Building Services is responsible for the following:

• Building permit plan review and issuance for all proposed construction projects subject to the California Building Code in order to ensure compliance with all state, local and other applicable building codes.
• Explanation of codes, ordinances, requirements and regulations that apply to individual building projects.
• Assistance with the public’s concerns regarding public safety within their homes or places of business.
• Building inspection for projects and development within the City.

Additional services provided include:

• Education and technical support
• Coordination of the permit process with other departments and agencies
• City Code Compliance Program support
• Energy code compliance and technical support concerning barrier free access
• Earthquake, flooding, tornado, hurricane and other natural disaster preparedness and awareness
• Approval of alternative methods of construction

The City contracts with a private firm for plans examination requiring structural engineering review.

The City of Ukiah has adopted the following codes:

2016 California Building Code

2016 California Residential Code

2016 California Electrical Code

2016 California Mechanical Code

2016 California Plumbing Code

2016 California Fire Code

2016 California Green Building Standards Code

2016 California Energy Code

Design Values for the City of Ukiah

Seismic Design Category: D and E

Wind Speed: 110 mph

Exposure: B or C

Snow Load: No snow load unless above 1,300 foot elevation

60 minute rainfall: 1.5 inches

Rapid Plan Check Service

Rapid Review is a building permit plan check process that provides service to applicants for over-the-counter plan review. Eligible permits include commercial tenant improvements, most signs, residential remodels and additions, residential accessory structures, and building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits. At this time, Projects that include structural changes or require structural review may not eligible for the Rapid Review program. Rapid Review still requires the submittal of plans which must be complete and properly prepared and the payment of applicable fees.

Visit the Planning and Community Development department every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for over the counter plan review and permit issuance. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment and to verify that your project qualifies for this service at 707-463-6203.

Applications

• Building Permit Application
• Demolition Permit Packet For Structures greater than 50 years old 
• MCAQMD Asbestos Demolition and Renovation Notification and Release Form
• Notice to Property Owner
• Release of Property Information Form
• Special Inspection Agreement

Handouts

• Demolition Permit Handout
• Commercial Building Permit Submittal Documents
• Residential Building Permit Submittal Documents
• Projects NOT Requiring Building Permits
• Projects Requiring Building Permits

Frequently Asked Questions

• What requires a building permit?
• What does not require a building permit?
• What is an over-the-counter permit?
• What is “Rapid Review”?
• What do I need to bring with me to obtain a building permit?
• How many copies of the plans do I need to proivde for a building permit application?
• How long does plan check take?
• What will my permit cost?
• When do I need to call for an inspections after my permit has been issued?
• How do I schedule or cancel an inspection?
• Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?
• Do I need a permit to install a spa/hot tub?
• Do I need a permit to rebuild or build a new deck?
• Does dry rot repair require a permit?
• Do I need a permit to replace my single pane windows with dual glaze windows?
• I’d like to replace my fence. Do I need a permit?
• My neighbors have re-landscaped their yard and now their rainwater runs into my yard. What can Building Services do about this?
• Is there a building permit for my neighbor’s house?

What requires a building permit?

Building Services has a handout entitled Projects Requiring Building Permits that lists items and projects that require a building permit. This handout can be accessed through the link above or you may pick one up during our regular business hours.

What does not require a building permit?

Building Services has a handout entitled Projects Exempt from Building Permits that lists items and projects that are typically exempt from the need to obtain a building permit. This handout can be accessed through the link above or you may pick one up during regular business hours.

What is an over-the-counter permit?

Over-the-counter permits are permits that can be issued without the need for plan review. Some types of over-the-counter permits are: re-roofs; water heater, furnace and A/C replacements/repairs; electrical service panel upgrades, and other miscellaneous repairs.

What is “Rapid Review”?

Rapid Review is a building permit plan check process that provides service to applicants for over-the-counter plan review. Eligible permits include commercial tenant improvements, most signs, residential remodels and additions, residential accessory structures, and building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits. At this time, Projects that include structural changes or require structural review may not eligible for the Rapid Review program. Rapid Review still requires the submittal of plans which must be complete and properly prepared and the payment of applicable fees.

What do I need to bring with me to obtain a building permit?

The submittal requirements for a residential building permit are included in our Residential Building Permit Submittal Documents. The submittal requirements for a commercial building permits are included in out Commercial Building Permit Submittal Requirements Documents. Both documents may be obtained at via the link provided or you may pick one up during regular business hours.

How many copies of the plans do I need to proivde for a building permit application?

The submittal requirements, including the number of plans, for a residential building permit are included in our Residential Building Permit Submittal Documents handout. The submittal requirements, including the number of plans, for a commercial building permits are included in out Commercial Building Permit Submittal Requirements Documents Commercial Building Permit Submittal Documents handout. Both documents may be obtained via the links provided or you may pick one up during regular business hours.

How long does plan check take?

Plan check can take 10-15 business days to complete the process.

What will my permit cost?

The cost of the permit depends on the type and size of the project. Fees are calculated based on the total valuation of the project, as well as the amount of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work associated with the project. The Building Valuation Data table includes valuation information based on occupancy type and square footage.

When do I need to call for an inspections after my permit has been issued?

The required inspections are listed on your copy of the permit. All work must be inspected before it is covered up. For example, we must inspect the footing/foundation after it is excavated: installation of steel reinforcement before concrete is poured. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required prior to each inspection. Inspections can be requested by calling 707-463-6739.

How do I schedule or cancel an inspection?

Building inspections may be scheduled or canceled by calling our inspection line at 707-463-6739. Inspections must be requested 24 hours in advance.

Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

Yes, a building permit is required. The permit can be issued over the counter and only takes a few minutes. The cost of the permit is based on the valuation of the work, including material and labor costs.

Do I need a permit to install a spa/hot tub?

If it is a plug cord connected spa/ hot tub, the only permit required is for any new electrical work needed to operate the spa/hot tub. If it is a hardwired electrical connection spa/hot tub, permits are required for the spa, electrical, work and plumbing work.

Do I need a permit to rebuild or build a new deck?

Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 do not require a building permit.

Does dry rot repair require a permit?

Yes, dry rot repair requires a permit. It takes only a few minutes to complete the permit application and state in writing the scope of work. Most of the time a copy of the termite report is adequate. The permit fee is based on the valuation of the work, including material and labor.

Do I need a permit to replace my single pane windows with dual glaze windows?

Yes, window replacement requires a permit even if you are not changing the opening size. The permit can be issued over the counter and only takes a few minutes. Just bring in a floor plan of your home drawn on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper showing the location of the windows being replaced.

I’d like to replace my fence. Do I need a permit?

If the fence is 6 feet or less in height, a building permit is not required. However, fences are required to comply with specific height and locational requirements which are determined by the zoning of the parcel. The zoning of the parcel may be determined by viewing the Zoning Map and the setbacks may be determined by reviewing the setback requirements included in the Fence Setback Table.

Fences taller than 6 feet require approval of a Use Permit. After Use Permit approval, building permit and plans drawn by a California licensed Architect or Engineer with supporting calculations are required. Remember that even though the fence does not require a building permit, there are height and setback requirements which vary depending on the zoning of the property. The height and setbacks requirements are identified in the zoning ordinance and depend on the zoning of the parcel. or by calling Planning Services at 707-463-6206.

My neighbors have re-landscaped their yard and now their rainwater runs into my yard. What can Building Services do about this?

Lot-to-lot drainage is a civil matter and Building Services is not involved. Landscaping and minor grading for landscaping does not require a permit.

Is there a building permit for my neighbor’s house?

Please contact the Development Permit Coordinator at 707-463-6203 or planning@cityofukiah.com. Make sure to provide the address of the property in question since permits are identified by address.

Other Helpful Building Services Websites

• Build It Green
• California Building Officials
• California Division of the State Architect: Provides design and construction oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges, and various other state-owned and leased facilities; develops accessibility, structural safety, fire and life safety, and historical building codes and standards.
• California Energy Commission
• National Fire Protection Association
• Redwood Empire Association of Code Officials: Comprised of building officials, design professionals, consulting firms, and the construction industry professioanls from Lake, Marin, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties.
• United States Access Board
• US Green Building Council
• California Building Standards Commission (CBSC): Administers California’s building codes, including adopting, approving, publishing, and implementing codes and standards.
• California Contractors State License Board
• Office of the State Fire Marshall
• California Department of Housing and Community Development
• California Fire Chiefs Association
• California Legislation and Law
• US Department of Justice ADA Homepage
• Mendocino County Air Quality Management District
• Mendocino County Air Quality Management District Asbestos Demolition and Renovation Notification Form
• Mendocino County Building Department
• Mendocino County Assessor
• Mendocino County Environmental Health
• Ukiah Unified School District
• Underground Service Alert (USA)