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Building Permit Summary

Building FAQ's

 

When are Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical Permits Required?

There are very few areas of new construction or repair that do not require permits. Each of the Uniform Codes specify that all work requires permits and then they list the exceptions to that rule. The safest course to take is to call the Building Division to determine if the work you propose to do requires a permit. The City of Reedley Building Division can be reached at (559) 637-4200, EXT.225. (In addition please see, "Information for New Residents")

 

What is the relationship between the value of the structure and the square footage as it is used to determine the cost of the Permits?

The City of Reedley adopts as a standard the Building Valuation Table published by the International Conference of Building Officials in the Building Standards publication. The square footage is multiplied by the value provided to obtain an assigned value for the proposed structure which reflects the cost of construction for this region. The permit and plan check fees are based on a percentage of that estimated cost.

 

What is required for the Plan Check process?
Plan Check Submittal Requirements handouts are available online or at the Building Division public counter. These can be printed, down loaded, or faxed on request. Please E-mail glen.quinn@reedley.com or call the Building Department to request the handout.

 

How long does it take to complete the plan check process?
First Plan Checks take from two to three-and-a-half weeks depending on their complexity. Subsequent rechecks take from one to two weeks, also depending on their complexity.

 

Which Codes are currently being enforced by the City of Reedley?
At this time the State of California and the City of Reedley have adopted, with state and local amendments, the 1994 Uniform Building, Plumbing, Mechanical Codes and the 1993 National Electrical Code.

 

When do I call for an inspection?
A handout for "When to Call for Inspections" is available online or at the Building Division public counter. These can be printed, down loaded, or faxed on request. Please E-mail ruth.walters@reedley.com or call the Building Department to request the handout.

 

How can I get my utilities released and how do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
"Utilities Release and Certificate of Occupancy" handouts describing the process are available at the Building Division public counter. These can be printed, down loaded, or faxed on request. Please E-mail or call the Building Department to request the handouts.

 

Are chain link fences acceptable as pool fence barriers?
Yes, The current minimum standard requires that the chain link fence be at least 5 feet in height and made of at least 11-gage wire. The mesh fabric shall not have openings that will allow the passage of a 1-3/4 inch diameter sphere.

 

What are the setback distances for different structures?
A "Setback Requirements" handout is available at the Building Division public counter. These can be printed, down load, or faxed on request. Please E-mail or call (559) 637-4200, EXT. 225 to request the handout. For more detailed information, please call the City of Reedley Community Development Department at (559) 637-4200, EXT. 222 or Email david.brletic@reedley.com

 

Do businesses relocating to and within the City of Reedley need a new Certificate of Occupancy?
New buildings or suites in buildings that were previously not occupied would require a Certificate of Occupancy. Also, significant changes in use of an existing building might also require a review culminating with a new Certificate of Occupancy. If however, you propose to occupy a building or suite that was previously occupied by a similar business, a new Certificate of Occupancy would not be required. For more detailed information, please call the City of Reedley Community Development Department at (559) 637-4200, EXT. 222.

 

What are the Business License Fees in the City of Reedley?
Please see the "Business License Tax Information" WebPages from the City of Reedley Finance Department. These WebPages include all relevant business tax schedules.

 

What are the requirements for a contractor to obtain a building permit?
A "Plan Check Submittal Requirements" handout is available at the Building Division public counter. These can be printed, down load, or faxed on request. Please E-mail to glen.quinn@reedley.com or call (559) 637-4200, EXT. 225 to request the handout.

 

What are the minimum burial depth requirements for gas piping and electrical conduit?
The standard burial for gas piping is 18-inches for PVC and 12-inches for metallic gas piping. Table 300-5 of the National Electrical Code has many options for burial depths for different circumstances and should be consulted to determine the applicable requirements. All burial depths are from the top of grade to the top of the conduit or pipe. Non-metallic gas piping requires that an insulated 18-gage wire be installed with the pipe and terminated at least 6-inches above grade at each end. Also, transition from plastic to metallic gas pipe shall include at least 30-inches of horizontal metallic pipe underground.