community_dev_building

BUILDING DIVISION

The Building Division assures that all new and remodeled structures within the City conform to the City's Building Code and the California Uniform Building Code to protect public safety and welfare. The division helps protect the property owner by reviewing the plans for all buildings or structures prior to the issuance of building permits. Inspection of buildings are conducted during various stages of the construction process to assure that the approved plans are followed. Permits issued include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-condition work. The Building Division also provides permits for the demolition of abandoned or dilapidated structures.

RESIDENTIAL ROOM ADDITIONS

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL ROOM ADDITIONS:

Submit three (3) sets of complete drawings, as detailed below, to the Planning Division and obtain zoning and plot plan approval. If your room addition exceeds 50% of the existing habitable area of the home, it will require Planning Commission approval which takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Contact the Planning Department for more information at (714) 562-3620.
Submit same plans to Engineering Services Department and obtain owner's grading certification waiver.
You may make an appointment for plan review by calling the Building Division at (714) 562-3637. You will be required to pay the appropriate plan check fees at the time of your appointment.
If building addition exceeds 499 square feet, you will be required to pay State mandated school impact fees. For additional information, contact the Anaheim Union High School District at (714) 999-3511 or Fullerton Joint Union High School District at (714) 671-4331.
The Building Division will advise you whether fire sprinkler installation will be required.
Pay fees for issuance of permits.

COMPLETE DRAWINGS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

PLOT PLAN: Show all lot dimensions, side yards, distances between building (proposed and existing), and north arrow. (See sample Plot Plan)

FOUNDATION PLAN: Fully dimensioned with applicable details.

FLOOR PLAN: Fully dimensioned and labeled. Include floor plan of adjacent existing rooms (window and door sizes).

FRAMING SECTIONS: Note all appropriate labels, notes and details.

EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS: Note scale used for drawings and details, show compliance with State Energy Conservation Standards.

Note: If you are adding a two-story addition, or if your addition is not a conventional framing, you will be required to have an Engineer/Architect stamp and sign the drawings and calculations.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A PLOT PLAN:
All plans for new construction, alterations to existing structures, swimming pools or for any construction which requires a building or site permit shall be drawn to scale and shall show the following:

The scale used and the north direction;
The entire lot or parcel of land involved;
All lot line dimensions and any curve radii;
The exact location and dimensions of all existing and proposed buildings, structures and construction on the lot, including swimming pools, particularly relation to each other and to property lines;
The street frontage, including the property line, location of any sidewalks, curb lines, driveway approaches and the center line of adjoining streets;
All building elevations, excluding covered patios to scale (using a minimum of 1/8' = 1'0"), indicating the type of all external materials used, including the roof, chimney, fascia, eaves, cornices, wall facings, brickwork, windows, doors, exterior stairs and any other architectural features;
The legal description of the property; the name, address, ZIP code number and telephone number of the legal owner, as well as of the agent, contractor or building if any.

(See sample Plot Plan)

LOT COVERAGE - ROOM ADDITIONS
The following restrictions on lot coverage and setbacks apply only to lots in the RS-6 and RS-8 zones: The maximum area of a lot which may be covered by buildings is 40 percent of the total lot area. Swimming pools are not considered as lot coverage. In addition to the restriction on total lot coverage, not more than 30 percent of the required rear yard may be covered by structures. The required rear yard is defined as an area 25 feet deep across the width of the lot. For example, on a lot 60 feet wide by 100 feet deep, the total allowable coverage by all structures would be 2400 sq. ft. Of this total, no more than 450 sq. ft. may be in the required 25-foot rear yard area.

BUILDING SETBACKS
All buildings, roofed patios, swimming pools or other structures on a residential lot must be setback a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line, five feet from an interior side property line, ten feet from a side property line adjoining a street and 5 feet from a rear property line. In addition, detached structures must be a minimum of six feet from any other structure on the lot.

FOR LOT COVERAGE RESTRICTIONS AND BUILDING SETBACKS IN ALL OTHER RESIDENTIAL ZONES, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE PLANNING DIVISION.

OBTAINING A PERMIT - BUILDING REQUIREMENTS GENERAL PROCESS
There are a number of general steps in the process for obtaining permits and inspection approvals:

An application must be prepared, plans submitted and plan review fees paid.
Plans are reviewed for compliance with applicable codes and State Law and either approved or a set of corrections prepared.
Corrected plans are submitted, reviewed and approved.
The owner, or the contractor, pays the permit fee (and any other applicable fees) obtains the permit, a set of approved plans, and an Inspection Record Card for posting on the site. Inspections for compliance with the approved plans are made at key times during construction and before work is concealed, and approvals recorded on the Inspection Record card. When the work is totally complete, a final inspection is made, the work approved, the hookup of utilities authorized, and a Certificate of Occupancy issued.

REQUIREMENTS

Permits are required before starting work. Permits are available to owners of single family dwellings and two family dwellings provided the work is installed by the owner, or a member of the immediate family, and the owner resides or intends to reside in such dwelling.
Permits become null and void if work authorized is not commenced within 180 days of the issuance or if such work is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days.
No work shall be covered or concealed without first having been inspected and approved.

WHAT ARE CONSTRUCTION PERMITS?
Construction Permits are documents obtained through the Community Development Department which authorize the start of construction or remodeling of a building in the City of Buena Park.

There are six common types of permits:

Building Permit is required to construct or modify a building or structure.

Electrical Permit is required to install or modify an electrical system.

Plumbing Permit is required to install or modify a plumbing system.

Mechanical Permit is required to install or modify heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and other related systems.

Combination Building if working on a single family home or duplex, a Combination Building Permit may cover all of the building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work necessary for the job.

Building Permit is required for any block wall six feet high and retaining wall four feet high from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. The Planning Division must review and approve all fence/wall plans and design to ensure compliance with zoning regulations.

CODES AND LAWS
The Community Development Department is the agency charged with the administration and enforcement of municipal zoning and building regulations and requirements prescribed by California State law Title 24. The City of Buena Park uses the following model codes as the municipal building laws:

Uniform Building Code
Uniform Mechanical Code
Uniform Plumbing Code
Uniform Electrical Code

These model codes are followed by all California cities and counties and hundreds of other jurisdictions nationwide. The Department also enforces certain California State requirements for minimum housing, energy conservation, workers' compensation certificates, and access for the physically disabled.

WHEN IS A PERMIT NEEDED?
Most major projects will require a permit of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards that protect its occupants and neighbors, not only in everyday living, but also in case of emergencies and natural disasters.

Permits are required for all buildings or structures erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. Additionally, all block walls 6 feet or higher require a building permit.

Work Exempt from Permit. A building permit shall not be required for the following:

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 (11.15 m2)
Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high. Planning Division must review and approve all fence/wall plans to ensure compliance with zoning regulations.
Oil derricks.
Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) high.
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.
Painting, papering and similar finish work.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches (1372 mm).
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L).

WHO CAN OBTAIN PERMITS?
Permits shall be issued to duly licensed contractors. However, a homeowner can obtain a permit to do the construction, alteration or repair of a one or two-family dwelling and accessory buildings or facilities thereto if:

the owner resides or intends to reside in the dwelling, showing proof of residence;
the construction is performed by the owner, and
the owner signs a statement that no person will be employed in a manner as to become subject to the workers' compensation laws of the State of California. When a permit is taken out, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement. Contractors working in the City of Buena Park are required to have a Buena Park business license. If a contractor has employees, proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be shown at the time of permit issuance. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractor's License.

INSPECTION INFORMATION

WHAT IS AN INSPECTION?
A property inspection is the way that the City ensures that new and remodeled buildings are constructed according to the plans approved by the Community Development Department. By actively inspecting in-progress and completed construction, the City can help ensure that buildings meet all health and safety regulations.

WHEN IS AN INSPECTION NEEDED?
Any work which requires a permit will require inspections. When a permit is obtained, an Inspection Record Card will be issued. This card must be posted on the job site. The Inspection Record Card will indicate the first inspection required for a job. The plans which were approved by the Community Development Department must also be available for the inspector during each inspection.

HOW CAN AN INSPECTION BE ARRANGED?
You may now submit a building inspection request online using the Internet. Upon your initial submission of your request, you will be required to register on line. This registration will also assist you in future requests to schedule an inspection. Click on Building Inspection Request Form in order to submit your request.

You may also call the Building Department Inspection Request Line at (714) 562-3641. This number is connected to an answering machine and should be used only to request inspections. The machine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

An inspection request can also be made by calling (714) 562-3636 between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and alternating Fridays.

When calling to request an inspection, please have the following information available:

The address of the job;
The permit number;
The type of inspection requested;
The type of building (i.e. single family, apartment, commercial)

During the first inspection, the inspector will determine the amount of work which can be completed before the next inspection. Do not work past this point. This process will be repeated for each succeeding inspection.

Some commonly needed inspections are:

Grading: If a project requires grading of the site before construction, an engineering inspector must be on-site to provide inspection during grading. In most cases grading is necessary only for projects requiring the removal or addition of large amounts of earth.

Foundation/Slab: This inspection is performed after rough grading and placement of concrete forms and reinforcing steel, but prior to pouring any concrete.

Floor Joist. This inspection is performed after all floor joists and girders have been installed and underfloor plumbing, electrical and mechanical has been installed. Underfloor waste and vents shall be tested at the time of inspection.

Roof Sheathing: This inspection is made after the plywood roof sheathing has been installed and all penetrations through roof have been made.

Framing: Inspection is required after the roof covering is installed, exterior doors and windows installed, flashed, and caulked, and electrical, plumbing and heating systems are prepared for rough inspection.

Energy Insulation: Inspection is required after installation, but prior to walls and ceilings being covered.

Lath/Drywall: Exterior lath is inspected after interior nailing of wall cover is completed and paper and wire have been nailed and trim is in place.

Final: This last inspection will occur when all fixtures are in place and the building is ready for occupancy.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of building inspection is included in the permit fee. However, a $40.00 reinspection fee may be assessed if an inspection call is made but the work is not ready for inspection or required corrections have not been completed. A reinspection fee may also be charged if the approved plans are not available or the inspector cannot gain access to the site to perform the inspection.

FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION

FLOOD INSURANCE
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover losses due to floods. However, Buena Park is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes it possible for Buena Park property owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. This insurance is available to any owner of insurable property (a building or its contents) in Buena Park. Tenants may also insure their personal property against flood loss.

Contact your local insurance agent for current insurance rates. The actual cost will vary depending upon amount of coverage and degree of flood hazard. We urge persons who live or own property in flood hazard areas to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses due to flooding. This insurance is required in certain instances, such as the financing of a home with a federally backed mortgage.

FLOOD SAFETY
There are several actions residents of flood hazard areas can take to decrease the potential of injury due to flooding:

Know the flood warning procedures.
Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.
Keep children away from flood waters such as rivers, ditches, culverts, and storm drains.
If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
Evacuate the flood hazard area in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the Police or Fire Departments.
Turn off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switch. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. Shut off the water service and gas valves in your home.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES
There are various actions which can be taken to flood-proof structures. Electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, and washers/dryers should be elevated or relocated to a location less likely to be flooded. Basement floor drains and interior and exterior backwater valves can be installed and interior floodwalls can be placed around utilities.

If flooding is likely, and time permits, move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of your home. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. This action will help minimize the amount of damage caused by floodwaters. Locations for Emergency Sandbags are available at the City yard.

FLOOD PLAIN DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Always check with the City's Community Development Department before you build on, alter, re-grade, or fill on your property. A permit is needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. All new developments, or any alterations, additions, or modifications to your building or land requires a permit from the City's Community Development Department. Even re-grading or filling in the flood plain requires a permit. If you see building or filling without a City permit sign posted, contact the Community Development Department.

MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Buena Park has a complex storm drainage system which is composed of streets and gutters catch basins, underground pipes, ditches, streams, creeks, pump stations and channels/rivers. This system is utilized to carry storm waters away from homes and businesses to drainage areas, such as the Santa Ana and San Gabriel Rivers. Maintenance of this drainage system is very important so that a high flood flow capacity can be realized. To aid in this, the City of Buena Park performs maintenance work on the system at least two times a year. Work is also performed on an emergency basis as needed.

A plugged drainage system cannot carry water and could cause flooding when it rains. Do not dump or throw anything into the street or storm drainage system. Dumping in our streets or drainage system is in violation of local and county codes.

If you see dumping or debris in the storm drainage system, contact the City of Buena Park Public Works Department's 24-Hour Storm Drain Hotline Number (714) 562-3703.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
Flood watches (when conditions are right for flooding) and flood warnings (flooding is imminent) will be issued to the public by one or all of the following means:

Local Cable Network
TV (Emergency Broadcast System)
Radio (Emergency Broadcast System)
Mobile Public Address capabilities of Police cars and helicopters
Critical facilities will receive notification by telephone

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

Before:

Check For Hazards In The Home

Fasten shelves securely to walls.

Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. á Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.

Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify Safe Places In Each Room

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

Against an inside wall.

Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate Safe Places Outdoors

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.

Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Have Disaster Supplies On Hand

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries

First aid kit and manual

Emergency food and water

Non electric can opener

Essential medicines

Cash and credit cards

Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

During:

If Indoors:

Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.

Stay inside.

The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If Outdoors:

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.

Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If In A Moving Vehicle:

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.

Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.

Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Pets After An Earthquake

The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.

After:

Be Prepared For Aftershocks

Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. á Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.

Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

Inspecting Utilities In A Damaged Home

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

MITIGATION:
Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes in the future. For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.