| Building FAQ's |
What requires a building permit?
The Building Division has a handout entitled "Required Permits" (pdf) that lists items and projects that require a building permit. This handout can be accessed through the link above, mailed to you or you may pick one up during our regular office hours. |
What is an over-the-counter permit?
Over-the-counter permits are permits that can be issued without the need for plan review. Some types of over-the-counter permits are: re-roofs, water heater, furnace and A/C repair/replacements, electric service panel upgrades, and other miscellaneous repairs. For over-the-counter types of building permits, you may print out the permit application from the Forms Section of this website and fax it to our department for processing or visit Accela Citizen Access™. You will need to appear in person to pay for the permit once you have received a call that it is ready to be issued. |
Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?
Yes, a building permit is required. The permit can be issued over the counter and only takes a few minutes. The cost of the permit is based on the valuation of the work, including material and labor costs. |
| Do I need a permit to install a spa and hot tub?If it is a plug cord connected spa/hot tub, the only permit required is for any new electrical work needed to operate the spa/hot tub. If it is a hardwired electrical connection spa/hot tub, permits are required for the spa, electrical work, and plumbing work. |
Do I need a permit to rebuild or build a new deck?
A building permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade, and planning department approval is required for decks 18 inches or more. |
When do I need to call for inspections after my permit has been issued?
The required inspections are listed on your copy of the permit. All work must be inspected before it is covered up. For example, we must inspect the footing/foundation after it is excavated; installation of steel reinforcement, before concrete is poured. A minimum of twenty-four hours notice is required prior to each inspection.Inspections can be requested by calling 707.778.4479. |
Does dry rot repair require a permit?
Yes, dry rot repair does require a permit. It takes only a few minutes to complete the permit application and state, in writing, the scope of work. Most of the time a copy of the termite report is adequate. The permit fee is based on the valuation of the work, including material and labor costs. |
Can I use the ceiling joist in the garage as a storage area by adding plywood?
No. The ceiling joist or the lower cord of the trusses is not designed to support storage loads. |
Do I need a permit to replace my single pane windows with dual glaze windows?
If the window(s) size remains the same and no new openings are added and windows are not converted to doors a permit is not required. The Planning Division should be consulted to ensure that the replacemet window(s) comply with the associated guidelines. (i.e. Historic Districts) |
My neighbors have re-landscaped and re-graded their yard and now their rainwater runs into my yard. What can the Building Division do about this?
Lot-to-lot drainage is a civil matter and the Building Division is not involved. Landscaping and the re-grading for landscaping do not require a permit. |
What will my permit cost?
The cost of the permit depends on the type and size of the project. The fees are calculated on the total valuation of the project (based on a Uniform Building Code formula) as well as the amount of plumbing, mechanical and electrical work associated with the project. |
How long does Plan Check take?
Plan check can take 15-20 days to complete the process. Applicants should refer to the Plan Check Turn-Around Time handout for more information. |
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| Planning Services FAQ's |
I'd like to replace my fence. Do I need a permit?
Yes, a Fence Permit (pdf) from the Community Development Department is required. Please note that the height, style, and location of fencing is regulated by the zoning district in which your property is located. The Planning Division will assist you in obtaining the required information. |
I'd like construct an addition to my house. What do I need to know?
By contacting the Permit Processing Technician in the Community Development Department (707-778-4557), and giving him/her your address, you can learn the regulations for your property regarding height, setbacks, lot coverage, and design review, as applicable. |
Does the City regulate trees?
The City does have a Heritage Tree Ordinance, and invites property owners to nominate their tree(s) to the register, so that they can be protected from removal. The City also requires a permit to remove trees in the public right-of-way (usually trees in the planter strip between the curb and sidewalk). Tree removal permits are available from the Community Development Department. |
Is the City in an earthquake zone?
No. Although many parts of California, including Petaluma, are subject to earthquakes, earthquake zones are specifically designated areas based on information from the State Department of Mines and Geology. Petaluma is not in a designated earthquake zone. |
Is my property in a flood zone?
The City keeps on file the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Please contact a Permit Processing Technician and give him/her your address to determine if you are in the floodplain. |
Can I subdivide my property?
Potentially. This depends on the General Plan land use designation and zoning district in which your property is located (which regulates minimum lot size). Contact the Permit Processing Technician in the Community Development Department (707-778-4557), and give him/her your address, you will be contacted with the regulations for the property in question. |
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| Geographic Information System FAQ's |
What are the technical requirements of my system, to help me view Online GIS?
Online GIS has been tested with Windows 2000 and XP computers, running Internet Explorer 5.02 or later, Netscape 5.5 or later. We have not tested on Opera or Firefox browsers, nor on Apple Mac products. We strongly recommend you view our GIS system using a broadband internet connection or high-speed connection. The system's data content is simply too complex to be readily served by a dial-up modem connection. |
Online GIS uses cookies. Why?
Our online GIS, based on a product called GeoSmart, uses cookies to "remember" your map configurations and layouts. Without cookies, you'd be doing far more reloading. We also use cookies to verify users have read our disclaimer. We don't collect any personal or computer information, and under no circumstances is any information transmitted outside of our GIS system. |
When were the air photos taken?
The aerial photographs were taken in June, 2000. |
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| Code Enforcement FAQ's |
There's a property in my neighborhood that has a lot of garbage and rubbish in the front yard. What can be done?
The City requires all garbage and rubbish to be placed in a clean, covered container (typically provided by GreenWaste Recovery).
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There's a property in my neighborhood that has inoperative vehicles all over the property. What can be done?
In-operative vehicles are not allowed to be stored on private property when they are visible from offsite view. The Petaluma Police Department handles the abatement of in-operative vehicles.
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I noticed a lot of people park their cars, boats, and recreational vehicles on their front lawn. Is this legal?
The City of Petaluma does not currently have any regulations on where cars, boats, and recreational vehicles should be parked. As long as the vehicles are operative, they can be parked anywhere on private property.
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Someone keeps parking their cars on the street in front of my house for weeks at a time. How can I put an end to this?
Any vehicle with current registration can be parked on the street for up to 72 hours without being moved. This includes automobiles, boats, and recreational vehicles. Recreational vehicles are not allowed to be hooked up to any utility (water, power, cable, etc.) at any time while parked on the street. |
The house next door to me appears to have a lot of people living in it. This can’t be legal, can it?
At this time, the City cannot regulate how many people live in a single residence. What we CAN regulate is where they are sleeping inside the home. Kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and garages are the most common places where sleeping is NOT allowed. Any vehicles associated with this home will have to follow the regulations answered in prior questions. |
My neighbor appears to be operating a business from his/her home. Is this permitted?
Yes, but there are a limited amount of uses that are permissible in a residential zone. Prior to operation, a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Division is required, as is a Business License from the Finance Department. The Home Occupation Permit regulates the type of business, hours of operation, types of activities, and number of employees.
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My neighbors have converted their garage/shed into a living space. Is this legal?
In some instances, yes, but only after review and approval by the Planning and Building Divisions of the Community Development Department. The Planning Division inspects the structure to ascertain whether it has been converted to habitable space (no kitchen facilities), or a dwelling unit (with kitchen facilities). A dwelling unit requires specific Planning review prior to building permit approval; habitable space may only require building permit review.
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There's a property in my neighborhood that has a lot of rubbish and inoperable vehicles in the front yard. What can be done?
Although the City does not have an ordinance that requires property owners to maintain their property, Code Enforcement Services enforces the Petaluma Municipal Code, which requires all garbage and rubbish to be placed in a clean, covered container (typically provided by Empire Waste Management). Inoperable and/or abandoned vehicles may be abated by the Police Department. |
My neighbor has 8 dogs. Is this permitted?
No, the Zoning Ordinance limits the number of dogs in residentially zoned neighborhoods to three (3). Violations of the Ordinance are enforced by Animal Services. |
