City of Avenal

The city FAQ states that under the California Building Standards Code, no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished without first obtaining a permit. The FAQ also states structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work requires a building permit.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses up to 120 square feet
• Exempt Wood, chain link, and wrought iron fences not over 7 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls without surcharge not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall
• Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter or width ratio not exceeding 2:1
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons
• Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that project no more than 54 inches and do not require additional support
• Exempt Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting
• Exempt Minor electrical repair work, including lamp replacement or connection of approved portable equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
• Exempt Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and removal or reinstallation of water closets, if the work does not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
• Exempt Stopping leaks in drains or vent piping, except where concealed defective piping must be removed and replaced with new material
• Exempt Portable heating appliances, portable ventilation equipment, portable cooling units, portable evaporative coolers, and minor mechanical-system part replacement that does not alter approval or create an unsafe condition

Note: The homeowner guide states zoning regulations may still apply even when a building permit is not required, including fence height and location rules. If concealed piping must be replaced with new material, the work becomes new work and a permit is required.

Building code

The online municipal code section for Building Regulations still shows adoption of the 2010 California Building Standards Code set by Ord. No. 2011-02, including Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Title 24. Separately, the homeowner guide states its information is based on the most current edition of the California Building Code and references the California Residential Code for conventional residential construction. Applicants should confirm the current enforced code cycle with the Building Division before submittal.

Permit validity

Permit applications expire 360 days after filing if no permit is issued; one 180-day extension may be granted. Issued permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days, if no inspections are made within 180 days, or if no approved inspection is received within 180 days. One written 180-day extension may be granted before expiration.

Owner-builder

The homeowner guide says a permit may only be issued to a California licensed contractor or a homeowner.

Contractor requirements

The homeowner guide says permits may be issued to a California licensed contractor or a homeowner. The city encourages use of licensed contractors or tradespersons if the applicant is not familiar with construction procedures.

1. 01
   Confirm whether the work needs a permit with the Building Division FAQ or homeowner guide. Most construction work requires a permit; common exemptions are listed separately below.
2. 02
   Prepare a building permit application and supporting plans. The city FAQ says two full plan sets are required and structural plan sets must include a site plan map. The homeowner guide says owner, architect, engineer, applicant, or licensed contractor information is required, along with project type, square footage, and use.
3. 03
   Submit through the city's online permit portal. The Building Division page states the city has transitioned to an online permitting system and all building, land use/zoning, and land division permits must be submitted online.
4. 04
   Pay plan check fees when plans are required. The homeowner guide states plan check fees are charged before permit issuance.
5. 05
   Respond to any corrections and obtain approval from all required departments. The homeowner guide says permits are issued after all required departments approve the plans.
6. 06
   Permit is issued to a California licensed contractor or a homeowner. Keep approved plans and the inspection job card at the job site.
7. 07
   Request inspections in person, by phone, or online as work progresses, then obtain final approval before occupancy or use.

Source: City of Avenal Community Development Department, Building Division ↗

Compliance inspection / certificate of occupancy is $100. Demolition is $50 plus $100 deposit. Relocation permit is at cost. School fees are per RSUSD and paid at the school district.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• OpenGov portal (online)
• (559) 386-5766 (phone)

Inspection hours

Community Development office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Typical sequence: Foundation; concrete slab or underfloor; roof sheathing and shear panel nailing; framing; insulation; lath and or gypsum board; final inspection. The city notes additional inspections may also be required, including pressure tests for water and gas piping and water tests for drainage and sewer piping.

Source: City of Avenal Community Development Department, Building Division ↗