FAQs

When is a building permit required?
Pursuant to the California Building Code, most work requires a building permit. In fact, because it is much easier, the Code lists things that Do Not require a permit, rather than those that do:
- Fences 6 feet tall or shorter; however, our Fence Ordinance governs where tall fences are allowed. Check with the Building Division to discuss location of fencing before you start construction.
- Decks 200 square feet or less, located not more than 30 inches above grade and are not attached to the dwelling.
- Retaining walls 4 feet tall or greater measured from the bottom of the concrete footing or the wood post.
- Painting and wallpapering.
- Freestanding sheds less than 120 square feet, but check with the Planning Division for setbacks to property lines, height, etc.
- In general, any mechanical or structural work (e.g., cabinets, doors, windows, roofs), plumbing work (e.g., sinks, irrigation, water heaters), or electrical work (e.g., appliances, furnaces, garage door openers, pool pumps) require a building permit. If you have any questions about a specific project, call the Belmont Building Division, at (650) 595-7422.
Building permits help ensure that any work done in your home is done safely and correctly. Although safety is our main concern for you and your family, a project built without permits and inspections will often cause problems and delay a sale when it is time for you to sell your home.
What inspections are required for roofing permits?

Roofing Permits are needed in the City of Belmont for all roofing repairs, replacements, and new roofs. A permit can be pulled by the owner or by the licensed contractor doing the work. Inspections generally fall into 2 categories:

One-Time In-Progress Inspection for residential roofs composed of shingles, shake, composition, or fiberglass, in which, prior to the inspection, 50% of the sheathing (existing or new) must be fully exposed and at least 3 courses, but no more than 50% of the new roof must be in place; or

Two Inspections, comprised of a tear-off inspection, and a final inspection when the new roof is fully in place. For shingles, shake, composition, or fiberglass roofs, the plywood must be fully exposed prior to the tear-off inspection. For all other roofs, the surface receiving the final material must be "swept and prepped". All built-up and tar & gravel roofs (residential or commercial) require two inspections. All other roofs can use either category of inspection.

All inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Work must be ready for inspection by 9:00 am on the day of the inspection. Please have any manufacturer's installation instructions and a ladder on site.

All licensed contractors in the City of Belmont must have a valid city business license.

Inspections are scheduled using our online portal eTRAKiT.
What is required for a demolition permit?

The CALGreen California Code of Regulations requires recycling of demolition and construction debris. To comply with this program we ask that all applicants for a demolition permit submit the following:

1) Three sets of plans drawn to scale on minimum 11" x 17" paper.

2) A plot plan scaled at 1/8" - 1'.

3) A list of construction and demolition recycling service providers to all contractors and subcontractors charged with construction and/or demolition.

Additionally, all materials shall be separated per the requirements of the local recycling agencies.

Debris boxes shall be provided, and their proposed locations identified on the plot plan for the following materials:

Wood, Concrete, Metals, Bricks, Pavers, Asphalt, Landscape materials (can be chipped and mulched on site), and any other materials that can be recylced.

Recycling bins shall be provided and their proposed locations identified on the plan - for paper, plastic, and glass.

The applicant and/or other responsible parties shall perform recyling monitoring.

Recycling receipts shall be kept and a log of all receipts shall be maintained.

A copy of the log and all receipts shall be provided to the Building Division prior to a call for a final inspection.

Debris fencing shall be provided, the site kept clean and maintained, and all debris shall be collected and controlled until the final Building Permit has been signed-off.

A Job Number is required from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in advance of the issuance of a permit to address the matter of lead and asbestos. Click here for information on that process.

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