What types of cost breakdowns & project schedules are acceptable?
What are the construction hours?
What do I need to submit for a building permit?
What is my time limit for completing construction?
Do you require fences for pools and spas?
What type of roofing is required?
How long does it take to get a building permit?
How much does a building permit cost?
When is a building permit required?
Can I get an over-the-counter permit?

What types of cost breakdowns & project schedules are acceptable? 

Template and Sample for Project Cost Evaluation

Project Cost Evaluation
Sample Project Cost Evaluation

Sample Project Schedules

Task Calendar 1
Task Calendar 2
Task Calendar 3
Schedule 9/8/11

What are the construction hours?

Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Construction is not permitted at any time on Saturday and Sunday or the following holidays:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

The following exceptions apply:

1. Work done solely in the interior of a building or structure, the performance of which does not create any noise which is audible from the exterior of the building or structure; or
2. Work actually physically performed solely by the owner of the property, on Saturday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and not at any time on Sundays or the holidays listed above.
3. These rules do not apply if there is an active building permit on site.

The contractor will be asked to show his/her contractor's license and proof of workers compensation, and must have a current business license with the Town of Ross.

When applying for a building permit you must submit:

3 copies of the site plan (all standard plan size is 24” x 36”)

3 sets of architectural and structural drawings, drawn to scale

2 sets of structural calculations and soil reports (where applicable)

2 copies of energy calculations if glazing area is increased, floor area added and for all new buildings. Summary forms are to be included into the plans.

Site Plans Must Include:

Address of the work and owner's name

Name, address, phone number and signature of preparer

The assessor parcel number

Clear and concise description of the work proposed

Outline of the lot showing length and direction of all property lines

All buildings, walkways and driveways, indicate clearly the distances from the structures and parking spaces to the property lines, show all structures presently on the site and those proposed

Contour lines for lot steeper than 15% grade

The north arrow

The edge of the pavement and name of any abutting streets, indicate if a curb exists

Site drainage, both surface pattern and structures and subsurface drainage structures

Architectural And Structural Drawings Must Include:

Address of the work and name of the owner

Name, address and phone number of prepare

Statement of who drew the plans if maker is not licensed architect or engineer

Plans prepared by licensed architect or engineer shall be "wet stamped" and /or signed and show license number and expiration date

The assessor's parcel number

Seismic design category (SDCD)

Foundation plans for remodel or additions clearly label what is new, what exists and will remain, and what exists and will be removed. If only a portion of the house is to be remodeled, label all adjacent and surrounding rooms.

Appropriate elevations, height should be dimensioned

Sufficient cross-sections and framing details to show how the structure will be constructed, in particular framing details show all structural members, their size and location. Size, span and spacing of beams, joists, and rafters should be shown. Specify fasteners and metal connections.

Fireplace details, including locations of reinforced steel. Provide ICBO research approved number for pre-manufactured fireplaces and wood burning stoves; they should be EPA approved.

Handrail and guardrail connections, including height and size of openings

Location of electrical panels and meter panels

Lights, switches and smoke detector locations

All plumbing fixtures, including water heater locations

Heating equipment location, size, seasonal efficiency ratings, BTU output and type of fuel

Exterior wall finish

Roofing material and under layment

Indicate all insulation and R-value

Detail skylight framing

Detail of the installation of any roof mounted equipment if applicable

Title 24 CF-IR and MI-IR form duplicated on plans when energy requirements are needed

The Town of Ross limits construction time for projects from 9 months up to 18 months, depending on the project valuation.

Alterations, modifications, repairs:

Value		Time Limit
$50,000 or less		9 months
Over $50,000 to $200,000		12 months
Over $200,000 to $500,000		15 months
Over $500,000		18 months

New Construction

Value		Time Limit
$500,000 or less		15 months
Over $500,000		18 months

Municipal Code: 15.50 Time Limits for Completion of Construction

Pool, spas and hot tubs must have UL approved cover or a 4 foot high fence to code between the house and the pool.

Class A Roofs Required
All Roof Replacements must be constructed to Class A Assembly, and shall meet current code.

Plans review is approximately four to six weeks.

Fees are based on the valuation of the work.

The deposit amount is a minimum of $500 and up to 3% of the project valuation. The deposit is refundable upon completion of the project and when the job is finaled by the Building Official and the Planning Director.

"Permit fees" vary with the scope of the project. Please contact the Building Department for details.

The 2007 California Building Code (Section 108.4.1) provides that,
"A written construction permit shall be obtained from the enforcing agency prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, moving or alteration of any building or structure."

No building permit is required for the following work. Note: Planning Department approval may be necessary for exempt projects.

1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.

2. Side fences and rear yard fences not over 6 feet high as long as they are not facing the street.

3. Fences on street sides not over 4 feet high.

4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge.

5. Painting, papering and similar finish work, unless it is part of a project that requires a permit. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

Work without Permit will be red-tagged and a fine will apply.

Over the counter Permits include:

1. Water heaters
2. Reroofing
3. Furnace replacement

Please feel free to contact the Building Department at (415) 453-1453, Option 4 for any assistance.