Requirements and Examples

1. Where do I get a permit?
   
   Building Permits are issued at the Development Processing Center (DPC)
   300 N. Flower, Santa Ana, CA 92702


2. What is the best way to get to the Building Department?
   
   Click here to view the map.


3. What are the hours for the Development Processing Center?
   
   8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M-F


4. What are building permit fees for patio covers, room additions, re-roofs, single-family dwellings, swimming pools, retaining walls, fences, plumbing, mechanical & electrical installations, manufactured housing, remodeling, alterations?


5. What are setbacks for single family dwellings, air conditioners, barbecues, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, swimming pools, sheds, garages?
   
   Setbacks for single family dwellings & sheds and garages for single family dwellings are 3'0" from the eaves to the property line. There are no setback requirements for air conditioners, barbecues and swimming pools. Do not install in exitways. Seven feet (7'0") setback from property line and ten 10' setback from building are required for chimneys and outdoor fireplaces. Check with Current Planning Services for all the above installations. They may require larger setbacks.


6. When re-roofing, how many layers of composition roofing, wood shingles?
   
   For reroofing with asphalt shingles, not more than two overlays of asphalt shingles shall be applied over an existing asphalt or wood shingle roof. For reroofing with wood shingles, not more than one overlay of wood shingles shall be applied over existing wood or asphalt shingles.


7. What are the requirements for emergency escapes from bedrooms?
   
   Emergency escape windows from bedrooms shall have a net clear openable area of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear openable height dimension shall be 24 inches. The minimum net clear openable width shall be 20 inches. Sill height shall not exceed 44 inches above the floor.


8. How do I get a copy of standard plans for patio covers, masonary fence?
   
   Please view our Typical Patio Cover Plan or Garden Wall Regulation to obtain a copy of standard plans.


9. What are the requirements for structures located in the Special Fire Protection Area?
   
   Please view our Summary of Requirements for Structures Located in Special Fire Protection Area to obtain a copy.


10. How do I obtain a building permit for residential construction?
    
    Please view our Residential Building Permit Process Summary to obtain a copy.


11. What are the requirements for submittal for plan check?
    
    Please view our Building Permit and Plan Check Process to obtain a copy.


12. Is a building permit required for fences?
    
    A building permit is not required for fences not over 6 feet high. Fences within front yard set back is subject to height limit of not more than 42". Please check with Current Planning Services for height limit.


13. What is the required height for guardrails?
    
    The guardrail shall be minimum 42" high. Guardrails in single family dwellings may be 36" high. Open guardrails shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 inches in diameter cannot pass through.


14. What is the required height for fences around swimming pools/spas?
    
    Pool/Spa fences shall not be less than 5' in height. Fences between house and pool/spa may be 4' high.