105 West Designs

City Permits & Compliance

At 105 West Designs, we understand that creating your dream space is exciting! But we also know how daunting and stressful it can be when faced with the complexities of city permits, code compliance, and navigating regulations, especially for remodels, space extension, or structural modifications.

For many homeowners and business owners, these hurdles can feel overwhelming, often leading to delays, stress, and unexpected costs. And if your property has code violations or citations from the city from previous (some unknown to you if the previous owner made some changes), the added stress can feel impossible.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

Our full-service approach ensures you can focus on the vision for your space, while we handle the technical details. From design concepts to securing all necessary permits, we provide a seamless, worry-free experience.

Whether you’re redesigning a home, remodeling existing space or creating new space, expanding your business, we have the expertise to guide you through every step, ensuring your project is not only beautifully designed but fully compliant with all regulations in your city.

Our Services and Approach

Step 1: Feasibility Study & High-Level Design

We begin by conducting a comprehensive feasibility study of your space and needs, creating a rough sketch and high-level design to ensure your vision is practical and achievable within your budget and time frame.

Step 2: Full Package Design

Once the feasibility phase is completed, we dive into detailed design work, including:

Architectural Drawings: Crafting detailed plans for the look, layout, and structure of your space.

Structural Drawings: Ensuring that your design is safe and structurally sound.

M.E.P. Drawings: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing designs to meet functionality and comfort needs.

Title 24 Compliance: We ensure your project meets California energy efficiency standards.

City Permits Assistance: Navigating the permit process is complex. We streamline this by preparing and submitting all necessary documents on your behalf.

Permits - Additional Resources

Try Asteria - our free, innovative, next-gen AI platform for Interior Design, for help on permits specifically for your project and city. Asteria will help analyze your project and provide guidance on overall design and execution approach. It will also provide guidance on permits related aspects based on permits guidelines for your specific city.

Asteria uses explainable AI, and provides source information for your city in its References section.

Permits FAQs - What You Should know

1. Is the permit process complex?

Depending on the type of work, the permit process can be involved and time consuming. Most renovations that involve either structural changes (e.g. moving walls, doors, windows, adding new counters), or electrical changes (e.g. new outlets, wiring changes) or plumbing changes (e.g. moving pipes or drains), and related changes, typically require detailed submission documents for permit approvals.

Try Asteria to understand more on permits.

[Sample prompt]: I am renovating my kitchen and need help with permits.
[Sample prompt]: Which cities do you have information on? (Check if your city is covered)

Or create your own detailed question. Get as creative and detailed as possible!

2. What are the different types of permits that are applicable for me?

The permits required for any project vary by the type of the project. Additionally, each city regulations are different and they may require some specific permits.

Typical permits required for residential projects fall under the following broad categories:

Building permit

Electrical permit

Plumbing permit

ADU

Zoning compliance

HVAC permit

Listed below also some of the types and categories of permits that cities typically list:

Building

Engineering

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Grading

Electric Vehicle

Solar

Subdivision

Patio-Commerical

Entertainment

Tree

Short Term Rentals

Sign

Event

Encroachment

Other

Try Asteria to understand more on various permit types.

[Sample prompt]: What are the different types of permits to be considered for a home renovation project in Fremont, CA? (Provides typical permits. Replace Fremont with your city!)
[Sample prompt]: What are the different topics that you have information on for Fremont, CA? (Lists all the topics that Asteria has info on for Fremont. Replace Fremont with your city!)
[Sample prompt]: Which cities do you have information on? (Check if your city is covered)

Or create your own detailed question. Get as creative and detailed as possible!

3. What is the typical work involved in a permit process?

Depending on the type of project, the permit process requires multiple drawings, and documents to be submitted. These are typically engineering documents, calculations, and supporting documents and need to meet the city format and submittal requirements.

Typical work involved:

Site Plans - A detailed site plan showing the layout of the property, including the location of the existing structure and any proposed changes.

Floor plans - Clear floor plans that illustrate the existing layout and the proposed changes, including the removal of walls and the extensions proposed (both before and after views)

Elevation diagrams - Similar to the above

Structural plan - e.g. structural plans that show how the load will be supported if a load bearing wall is displaced

Drawings for sub-components such as joists, brackets, beam cross-sections, etc

Mechanical, Electric, and Plumbing plans as required

Electrical drawings and diagrams for electrical work

Plumbing drawings and diagrams for plumbing work

Plans for update to foundation if current foundation needs strengthening to accommodate proposed project

Details and Specifications - details about materials, finishes, and construction methods

Zoning - compliance with zoning requirements, if applicable

Energy compliance documents (Title 24 compliance)

Compliance with building codes

Proposed remediations that the property owner would make if there are gaps, once the documents are submitted

Inspections and plans for compliance with inspections report

Working with City admin officials to stay on top of the application progress, through constant follow-ups

4. Can I apply for permits retroactively?

This is highly discouraged, for obvious reasons. It is best to apply for permits BEFORE the project, to avoid any unnecessary stress and headaches later.

However, in some cases this may be necessary. e.g. You just bought a house, and discovered that the previous owner made some changes without the necessary permits. However, the process may be hard and cumbersome, depending on the extent of the changes made to the property.

5. Can I apply for permits myself?

While this is possible, it is best to seek professional help to help with the permits application and process. Additionally, depending on the type of project, the documents need to be prepared and signed by licensed engineers and similar professionals.

For some simple permit applications (e.g. tree removal), a self-service approach may be best. Most cities now provide an online portal and Citizen Access for application submission.

6. How long does it typically take?

The timeline varies by the type of project and complexity. It can vary from a few weeks to a few or several months.

7. Are there any workarounds?

No - there are no workarounds or creative side-steps! It is advisable follow the process to be compliant with city codes and regulations. Additionally, it is best to seek professional help wherever necessary.

Try Asteria^TM

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