right-of-way) and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. Please contact Public Works if you have questions.
- Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support from Group R-3 and U occupancies
- Fences less than 6 feet high. Contact Planning regarding setback information.
Q. What other permits and licenses are required with a Building Permit?
A. When applying for a building permit, the counter staff will review your proposed project and inform you if additional permits are necessary, such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical and other related permits, including grading permits and/or encroachment permits (issued by the Public Works Department) and fire sprinkler permits. Unless the property owner is acting as his/her own general contractor, the project’s general contractor and subcontractors appropriate classified state contractor’s license and worker’s compensation insurance coverage is requiered. All contractors and subcontractors performing work in the City of Rio Vista must possess a current City of Rio Vista business license.
Q. How do I obtain a Building Permit?
A. Permits that do not require plan checks, such as water heater change-outs, meter panel upgrades, and re-roofs, may be issued over the counter at the Building Department window
Q. Who may apply for and obtain a Building Permit?
A. A building permit may be applied for and obtained by the parcel owner, licensed contractor or with an authorization letter and proof of current Workers' Compensation insurance from either the parcel owner or licensed contractor. A commercial project building permit must be obtained only by a licensed contractor.
Q. Can I submit an application for a Building Permit by mail or email?
A. Yes, currently over-the–counter permit applications may be either mailed or e-mailed to our department. This allows us to complete the proper paperwork prior to your coming to the office thus reducing your waiting time. Please note: Building permits must be obtained prior to starting work.
Q. Can I consult Building/Planning about land-use restrictions and submittal requirements while my project is still in the planning stage?
A. Yes. This is part of the normal development process for projects.
Q. What is required to obtain a re-roof permit?
A. A building permit for a re-roof can be issued over the counter if no structural calculations are necessary. However, roof materials weighing 6 lbs. or more per square foot require a plan check of engineered structural calculations. A minimum class B roof is required. Required 2022 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards forms must be submitted.
Q. How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
A. With a complete, proper submittal application, some permits can be issued over the counter while you wait.
Over the Counter Permits Include:
- Plumbing: Water line, sewer line, gas line, water heater and water softener replacement/installation.
- Electric panel/sub panel change out
- Window & sliding door replacement
- HVAC: Heating, A/C, split system, ducting & insulation replacement/installation
- Roofing
For projects that require plan checks, typical times are as follows:
- Minor projects- 5-10 working days
- Major projects 15-30 working days
- Complete and proper submittal will help your project move in a timely manner
Q. How can I find out the status of my permit and/or plan check?
A. You will be notified when your plan check process has been completed. You may also contact the Building Department via email at buildingpermits [at] ci.rio-vista.ca.us (buildingpermits[at]ci[dot]rio-vista[dot]ca[dot]us) or by calling 707-374-6448.
Q. What plans are required when applying for a Building Permit?
A. Larger projects require the following plans submitted along with the Building Permit Application: (additional plans may be required)
- Site plan
- Floor plan (existing and proposed)
- Elevation plans
- Sectional drawings
- Framing plan
- Roofing plan
- Structural calculations and details
- Energy calculations
- Fire suppression plans
Some smaller projects require less information.
Q. Who can draw my plans?
A. Architects may design any building of any type except a structural portion of a hospital.
Civil Engineers may design any building of any type except hospitals or schools. Structural Engineers may design any building of any type with no limitations.
Unlicensed persons may design the following:
- Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories in height
- Multiple dwellings containing not more than four dwelling units of wood frame construction, not more than two stories, and a basement in height. No more than four dwellings per lot.
- Garages or other structures appurtenant to single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height
- Agricultural buildings of wood frame construction unless the Building Official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved
- Nonstructural or non-seismic storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment, including nonstructural or no seismic work necessary to provide for their installation
- May not design any component that changes or affects the safety of any building, including but not limited to structural or seismic components
Q. What do I need to rebuild my existing fence?
A. If the fence is wood, chain-link, or vinyl and 6 feet or less, a permit is not required. If the fence is a block wall and will be constructed to City standards, a plot plan and building permit is required. If the block wall is not constructed to City standards, engineered structural details are required. Block walls require a building permit.
Q. What needs to be included in pool or spa plans?
A. A pool or spa requires a site plan indicating the location, existing fencing, gates and doors leading to pool area. For in ground pools/spas engineered, structural details must be wet stamped.
Q. What types of barriers (fencing) are required for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas?
A. Please contact the Building and Code Enforcement Division to obtain the Swimming Pool and Spa information handouts for specific requirements.
Q. How much are the fees for a Building Permit?
A. Permit fees are based on valuation
Q. When do I have to pay the fees?
A. Permit fees are paid at permit issuance
Q. How may I pay for my required fees?
A. The city will accept cash, check, money orders or credit cards (fee for credit card).
Q. Once I have a Building Permit, when do I request an inspection?
A. You will receive a job card at permit issuance which lists inspections in chronological order. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Building Department at 707-374-4448. Do not conceal any work prior to passing the required inspections.
Q. How do I request an inspection?
A. You may contact the Building Department at 707-374-6448 to request an inspection or email buildinginspections [at] ci.rio-vista.ca.us (inspections[at]ci[dot]rio-vista[dot]ca[dot]us). Inspections are done on Tuesday and Thursdays. You can request an AM time slot from 8 AM-12 PM or a PM from 1 PM-4 PM.
Q. How do I cancel an inspection?
A. Call: 707-374-6448 or email inspections [at] ci.rio-vista.ca.us (inspections[at]ci[dot]rio-vista[dot]ca[dot]us). Please cancel an inspection as soon as you know you will not be ready.
Q. What does the inspector look for?
A. The inspector verifies that the construction conforms to the approved plans and meets applicable Building Codes and relevant requirements. The City of Rio Vista inspects to the minimum standards of the California Standards Building Codes.
Q. How are inspection results recorded?
A. The inspector signs the job card at the job site. When the inspector returns to the office the inspection results are entered into the computer. Your building permit and office inspection card become part of the property record.
Q. What happens if I fail an inspection?
A. If your requested inspection is not approved, the inspector will write a Correction Notice. The notice will identify the items that need to be corrected. After all corrections have been completed, the inspection request may be recalled. If you schedule an inspection and are not ready or you have not completed the items on your correction notice prior to scheduling an inspection, a re-inspection fee may be assessed.
Q. How can I register a Special Inspector?
A. A Special Inspector Registration form must be completed by the applicant and submitted to the Building Department. A copy of all certificates and licenses are required for verification. A Special Inspector is required to register with the Building and Code Enforcement Division prior to any special inspection activity.
Q. How do I extend my permit to complete my project?
A. A permit extension must be completed and approved prior to the expiration of the permit. If your request for an extension is accepted, a one-time additional 6 months may be granted.
Q. How do I get a refund if I have been overcharged?
A. A written refund request must be submitted to the Building Department in writing. Upon review, you will be notified if you qualify for a refund.
Q. How do I know what underground pipelines are on my property?
A. Before commencing excavation for your project, you may contact USA North Underground Service Alert @ 1-800-227-2600 to determine the location of any underground lines you may have on your property. A minimum of 2 working days are required. This is a free service.