CODE COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

LEGALIZING NON-PERMITTED CONSTRUCTION

When is a Code Compliance permit and inspection required?

When there are no authorized records available to verify that the scope of work in question has either been permitted or inspected.  Authorized records can consist of:

  • The owner's properly signed off job card.

  • The owner's copy of the building permit issued by the City.

  • Copies of the Building Inspection Division's records or microfiche verifying that the proper permits were issued and the required inspections were performed.

Why is a Code Compliance permit and inspection necessary?
The 2007 California Building Code, Sections 105.1 and 109.1, requires permits and proper inspections for any construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, erection, demolition, or repair of any building or structure regulated by the code.

Is there any type of work that does not require permits and inspection?
Yes, but to avoid any misunderstanding or confusion, the Building Inspection Division recommends that you contact the Building Inspection Division to discuss your specific situation.  We are located at 500 Castro Street on the first floor in City Hall and can be reached by phone at (650)903-6313.  Business hours are posted the front page of our web site.  

What does the Code Compliance process cost?

$100 plus the cost of the permit:    
Reroofing, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical work; either new or change outs

$300 plus the cost of the permit:    
Remodeling inside the footprint of the existing structure.

$500 plus the cost of the permit:    
Remodeling and/or additions that extend outside the footprint of the existing structure.

How long does the process take?
That depends on the scope of work being reviewed and legalized and how quickly you can secure the necessary outside inspections, plans and letters.  Once the required outside documentation has been submitted and approved, the Building Inspection Division will process your application in 15 working days.
 
How does the process work?
Once it has been verified that there are no inspection records available for the work in question, the code compliance process can be initiated by the applicant.  The process consists of:

 1.  Following the instructions in this handout.
 2.  Securing the required outside inspections, plans, and letters.
 3.  Submitting the required documents with a completed application to the Building Division.
 4.  Building division review, approval and permit issuance.
 5.  Scheduling of inspection by applicant.
 6.  Job card final; upon completing required field inspections the job card is signed off and the City's records are updated to show compliance.

What type of outside documentation is required?

 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

 A licensed contractor must investigate the work and provide the Building Inspection Division with the following (the original contractor cannot handle this process):

 1. Three complete sets of plans which detail the scope of work.  These plans shall include the job address and the contractor's name, license number and address.  Two sets must be wet-signed by the party that prepared them, see our Submittal Requirements for more detailed information.  Plans will not be required for the following types of installations:

• Water heaters    • Reroofing     • Furnaces
• Plumbing fixture installations • Dishwashers/Disposals • Less than 5 electrical outlets

 2.  A contractor’s letter of investigation certifying that the work is in compliance with the current codes being enforced by the City of Mountain View.  This letter cannot be completed by the original contractor who did the work.  The letter shall be on the contractor’s letterhead and include the date of inspection, contractor's license number and contractor's signature.  The letter shall be directed to the City of Mountain View, Building Inspection Division.  The items listed above which do not require plans are only required to submit a letter of investigation.

 3.  Two copies of Title 24 Energy Calculations are required for additions of habitable space.

 4.  Approvals from other City Departments, if required. Building Inspection staff can direct you to the proper departments to have your questions answered regarding additional approvals.

 Note: Residential construction involving significant structural changes may require verification by a licensed architect or engineer.

 COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

A licensed engineer or architect must investigate the work and provide the Building Inspection Division with the following:

1.  Three sets of plans covering the scope of work under investigation.  Each set must include a site plan, title block with the building construction type, occupancy, address, and a complete floor plan with the area of work under investigation clouded.  Two sets of structural calculations and Title 24 Energy Calculations when applicable. Two sets of plans and required calculations must be wet-signed by the engineer or architect responsible for their preparation.  See our Submittal Requirements for more detailed information.

2.  A letter of investigation certifying that the work is in compliance with all the current codes being enforced by the City of Mountain View.  This letter shall be on the architect's or engineer's letterhead and include the date of inspection and shall be wet stamped and signed.  The letter shall be directed to the City of Mountain View, Building Inspection Division.

3.  Approvals from other City Departments, if required. Building Inspection staff person can direct you to the proper departments for questions regarding additional approvals.

Questions regarding this process may be directed to the Building Inspection Division at (650) 903-6313 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.