City of Davis

City of Davis Planning & Building FAQ

Where is the Planning & Building Department Located?

We are located at City Hall, 23 Russell Boulevard, between A Street and B Street. Visitor parking is available behind the building, with entrances to the parking lot located at both A Street and B Street. Our telephone number is (530) 757-5610; fax (530) 757-5660.

How do I get to your office from I-80?

Exit at Richards Boulevard towards downtown. Take a left at the second stop light (First Street). Take a right at the first stop sign (B Street). Follow B Street across Russell Boulevard, and take an immediate left into the parking area located behind City Hall (23 Russell Boulevard). Follow the signs in the hallway to "Planning and Building".

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m; the office does not close for lunch.

What are the hours of availability for PB staff?

• Building / Planning Technicians: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Plans Examiners: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Voice mail 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
• Field Inspectors (In-office hours): 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Voice mail all day)
• Planners: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Phone and at the counter)

What types of residential structural improvements require a permit?

• Carports and Garages
• Decks over 30 inches high
• Doors (exterior and interior)
• Fence (or Screening) over 7 feet in height (where allowed by zoning)
• Fireplace or Chimney
• Patio Cover, Trellis, Pergola, or Gazebo
• Patio Enclosure
• Pools and Spas (both in and above ground)
• Roofing and Reroofing structures
• Room Additions and Remodels
• Shower Enclosures
• Skylight
• Stairway
• Storage Loft or Platform
• Sliding Glass Door (replacement permit required only if area of is changed)
• Window (general) (replacement permit required only if area of is changed)
• Bedroom Window (replacement permit required only if sill height is raised or if clear opening is altered)

What types of electrical, plumbing and mechanical improvements require a permit when installed or replaced?

Electrical

• Cooktop, Oven, Range, etc… Replacement permit is required only if type or rating is changed
• Garbage Disposal No Replacement Permit is Required.
• Garage Door Opener Replacement permit is required if adding an overhead outlet or direct wiring the unit.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). No Replacement Permit is Required
• Paddle Fan or Ceiling Fan. Replacement permit is required if type or rating is changed.
• Service or Subpanel. Replacement permit is required
• Spa, Hot Tub, or Pond Electrical (and related electrical). Replacement permit is required.
• Timer, Transformers for sprinkler valves, landscape lighting etc. Replacement permit is required if the unit is not approved for plug in connection.
• Wiring (new or extended 120 or 240 volt). Replacement permit is required if original wiring is Aluminum
• Wiring Devices (switch, outlet, etc…) Replacement permit is required if original wiring is aluminum
• Whole House/ Attic Fan. Replacement permit is required if no disconnect is within sight of fan.

Plumbing

• Fixtures: (sink, bidet, laundry tray). Replacement permit is required if plumbing is changed.
• Bathtub, Shower, Toilet. Replacement permit is required per new state regulations
• Dishwasher. Replacement permit is required if air gap isn’t existing
• Garbage Disposal. Replacement permit is required if plumbing is changed.
• Gas Piping (new and extensions). Replacement permit is required
• Sewer Line. Replacement permit is required
• Solar Equipment. No replacement permit required
• Sprinkler Anti-Siphon Valves. No replacement permit required
• Standpipe (washing machine or water softener). No replacement permit required
• Water Heater. Replacement permit is required
• Water Piping (new and extensions). Replacement permit required if original is unwrapped galvanized pipe below grade.
• Water Softener. Replacement permit required if air gap isn’t existing.

Mechanical

• Air Conditioning (any type). Replacement permit is required
• Central Vacuum System. Replacement permit is not required
• Ducting System. Replacement permit is not required
• Extension of duct system. Replacement permit is not required
• Exhaust Fans (Bathroom, Kitchen, Laundry etc..) Replacement permit required if the type or rating is different in the new unit.
• Fireplace Insert. Replacement permit is required
• Heating Unit (any type). Replacement permit is required
• Wood/ Pellet Stove. Replacement permit is required

How much does a permit cost?

Costs vary. You may call our office at 757-5610 for permit fees.

How do I schedule a building permit inspection?

Inspections may be requested by calling our 24-hour inspection line at (530) 756-4907. Inspection requests called in before 3:00 PM will be scheduled for the next working day. Requests called in on a Friday before 3:00 PM will be scheduled for Monday. Inspection requests placed after 3:00 PM, will take place in two working days (for example, if you call on Friday after 3:00 PM, your inspection will be scheduled for Tuesday). Permits and plans must be on site.

Regular Hours
Inspections may be requested by calling our 24-hour inspection line at (530) 756-4907. Inspection requests called in before 3:00 PM will be scheduled for the next working day. Requests called in on a Friday before 3:00 PM will be scheduled for Monday. Inspection requests placed after 3:00 PM, will take place in two working days (for example, if you call on Friday after 3:00 PM, your inspection will be scheduled for Tuesday). Permits and plans must be on site.

What time will the inspector be at my job site?

Regular Hours
Inspections begin at 8:00 AM and continue until 12:00 PM; and then from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM If you have a pager or cell phone and wish to be notified prior to the inspectors arrival on the site, you must indicate this when scheduling your request on the recorded inspection line. The inspector will call your pager/cell and leave the address number of your job, two spaces, and the number of minutes before estimated arrival. For example: 2265 10 (2265 represents the job site address, and 10 is the estimated arrival time in minutes).

I am a homeowner; I can't take a whole day off work to wait for an inspector. Can I make an appointment for an inspection?

Yes. In addition to the regular inspection process, the Building Department offers expanded service to homeowners for a limited number of timed appointments. The homeowner must be present for the inspection. Appointments are available between the hours of 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM, and 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM To schedule an appointment please call 757-5610, and department staff will assist you. Please be advised that we may not be able to provide next day inspections for these inspection appointments.

How much does an inspection cost?

The cost of the inspection is included in the building permit fee.

What is the status of my plan check?

When your plans have been reviewed and your permit is ready, you will be called and notified. If you wish to check the status, you may call our office at 757-5610 for information.

When do I need a Resale Inspection?

All residential properties are required to be inspected by a city inspector prior to the change of ownership to determine if the property meets various building codes, zoning regulations, and security requirements.

A property is EXEMPT from inspection if the date of close of the current sale is within 5 years of either the date of the Site Inspection of a previously validated Resale Certificate, or the date of the final inspection (or temporary occupancy) of the original/new construction and no unauthorized changes have been made to the dwelling.

Multi-Family (4 or more units) properties and hotels and motels are subject to the resale self-certification process.

The Seller must obtain a Self-Certification Package from the Building Division office.

Prior to close of sale, the Seller or representative must

1. Check the property in general and each individual unit for all of the maintenance and health and life safety items listed in the Package.
2. Complete any and all corrective work necessary and obtain any required permits.
3. Obtain the buyer’s signature and related information requested in the package.

Seller is required to submit the completed Self-Certification Package to the Building Division office for validation of the resale certificate. Seller is required to provide the Buyer with a copy of both the validated self-certification package and this brochure.

Every time the property is sold, the current owner is required to complete and submit a new Resale Self-Certification Package to the Building Division office.

There is no fee for the Resale Self-Certification process.

How much does a Resale inspection cost? (Effective July 25, 2005)

• $375.00 for a single family unit
• $450.00 for a two or three unit properties
• $22.50 per room for group housing (fraternity, hotel, etc... $250.00 minimum)
• $75.00 for Exemption fee

How do I apply for a Resale Inspection/Exemption?

The required forms are available at the Planning and Building counter. If a Resale Inspection is required, t can be scheduled at the time you pay the fee.

Can your office provide me with zoning/ census tract/ flood zone information?

Yes. Please call (530)757-5610 for information. In some cases, a short turn around time may be required to provide the information you request.

Where can I find information about the Affordable Housing Program?

Information is available on the City Managers web site at www.cityofdavis.org/cmo, or by calling our office at (530)758-5637.

May I put a fence or a trellis in my front yard?

Fences are generally allowed in front yards, but there are height restrictions. A six-foot fence must be set back ten feet from the front property line. A four-foot fence may be built at the front property line, except for on corner lots. An open trellis not exceeding 15 feet in height must be at least 15 feet from the front property line and three feet from the side property line.

May I put a storage shed in my back yard?

One small shed not exceeding 120 square feet in area may be placed anywhere in a rear yard for storage. The height is limited to 8½ feet at the peak and 7 feet at the walls (except for gable ends). Larger sheds are subject to more strict requirements, including separation from property lines and other structures.

Does the city care what color I paint my house?

No, color of single-family homes is not regulated by the city. However, you may belong to a Homeowners’ Association that regulates color through Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). The city does not enforce CC&Rs.

How can I find out what can be built on a vacant lot? How can I find out when something is proposed?

A Planner can tell you the zoning and allowed uses for a piece of property within the Davis city limits. For commercial and multifamily projects, we can also tell you whether we are reviewing plans in preparation for a building permit. If you are interested in finding a site for a business use, check the city’s Inventory of Vacant Business space and undeveloped properties at http://www.cityofdavis.org/pb/vacant/, or contact the Economic Development Coordinator at (530)757-5610.

The Planning and Building Department is working to improve its neighborhood noticing and participation policies. When a new development is proposed (other than a single-family house) the Planning and Building Department notifies owners of all property within 300 feet of the site. This distance may be increased for projects that are especially likely to cause neighborhood concern, such as some commercial developments. The city may also hold a neighborhood meeting before completing the staff review of an application. We have the goal of improving notification to tenants of residential and commercial properties and providing more information to those outside the immediate neighborhood of a project, balancing the cost and resources necessary for massive mailing.

Can I add on to my house?

The city’s zoning regulations govern building use, height, size, and proximity to property lines. These requirements vary from subdivision to subdivision, and sometimes from house to house. To confirm the requirements for your property, call a planner at 757-5610.

Can I operate a day care center out of my home?

The city considers home day care with twelve or fewer children to be a residential use. No special approvals are required for zoning purposes. You will need to be licensed by the State of California. For more information on running a family day care program, contact the city’s child care provider training program at 757-5691.

Is there a limit on how many people can live in a house or apartment?

The city cannot enforce limits on the number of residents in a house or apartment, other than those established by the state Uniform Housing Code. The city did have an ordinance limiting occupancy of rental houses to five or fewer adult residents, but this law is unenforceable.

State law requires that group care facilities, such as assisted living homes for the elderly, be allowed as a residential use if there are six or fewer residents.

A living group, such as a fraternity or sorority, is not allowed in a single-family zoning district. Living groups are organizations, clubs, or associations with four or more members, meetings, and other aspects indicating that the property is being used as an official headquarters.

When I’m at home, where can I park?

Anyone may park on any street in Davis, with a few exceptions. Obviously, parking is prohibited in areas with red curbs or in front of fire hydrants. It is also illegal to park in front of a driveway. People are not required to park in front of their own homes, or leave space free in front of someone else’s home. Some neighborhoods of the city have parking districts, which may limit parking to vehicles with resident or employee parking permits – the rules are outlined on the signs. These areas are generally closer to the University campus or the downtown core area. For information on parking districts or to purchase a parking permit, contact the Police Department at (530)747-5400.

There is no limit to the number of vehicles that can be owned by a household. However, vehicles visible from the street must be operable and have a current registration with the state DMV. Vehicles may not be parked on lawns or other non-paved surfaces. To file a complaint, call the code compliance program at 757-5646 or email codecompliance@cityofdavis.org. A vehicle parked on the street without moving for more than three days may be determined to be abandoned. To initiate a complaint about an abandoned vehicle, call the Police Department at (530)747-5400.

How do I determine my property line?

The Public Works Department has subdivision maps showing the location of property lines for most parcels in Davis. You may need to check the legal description of your property or hire a surveyor to determine where the property line is, in comparison to an existing structure or fence.

What if a lawn isn’t mowed, or a property is unsightly?

The city’s Visual Blight ordinance prohibits an property owner or tenant from allowing property to become unsightly. Visual blight is an unreasonable condition that is detrimental to the property of others or reduces the aesthetic appearance of the neighborhood. Examples of common code violations in the City of Davis include:

• Uncontrolled grass or weeds (over 4 inches tall) in public view lacking regular maintenance
• Dry grass and weeds that present a fire hazard
• Materials placed on the street or sidewalk
• Garbage or trash scattered around the property
• Indoor furniture on the front of the property in public view (such as indoor couches on front yard)
• Dilapidated or inoperative vehicles parked on private property and in public view.

The Code Compliance Program is a complaint-based program that inspects and investigates complaints, including visual blight complaints. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Compliance Coordinator will conduct a site visit to investigate the reported violation. After confirmation of the violation, the Code Compliance Coordinator will take necessary steps to gain compliance with City Codes. To file a complaint, call the code compliance hotline at 757-5646 or email codecompliance@cityofdavis.org. To speak to the Code Compliance Coordinator, call 757-5610 during business hours.