Pinole's Applying for a Permit

As of October 1, 2022, the Building Division is pleased to offer in-person over-the-counter appointments on Thursday mornings for same-day permit issuance of:  

• Residential reroofs 
• Residential water heater replacements (in-place or replacement with on-demand)  
• HVAC replacements (like for like)  
• Electric panel replacements (like for like) 
• Residential Generators
• Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station
• Residential Swimming pool/spa replaster
• Window/Door retrofit/repair
• Temporary Power Poles
• Coming Soon:
  • Stucco or Siding Replacement
  • Termite and Dryrot Repair
  • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel (like for like)

Permitting Process 

• Review all submittal requirements below and prepare all required paper documents for submittal in person (note: please bring documents to the office on paper, do not email any documents to staff)
• Schedule an over-the-counter Thursday submittal appointment online (click on the permit type below to make an appointment):
  
  •  Appointments for: Reroofs, Water heater replacements (in-place or replacement with on-demand), HVAC replacements (like for like), Electric panel replacements (like for like)
  •  Appointments for: Residential Generator, EV Chargers, Swimming pool/spa equipment change outs/replastering, Window/Door retrofit/repair, temporary power poles, Stucco or Siding Replacement, Termite and Dryrot Repair, Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel (like for like)
• Show up promptly to your appointment, with all required application materials
• Pay all required fees at the time of appointment
• Permit will be issued same-day if complete documentation provided at appointment

As of October 1, 2022, the Building Division is pleased to offer improvements to Tuesday Solar permits! In-person over-the-counter appointments on Tuesday mornings for same-day permit issuance of:  

• Residential rooftop solar of below 15kw

Permitting Process 

• Review all submittal requirements below and prepare all required paper documents for submittal in person (note: please bring documents to the office on paper, do not email any documents to staff)
• Schedule an over-the-counter Solar Tuesday appointment online
• Show up promptly to your appointment, with all required application materials
• Pay all required fees at the time of appointment
• Permit will be issued same-day if complete documentation provided at appointment

 

As of October 1, 2022, the Building Division is pleased to offer remote processing of "over the counter permits" on Thursday afternoons for permit issuance of the following minor permit types. Note this option is not in person, and may take up to seven calendar days for processing.

• Residential reroofs 
• Residential water heater replacements (in-place or replacement with on-demand)  
• HVAC replacements (like for like)  
• Electric panel replacements (like for like) 
• Residential Generators
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station
• Residential Swimming pool/spa replaster
• Window/Door retrofit/repair
• Residential Rooftop Solar - 15kw or less
• Temporary Power Pole
• Coming Soon:
  • Stucco or Siding Replacement
  • Termite and Dryrot Repair
  • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel (like for like)

Permitting Process 

Note: this remote submittal option has a turnaround time of a maximum of seven calendar days. All applications submitted through this electronic process prior to 8am on Thursdays will be processed that Thursday afternoon. All applications submitted through this electronic process on or after 8am Thursday through 8am the following Thursday will be processed and issued the following Thursday afternoon. You will need to ensure your availability for a phone call between the hours of 1:00pm-3:00pm if staff has any questions about your application materials, otherwise, turnaround time may not be guaranteed.

• Review all submittal requirements below and prepare a digital package for submittal by email
• Email all required submittal items to [email protected] with the site address in the subject line.
• Provide a telephone number in application submittal that applicant can be reached at from 1pm-3pm on Thursday. You will be required to pay all required fees via credit card and staff may need to call to confirm the total amount.
• Remote over the counter processing may take up to seven calendar days. Permit packages for remote submittal received by email by 8am Thursday will be processed Thursday afternoons. Permit packages for remote submittal received by email after 8am Thursday through 8am the following Thursday will be processed the following Thursday afternoon.
• Pay all required fees at the time of appointment (detailed below)
• Receive over-the-counter permit if all requirements have been met
• Note: In compliance with State law, remote over the counter processing for residential solar (under 15kw) will occur on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, pursuant to the following:
  • Permit packages for remote submittal received by email from 8am Tuesday through 8am Thursday will be processed on Thursday afternoons. 
  • Permit packages for remote submittal received by email from 8am Thursday through 8am Tuesday will be processed on Tuesday afternoons.

The Building Division’s plan check review process protects the public from dangerous and uninhabitable building designs. If a permit does not qualify for Over-the-Counter review it will be sent out for third-party plan check. Plans examiners review plot plans, roof plans, elevations, structural details, and truss and engineering calculations to ensure they meet the minimum local and state laws regulating the construction of a building. That includes all auxiliary components, such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and State of California energy requirements.

Permitting Process 

• Applicant submits application, plans and support information by email to [email protected] with the site address in the subject line.
• Permit application is reviewed by Permit Technician to verify a complete application has been submitted. Note: the permit process will be delayed in a complete application is not submitted. Please carefully review all required submittal information.
• Once application is complete, permit application is logged and placed in queue by date.
• Permit plans are transmitted to third party plan checking firm in the order that they are submitted as complete applications. Permit plans are also routed to various other City Departments and Divisions for comment and review.

Typical plan review turnaround time:
First Review: 10 working days
Second Review:5 working days
Third Review: 3 working days

Larger Plan Review turnaround time:
First Review: 6 weeks
Second Review:4 weeks
Third Review: 2 weeks

• Once plans are returned from third party plan checking firm the comments are transmitted to the applicant by Permit Technician.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to respond to the plan check comments. Note: Long period of delay in receiving responses contributes to delay in permit process.
• Once applicant responses to plan check comments are received by Permit Technicians, they are placed in a queue to be sent back to third party plan checking firm.
• If plan check comments have not been fully addressed, a new comment letter is generated, transmitted to the applicant, and the applicant is responsible for responding to the plan check comments.
• Once third party plan check comments, in addition to any comments from other City Departments or Divisions are fully addressed, then the permit can be made ready for issuance (typically up to 7 working days)
• Applicant will be notified by email of permit issuance and all instructions

• Complete and accurate description of work 
• Project Location (street number and name) 
• Legal property owners name, address, email and telephone number 
• Proposed work valuation (valuation is the total value of the work for which a permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, and other permanent systems, including materials and labor)
• Proof of Workman Compensation 
• State Contractors License Information
• Current City Business License (if applicable,  Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City)
• Owner Builder Declaration Form (if applicable)

The property owner, an authorized agent, or a licensed contractor is the only person who can legally apply for a building permit.  Upon approval of the application and issuance of the permit, the applicant/contractor has 365 days (12 months) to commence work on the project, otherwise, the permit automatically expires.  

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
4. Complete Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
5. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
6. For roofs other than standard composition shingles, provide the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the ESRI report, or Listing Documentation.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)

Residential Re-Roof: $270 (up to 2,000 sf roof area) + $90/each add’l 1,000 sf or fraction thereof
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

In Place Replacement of Existing Water Heater, Same Location

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
5. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
6. Provide single line diagram for gas piping (on-demand only).  Refer to handout for assistance.
7. Provide 2019 CEC Energy Documentation.

Replacement of Water Heater Tank with On Demand Water Heater

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
4. Provide single line diagram for gas piping (on-demand only). Refer to handout for assistance.
5. Provide 2019 CEC Energy Documentation.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Water Heater Change Out Fee: $135
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

In-place replacement of existing furnace same location and / or in-place replacement of existing air condenser’s same location

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. Reference for PG&E Electric & Gas Service requirements, visit www.pge.com/greenbook 

Replacement of existing furnace same location and add on (n) air condenser

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
4. Reference for PG&E Electric & Gas Service requirements, visit www.pge.com/greenbook
5. Site plan showing where the new service will be located 

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
HVAC Change Out Fee: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

Electrical panel replacement - replacement of electrical services in same location

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. Reference for PG&E Electric & Gas Service requirements, visit www.pge.com/greenbook 

Electrical panel replacement - replacement of electrical services in new location

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
4. Reference for PG&E Electric & Gas Service requirements, visit www.pge.com/greenbook 
5. Site plan showing where the new service will be located

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Residential Electrical Service Panel Upgrade Fee: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

Residential Generators

1. Complete  Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. Site Plan- Show location/use of generator. Show all structures including use and square footage.
7. Setbacks from property lines with noise level in decibels at the nearest property lines.
8. Floor plan- (If applicable), Show anchorage, exiting, occupancy, fire-rated walls, ventilation, and required clearances.
9. Specifications- List generator model, size, fuel type, and any special requirements, (if applicable),vehicle protection requirements.
10. Provide the pad or foundation details.
11. Attachment details for the generator. Provide calculations if applicable.
12. Single line electrical drawing with panel, automatic transfer switch, amount of load being picked up, grounding, make a notation that it is a Stand-By system for power outages.
13. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Review: A BAAQMD permit approval may be required, (depending on Horsepower of the engine), before you can obtain a building permit from the City of Pinole.
    
    

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Generator Fee: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

1. Complete Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) must be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions and in accordance with the 2019 California Electrical Code (CEC) based on the National Electric Code (NEC). Wiring methods in Chapter 3 of the CEC must be applied to each installation. The EVCS must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). NOTE: This applies to EVCS equipment and receptacle outlets intended for use with cord and plug type vehicle charging systems (example: Tesla, etc.). Applicants must submit legible plans, with the following information:
   a. Project address, owners name and contact information and the scope of work.
   b. Site plan with property lines, driveway, garage, or parking space, proposed charging location, electric service, conduit location and disconnects.
   c. Manufacturer’s specifications, including the size of the charging station and installation guidelines.
   d. Existing main electrical service panel rating, subpanel ratings, proposed charging load and calculations for stations over220 volts and or 40 amps.
   e. A single line diagram must be included in the submittal with the following information:
   1. Conductor types and sizes
   2. Size of the circuit breaker supplying the EVCS
   3. Size of the main electrical panel, sub panels and disconnects
   4. The type of the charging station (Level 1, 2, or 3)
   f. Electrical load calculation sheet: provide the size of the existing electrical panel, existing load on the service panel, and the proposed load/circuits from the electric vehicle charging system to determine if there is adequate capacity in the existing panel.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Electric Vehicle Charger: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

1. Complete  Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
6. Site plan, including the following information:
   • existing pool/spa location(s) with no changes in outside of perimeter
   • the location of pool equipment/pad, with dimension(s) to the property line
   • indicate the height of any power lines that are over the pool, (if applicable)
   • Include any structures on the property with dimensions from the water line of the pool.
   • Specify equipment change-out or electrical panel upgrade to the pool equipment on the scope of work if applicable.
7. Safety Requirements. As of January 01, 2007, state law requires that every residence for which a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled in-ground or above-ground swimming pool; non-portable wading pool; or portable or non-portable spa or hot tub must comply with these requirements if the depth is greater than 18 inches.

• Locking covers. Pools, hot tubs, and spas must have locking covers, either a manual or power-operated cover that meets the ASTM specifications F1346-9.
• Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter.

• Swimming pool alarms. Swimming pool alarms that when placed in pools, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. These pool alarms shall meet and be independently certified to the ASTM F 2208 which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared type alarms. For purposes of this section, “swimming pool alarms” shall not include swimming protection alarm devices designed for individual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water.

• Gates. Any access gates shall be equipped with self-closing, self-latching devices, and open outwardly, with a release mechanism placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Swimming Pool/Spa Change Out/Replaster: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Complete  Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. A site plan of the locations of the windows and or door(s) to be replaced, the replacement window(s) and or doors. Note, work must conform to current construction standards, including:

• Window design. Even if the existing framing is not altered, the design of the replacement window must comply with current requirements for new construction as much as possible. When replacing a window that has become, for example, a noncomplying single-hung style, a new style must be chosen that complies.
• Window size. The replacement window must meet size regulations that apply to new construction. This includes the egress size required for emergency exit. If installed in an existing frame, then the replacement window must meet the dimension standards as much as possible. Current sizing is summarized below:
  • All habitable rooms - Must have exterior windows with an area that totals a minimum of 8% of the room’s floor area of the room for light and totals a minimum of 4% of the floor area for ventilation.
  • All sleeping rooms and basements - Must meet these specifications:- Minimum 5.7 square feet opening*- Minimum height of 24 inches- Minimum width of 20 inches- Maximum height to bottom of clear opening of 44 inches * To meet the required 5.7 square-foot opening, either the width or height or both must exceed the minimum dimensions shown. If bottom of clear opening is less than 44 inches above outdoor adjacent grade, then a minimum 5 square feet is acceptable.
  • Safety glass. New glazing in existing openings must be safety glass if the opening is in a hazardous location as defined in current standards for new construction.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Window/Door Fee:

• up to 5: $180
• over 5: see Section B of permit fee table (fee is based on valuation of work)

Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

1. Complete  Permit Application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.
6. Plans, require to include 
   1. cover sheet,
   2. site plan,
   3. mounting details,
   4. framing sections / details of the roof,
   5. electrical diagram,
   6. warning labels,
   7. locations to be installed and
   8. product specifications.
7. Note: A new main panel service may be included in the permit, please itemize in the work description to ensure it is included if needed.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)

Residential Rooftop Solar (under 15kw): $315
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Accelerated Outside contractor business license processing fee (if needing expediting processing): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule

1. Complete permit application with all required signatures and fields completed.
2. Provide letter of authorization on company letterhead authorizing the individual applying for and obtaining the permit on the company’s behalf.
3. Complete  Business License Application-Licensed Building Contractor Outside of the City or Business License Application for Licensed Building Contractor Inside of the City (if applicable).
4. Complete Owner Building Declaration Form (if applicable).
5. Complete method of payment – utilize the credit card authorization form.

Fees (as of 9/1/22)
Temporary Power Pole: $180
Permit Processing Fee: $75
Outside contractor business license processing fee (if applicable): $60
General Plan Maintenance Fee: 10% of permit fee
Technology Fee: 10% of plan review and permit fee
Strong Motion Instrumentation (SMI) Fee: refer to item D.7 in Building Fee Schedule
Building Standards (SB 1473) Fee Calculation Fee: refer to item D.8 in Building Fee Schedule