These types of structures or projects do not require a building permit: 

1. Accessory buildings or structures of 120 square feet or less and that will not be electrically wired. 
2. Awnings in Group R-3 or U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support.
   Definition: Group R-3 occupancies are single-family and duplex properties; certain child and adult care facilities; and congregate living shelters. 
3. Decks in Group R-3 occupancies that are not attached to a dwelling; do not exceed 200 square feet in area; do not serve a required exit door; and do not exceed 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point.
4. Driveways and walkways that do not exceed 30 inches above adjacent grade; do not cross over a basement or story below; and are not part of an ADA accessible route. Repairs or replacements of driveways and sidewalks require a permit; see Driveways & Sidewalks.
5. Fences on single-family/duplex properties do not need a permit if not higher than 7 feet along rear and side yards and not higher than 3 feet along front yard. For irregular-sized lots, see Fences.
6. Retaining walls - See Fences & Retaining Walls for details on when a permit is and is not needed.
7. Roof repairs or replacements that are less than 25% of existing roof; do not involve the underlying framing; and occur no more than once in a 12-month period. If 25% or more of the roof is being replaced/repaired, a building permit is required.
8. Stage sets, including electrical wiring, that are temporary for film or theatre productions.
9. Swimming pools that are prefabricated, above-ground, less than 24 inches deep, and hold a maximum of 5,000 gallons and used only at a single-family property. Note: The filling of swimming pools is subject to any emergency drought restrictions issued by the City or State.
10. Swings and play structures that are accessory on single-family/duplex properties.
11. Window replacements that do not involve any kind of alteration to the framing, flashing, or exterior wall.

These types of simple electrical projects do not require an electrical permit: 

1. Replacements of electrical outlets, switches in existing boxes, circuit breakers, or fuses. Do get a permit to replace a main disconnect.
2. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy, except in classified hazardous locations.
3. Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits of Class II and Class III as defined in the Electrical Code.
4. Removal of electrical wiring.
5. Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, conductor, or control device.
6. Temporary wiring in experimental laboratories and temporary wiring for stage sets.

See Electrical Projects for information on how to obtain an electrical permit online.

These types of simple projects do not require a mechanical permit: 

1. Appliance repairs that do not alter the appliance’s original approval and listing.
2. Closed systems of steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code.
3. Portable heating, cooling, and ventilating appliances or equipment.

See Mechanical Projects for information on how to obtain an electrical permit online.

These types of simple projects do not require a plumbing permit: 

1. Drain, faucet, toilet, or leak repairs; clearing of stoppages; or minor parts replacement. If a concealed trap, drainpipe, or vent pipe becomes necessary to replace, this shall be treated as new work and a plumbing permit is required.
2. Low flush toilet installation of 1.28 gallons per flush toilets when done as part of a city water conservation retrofit incentive program. Must replace a standard water use (5-7 gpf) toilet in the existing roughed-in plumbing. Does not apply to new installations in new construction or remodeling projects. On commercial properties, replacements must be made by a licensed plumbing contractor and must comply with current accessibility requirements; existing accessibility features may not be removed or diminished

See Plumbing Projects for information on how to obtain an electrical permit online.