Building Permit Requirements

Requirements for Application Submittal

1. Three to five complete sets of plans shall be submitted to Building Inspection when applying for a building permit. Two copies are plan checked for compliance with the San Mateo County Building Codes and are stamped “Approved”. One approved copy is returned to the applicant when the building permit is issued and shall be kept at the job site, available to the Inspector until the final inspection is made and approved. The other copy shall be filed in the San Mateo County Building Inspection files. The third set shall be sent to the County Assessor.
2. Plans shall be drawn to a minimum scale as noted below and reproduced clearly for required copies. Plans may be submitted on paper as small as 8—1/2" x 11", in blueprint form. No originals or reductions will be accepted.
3. A complete set of plans shall include the following minimum requirements:

(a)​ Plot Plan (minimum scale 1/16" = 1'0")

• Must be topographic survey, stamped and signed by licensed surveyor. This is a requirement on all new construction or major additions.
• Owner's name and address (other than job site).
• Address of job site, including subdivision name, where applicable.
• Assessor's parcel number.
• Dimensions of the property.
• Size of structures (existing and proposed) and distance to property lines.
• All paved areas (existing and proposed).
• Utility connections; if applicable, show proposed location of septic tank, diversion valve and drain fields.
• Drainage of surface water.
• North arrow and scale used (with bar scale).
• Driveway -- show street elevation and garage floor slab elevation.
• Show contours if slope is more than 10%.
• Easements.
• Trees.

(b) Foundation Plan (minimum scale 1/8" = 1'0")

• Address of job site.
• Dimension, size, spacing, extent and location of all foundations, piers, retaining walls, etc.
• Floor slabs, including reinforcing and vapor barrier.
• Typical details, as required.
• If pier and grade beams are used, submit engineering calculations.
• Specify source of design criteria.

(c) Floor Plan (minimum/maximum scale 1/4" = 1'0")

• Address of job site.
• Size, location and identification of all partitions, doors, windows, cabinets and rooms.
• Size, spacing and direction of overhead framing, including roof framing.
• Lighting and electrical.
• Plumbing.
• Heating.

(d) Complete Exterior Elevations and Complete Interior Cross Section Elevations (minimum scale 1/8" - 1'0")

• Address of job site.
• Finishes of walls and roof.
• Windows and doors.
• Dimensions of the property.
• Grade at the structure.
• Floor and ceiling elevations from grade.
• Identify the elevations.

(e) Details

• Building section (minimum scale 1/8" = 1'0"). Show all structural elements.
• Identify the insulation to be used.
• Stairs, fireplace, decks, railings, etc. (minimum scale 3/4" = 1'0")
• Curb cut and driveway profile (minimum scale 1/4" = 1'0")
• Retaining walls. If over 3'0", submit engineering calculations.

(f) Engineering Geology - investigation reports may be required. These reports are retained in the Public Works Geotechnical Section.

(g) Sewer and Water - verification (from districts) are required prior to the issuance of permit.

(h) Fire Suppression - details shall be included on plot plan.

(i) Architect/Engineer(s) Name and License (Calif.) - must be displayed on all design plan sheets and signed.

(j) Energy Calculations - shall be included in the submittal of the plans.

(k) ADA Access Requirements - where applicable.

(l) Fire Sprinkler Permits - if required fire sprinkler permit must be issued with, or prior to, issuance of building permit.

(m) Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 

Workers Compensation Requirements

As mandated by the Labor Code, Section 3800, contractors or owner/builders applying for permits must provide proof of Workers Compensation each time a permit is applied for.

In lieu of providing proof of Workers Compensation, an exemption form may be signed. Notice To Owner/Builders: If you are claiming an exemption from Workers Compensation and hire a licensed contractor to perform any part of your project (e.g. framing, plumbing, electrical, etc.), you must provide the Building Inspection office with the name, license number and mailing address of the contractor. Please note that this exemption is signed under penalty of perjury.

Worker Compensation must be provided for all persons, including friends, relatives (adult children, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.) or any other person assisting or working on the project regardless of whether they are being paid or compensated for such services.

If it is discovered during the life of a permit that persons subject to this regulation are working on the project without the required coverage, a Stop Work Notice will be issued and notification to the proper authorities will be made. No further inspections on the project will be conducted until the matter has been fully resolved.

Survey of Building Site and Location of Structure Required Prior to Issuance of Building Permit

As part of the inspection process, inspectors are required to verify that proper setbacks have been maintained. The construction of any new building, additions to existing buildings, alterations and remodels which exceed 50% of the valuation of the existing structure (whether or not additional square footage or expansion is involved), accessory structures, decks, swimming pools, pool houses, cabanas, detached garages, barns, stables, retaining walls, water tanks, and similar projects will require a survey.

The use of existing fences or structures is not acceptable for verifying setbacks. Fences, in particular, are unreliable. They are often built or rebuilt without regard to actual property lines. Even structures, such as residences, which have existed for many years have been found to be located incorrectly.

Although recorded surveys are required in some instances, a boundary survey is acceptable in most cases. Prior to requesting your surveyor to provide you with a survey, you should advise the surveyor to contact the Building Inspection Section to determine what type of survey will be required.