FAQs (frequently asked questions)
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?
Any replacement work that requires
structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical changes requires a
building permit.
A building permit is not required for the following types of residential
work (per California Building Code, Section 105.2). HOWEVER, if
applicable and unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical,
and mechanical permits may be required. Exemption from
the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this
jurisdiction. Setbacks and zoning requirements must be adhered to;
check with the Planning Division for requirements: (209) 456-8500.
- Masonry and Concrete Fences not over 3 feet high
- All other fences not over 7 feet high, as long as they are not constructed in the front yard setback or over easements (Manteca Municipal Code, Section 15.04.140). Corner lots have special requirements; please contact the Planning Division.
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. Retaining walls on property lines with a difference in elevation of 18 inches or greater must be constructed of reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete block (MMC, Section 15.04.130).
- One-story, detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Any electrical or plumbing work, if included, will require a permit . Zoning setbacks must be adhered to. (MMC, Section 17.09.08)
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one-and two-family dwellings.
- Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below. This includes patio slabs (no roof structure), decks, paths, and concrete/asphalt driveways.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
- Detached, open-trellis roof structures not exceeding 120 square feet of projected roof area. Zoning setbacks must be adhered to. (MMC, Section 17.09.08)
- Shade cloth structures.
- Finish work to include painting, papering, wood paneling, carpeting, flooring tile, linoleum, etc., unless disabled access is an issue.
- Replacement of electrical fixtures.
- Replacing plumbing fixtures in-kind.
- Replacing doors and windows in-kind. Permit shall be required if changing size of opening.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
- Adding insulation in an attic. Approved or listed material is to be used.
ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION DOES NOT BECOME LEGAL
WITH TIME
If you suspect you have construction on your property that is
illegal, contact your insurance company and the appropriate City
departments to determine the status and possible remedies. Any suspect
construction also must be disclosed on real estate disclosure forms.
PLANNED COMMUNITIES
If you live in a planned community with its own set of Codes, Covenants
and Restrictions (CC&R), check with your association to see if there are
any restrictions on your lot which would preclude the type of project
you are planning. CC&R sometimes have higher or stricter standards
than City requirements or state building code requirements. CC&R are
enforced by legal action from other property owners and not by the City.
A copy of the CC&R document can be obtained from a title company for a
fee.
CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY AND EASEMENTS
Work within the street right-of-way may require an Encroachment Permit.
Contact the Public Works Department (209) 239-8460.
Sidewalk, driveway, and lawn sprinkler work cannot take
place in the City right-of-way without proper permits. The back of the
sidewalk is usually not your front property line. Front property lines
are generally two feet or more behind the sidewalk. The area between the
sidewalk and your front property line is part of the right-of-way.
Replacement of water and sewer pipes requires permits.
Repairs to the main and that portion of the lateral between the main and
the front property line cleanout or manhole within the right-of-way are
the responsibility of the City. Repairs or replacement of the sewer
lateral between the front property line cleanout or manhole and the
structure are the responsibility of the property owner. If any portion
of this lateral is in the City right-of-way, it may require an
Encroachment Permit. Contact Public Works.
EASEMENTS: Buildings or structures are not
allowed in utility easements.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
Identify the location of all underground pipes and wires before
you dig. Call 800-227-2600.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Lead Paint: There is lead in most old paints. Chips
from scraping and dust from sanding painted doors, windows, trim,
cabinets, and sheet rock may contain lead. People can ingest lead by
breathing lead-based paint dust or by swallowing lead-contaminated soil
or paint chips. Lead is harmful to children, adults, and household pets.
For additional information, call the National Lead Information
Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Asbestos: There may be asbestos in textured ceiling
materials, rigid siding, and floor tiles. This is a hazardous material
that must be disposed of properly. Have your material tested before
attempting to remove it. Contact the San Joaquin County Unified Air
Pollution Control District at (209) 557-6400 for further details and
alert the Building Department if asbestos is determined to be present.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR
1. Hire only licensed contractors.
2. Get at least three bids before selecting a contractor.
3. Check your contractor's license number online at: www.cslb.ca.gov or
by calling 1-800-321-2752.
4. Get three references and review the contractor's past work.
5. Get a written contract and don't sign anything until you completely
understand and agree with the terms.
6. Pay 10% down, or $1,000, whichever is less.
7. Don't let payments get ahead of work. Keep records of all payments
you make.
8. Don't make the final payment until work is complete, the final
inspection has been approved, and you are satisfied with the job.
9. Don't pay cash.
10. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.
Hiring a California Licensed Contractor means you do not
personally perform any of the construction work, the permit is not taken
out in your name, and you are not an "Owner-Builder." Instead, you
become a "Customer" and California law provides the benefit of
protection from poor workmanship, failure to complete the job and
financial risk due to worker injury while on the job.
By signing a building permit application as
an "Owner-Builder," you assume full responsibility for all phases of
your project and its integrity. As an Owner-Builder, you assume
responsibility for the overall job. You may be required to hire various
sub-contractors for your project. Your responsibilities may include such
things as state and federal taxes, workers' compensation insurance, and
other legal liabilities. If a worker is injured while working on your
property, you could be asked to pay for injuries and rehabilitation
through your homeowner's insurance policy.
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION: BUSINESS LICENSES
All contractors and sub-contractors working within the city
limits are required to have a valid City of Manteca Business License.
Call (209) 456-8730 for more information.
HOW TO REQUEST AN INSPECTION
When you are ready for an inspection, call the Building Safety
Division’s 24-hour inspection recorder at (209) 456-8552. You
will be asked to leave your permit number, job site address, type of
inspection being requested, date for which you wish to schedule the
inspection, and your contact information. Please speak slowly and
clearly. Requests left by 3:30 p.m. will be scheduled for the next
business day; requests left after 3:30 p.m. will be scheduled for the
second following business day.
When applicable, the approved set of plans, including any structural
calculations, truss calculations, and/or energy calculations, must be
on-site for each inspection. The Inspection Record card must be posted
for the inspector’s signature.
If the inspector approves the work, the Inspection Record card will be
initialed and dated. If the work is not approved, the inspector will
leave a correction notice stating which corrections are needed. It is
the permit-holder’s responsibility to make the required corrections and
request a re-inspection of the work.