Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building, structure, or any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, please contact us prior to the commencement of the work.

Per the California Residential Code detached accessory structure not exceeding 120 square feet does not require a building permit if there is no plumbing, electrical, and or mechanical equipment. Please note, Sheds and/or Structures under 120 square feet do require a Planning Permit. The Planning Department can be contacted by calling 650-851-6796, ext. 2.

You will need to complete a Building Permit Application, pay any applicable fees and deposits, and provide the plans and supporting documents to the Town via emailing the Project Managers.

Monday through Friday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Saturday
8 am to 1 pm

Sunday
No work allowed

No work allowed on Town observed holidays. A complete list of observed holidays can be found in the WMC Sec. 151.55 (B).

You can view permit records, inspections, and plan check comments online.

The Town is now accepting digital building permit submittals. Please submit via emailing the Project Managers. Fees are paid by cash or check. Submittals are accepted when all fees are paid. Certain types of projects may still require hard copies to be submitted, the permit technician will inform you. Please check with Planning and Building Department staff at 650-851-6796 and we will assist you with any questions.

The fees/deposits associated with your permit(s) will depend on the complexity of your project (e.g., numbers of buildings, amount of site work, etc.). All fees and deposits, except road impact fees, are required to be paid when you submit your permit application(s). Road impact fees can be paid at the time the permit is issued. Fees are associated with processing your permit applications and are not refundable. Deposits are associated with staff's review of your permits (e.g., geology deposit for the Town Geologist's review time; site development permit deposits for the Engineering Department's review time, etc.).

Please visit the Town's Fee Schedule to view a complete schedule of Town fees and deposits.

The Town only accepts cash or check. No credit cards.

From October 15th to April 15th of each year, no grading work is allowed. All grading work must be winterized by providing weather protection for all exposed graded surfaces no later than November 1st of each year. Per Section 151.45(E) of the Town's Site Development Code, an applicant may apply for an exception to the Town Engineer to allow grading to commence after October 15th and before December 1st. The Town Engineer can only grant the exception request if he/she finds that no detriment is likely to occur to neighboring properties or public or private roads, that the grading can be completed within 30 days of the grant of the exception and that the site will be winterized with an erosion control plan to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer.

If you have any questions regarding the grading moratorium you can contact the Town Engineer at 650-851-6790.

Yes.

The Planning Department can be contacted by calling 650-851-6796.

For changes made to existing hardscape, such as driveways, pathways, patios, etc., drainage installation or changes, landscaping projects or other alterations to the site. Please contact the Towns Planning and Engineering Departments for their requirements.

Fences and walls: Fences, gates and walls that do not require a building permit will require a Fence / Gate / Wall permit from the Planning Department. Please contact the Planning Department for these requirements.