Businesses » Development Services Permit Center » Building Permit Services

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service

This in-person service is available for qualifying projects on single-family and duplex properties. No appointment is needed. The permit is issued during your visit if plans and documents are accurate.

If you cannot apply in person, instead use the Residential Service that provides online plan review.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA

To qualify for OTC Service, the property:

For properties on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - Obtain a clearance from the Planning Division BEFORE using the OTC Service. OTC will not issue a building permit without this clearance.

OTC does not issue tree removal permits. If an ordinance-size tree needs removal to accomplish the project, obtain the tree removal permit separately and BEFORE using the OTC Service. 

If the project does not meet each criterion, use the Residential Service.

QUALIFYING PROJECTS

  • Additions & Remodels - The project must meet the following criteria:
    • The property must be a 1-story single-family residence. 
    • The project cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction.
    • Additions - Must be less than 500 sq. ft.
    • Remodels - Must be 750 sq. ft. or less
    • Addition plus Remodel - Must be 750 sq. ft. or less and the addition component must be less than 500 sq. ft.
    • No engineered designs or calculations are allowed; the project must comply with the prescriptive wall framing and braced-wall requirements of CRC Chapter R602.
    • Roof tie-ins are allowed when new roof rafters bear on a sleeper, e.g., a 2’×10’ laid flat, over the existing rafters to spread the load uniformly without cutting or altering the existing framing.

    • The project cannot:

      • Remove or structurally modify existing load-bearing walls, beams, or roof framing.
      • Include beams, headers, or ridge designs that require engineering or structural calculations.
      • Have an irregular layout or conditions not addressed by CRC prescriptive provisions.
      • Involve basements or complex foundation conditions.

    • Note that Residential Express Service will accommodate additions/remodels with engineered trusses and simple lateral loads. 
  • Detached Accessory Building used as tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use. To qualify for OTC, the project:
    • Must be less than 500 sq. ft. A permit is not required for accessory projects under 120 sq. ft. unless it includes electrical or plumbing features. 
    • No engineered designs or calculations are allowed; the project must comply with the prescriptive wall framing and braced-wall requirements of CRC Chapter R602.
    • Cannot be located in an easement that prohibits construction
    • Must comply with zoning setbacks and rear yard coverage rules as outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 20.30.500 and 20.30.510

  • Engineered ICC or IAPMO current code-approved patios and screen rooms – Contingent on prior Planning division approval. 

  • Fire or auto damage to a structure – Must be a like-for-like replacement. Contingent on providing a damage survey report.

  • Siding or Stucco Replacement - Must be a like-for-like replacement.

  • Swimming pool and septic tank removals – Contingent on approved clearance by Public Works (see links).

  • Swimming pool construction – Only with approved Master file using the 2022 building codes.

  • Termite and Dry Rot repairs; must provide a report from the company performing the work.

PREPARE YOUR PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE

Prepare a submittal package that includes the following items. Your submittal must be complete and accurate for a permit to be issued. 

  1. Form 310 Building Permit Application - We recommend that the contractor complete and sign the building permit application. Whoever signs the permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. An agent signing on behalf of the licensed contractor must bring a signed authorization letter with current date OR correctly complete the authorization on page 2 of Form 310.

  2. Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit only if the property owner or agent representing the owner is the permit applicant. 

  3. Drawings must show the proposed changes - Include scope of work, square footage of area, site plans, floor plans and construction details as applicable.

  4.  Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist - Completing this ensures you submit a complete package.

Before visiting the Permit Center, you must either:

  • Recommended: Skip printing out the plans and forms and instead Upload Your Project Files any time before you visit the Permit Center. This is preferred as it enables faster review.

OR

  • Bring 2 copies of the paper forms and plans to the Permit Center.

COME TO THE PERMIT CENTER

Allow at least one hour for this visit and arrive before 3:00 p.m. as counter tickets are not issued thereafter. Upon arrival, go to the self-serve ticket kiosk by the round reception desk and select "Building Walk-In Service." Take the ticket. You will be called to a numbered counter.

City Hall Permit Center Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:  8:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-5:00pm
Wednesday:  9:00am- 12:00pm & 1:00-5:00pm
Take the bus or park under the City Hall Tower; parking validation is available.

Counter service tickets are not issued after 3:00pm

We look forward to serving you!