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Counter Hours: |
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7:30AM - 5:30PM M-TH
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(Except City Holidays) |
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Frequently Asked
Questions & Helpful Tips
- Permit Tips for
Small Businesses -
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Q:
Expanding or relocating your business?
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A:
Is your business
growing or moving to a new location in the City of Calabasas?
Congratulations! We’re happy that your company is helping to boost our economy
and provide jobs for the citizens of Calabasas.
But, as you expand, there are
a few questions you may want to ask the City or other agencies. For example:
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If I expand my
business, are there any new planning permit or zoning requirements?
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Will I have to
add more parking?
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Do I need a
building permit for my remodel?
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Are there any
low-interest loans or other assistance available?
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Will the fire
code require more exits, sprinklers or safety equipment?
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What about
disabled access?
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How much will
the Fees be?
The City of Calabasas wants
your business to succeed -- it benefits all of us.
So, before you
expand, talk to a contractor, engineer, architect or other design professional,
along with City staff members...they’re there to help you find out what’s
needed.
And, after
you’ve learned about the requirements, you may need to hire an architect,
engineer, contractor, consultant or other design professional to help you in
drawing up plans or other
necessary documents.
These
requirements help your business be a safer, better neighbor, and preserve the
beauty and character of Calabasas.
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Q: What are
permits and why do I need one? |
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A:
Permits are the way the
City of Calabasas regulates construction. This is designed to ensure that all
construction in the City is safe. The safety of the occupants in buildings is
the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of Calabasas has
adopted several codes, among them the Uniform Building, Mechanical and Plumbing,
and National Electrical codes. In addition, there are federal, state and local
laws that govern construction, such as those covering energy conservation. The City
has
handouts to help you through this process.
Once plans
are approved, you’re required to build the project according to those plans. If
any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the City’s approval.
The second
half of the process is the inspection of the work. More on that later. |
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Q:
When do I need a permit? |
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A:
A permit is needed for all new
construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of
existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical, or a
mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building’s
existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a
permit. |
Q:
Do I need a building permit to start a new business in an
existing building or to move an existing business from one
building to another existing building? |
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A:
This is a difficult question
to answer because there are so many variables between different kinds of
businesses and different construction types of buildings. To assist business
owners, building owners and property managers in determining if a building
permit will be required when a new tenant wishes to occupy a building or tenant
space, the Building & Safety Division staff, in cooperation with local
developers and building owners, has developed a form titled
"When do New Tenants
need a Permit" which describes when a permit may be required.
Generally, if the prior use of
the building was the same as the proposed future use and no construction is
planned to accommodate the new tenant, a building permit may not be needed.
Certain businesses, such as restaurants and automotive uses, must be formally
reviewed and will require a tenant |
Q:
When are plans required for a new tenant to occupy an
existing building or tenant space? |
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A:
Generally, plans are required
whenever it is determined that a building permit is required for a new tenant to
occupy a building or tenant space. If no work is taking place to accommodate the
new tenant, but it has been determined that a permit is required, a Site Plan
and a Floor Plan may be all that are necessary to show the location and number
of parking spaces and the intended uses of each room or space within the
building.
When additions or
alterations to the building are proposed or the intended use of the building or
tenant space presents special Fire or Life/Safety concerns, additional plans
which clearly show the extent of the work and its compliance with the applicable
laws, codes and ordinances may also be required (see
Plan Submittal Checklist). |
Q:
What other City departments do I need to contact prior to
opening a business in a new building or tenant space? |
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A:
In addition to obtaining the
necessary permits to occupy the building, new businesses must contact the
Finance Department for business license and business tax requirements. |
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Q:
When don’t I need a permit? |
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A:
A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering,
painting or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks
and walks 30 inches high or less over grade or not over basement; small storage
sheds of 120 square feet or less, retaining walls less than 3 feet tall; and in
several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be
sure to check before building.
For plumbing, mechanical and
electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water
faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a
water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require
a permit.
Remember, just because your
project doesn’t need a construction permit doesn’t mean it may not need some
other kind of City review. We suggest you call us at (818) 224-1600 any time you
expand your business. |
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Q:
How long does it take to get a permit? |
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A:
Permit issuance periods vary.
Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip
won’t be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for
additional review. Traditionally, tenant improvement projects require 15-20
working days for the review. |
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Q:
How long is a permit good for? |
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A:
A building permit is valid for 180 days after it is issued. In addition,
the Building Official may grant a 180-day extension. In most cases, a permit
will not be expired unless the applicant has failed to call for an inspection
and show progress on the project for a 360-day period. Once a permit is expired,
you may be required to begin the permit process from the beginning and pay all
of the applicable fees again, so it is wise to avoid permit expiration. |
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Q:
What agencies or departments will need to review my plans? |
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A:
Other government agencies may
need to review and approve your project. For example, grease interceptors
require County Industrial Waste approval as well as City approval. After your
plans have been submitted, the City will route a set to each of the various City
agencies that are required to review them. This is why we require that you
submit multiple sets of plans. To learn more about the plan review process go to
Plan Review - Frequently Asked Questions. |
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