Plan Check Thresholds

Projects meeting or exceeding the thresholds listed below require plan submission and plan review.  Projects below the threshold can proceed with a permit application without needing plan submission or review.

If an answer is “Yes,” submit your plans with the permit application for plan review.  If all answers are “No,” you can proceed directly with a permit application, as plan submission is not required.

These plan check thresholds serve as general guidelines; however, unique projects may still require plan submission and review.

Building Plan

• New construction, tenant improvements, additions, and demolition?
• Adding, demolishing, or relocating any existing walls?
• Window replacement?
• Block walls taller than 3 ft. 6 inch, fences taller than 7 ft., retaining walls?
• New and altered pools and spas?
• Earthquake retrofit?
• Changes to parking lot striping?
• Anchorage for equipment over 400 pounds?

Mechanical Plan

• Installing new or replacing commercial kitchen hood?
• Is this a Cannabis related project?
• Is the work area 10,000 square ft. or greater?
• Installing a total aggregate, nominal tonnage A/C system over 9 ton?
• Is this construction of a new multi-unit residential building of 3 or more units?
• Is there the installation of a smoke evacuation system?
• Is there the installation of an environmental exhaust system (Garage ventilation) or product conveying exhaust?
• Installing new rooftop equipment of 400 pounds or greater? If yes and no change to the existing building structure is required, must provide stamped letter from CA licensed design professional?
• Installing new rooftop equipment of 400 pounds or greater and requires changes to the supporting structure? If yes, it will require a separate Building Permit with stamped structural plan and analysis from CA licensed design professional?

Electrical plan

• Is the work area 5,000 square feet or more?
• Relocating or replacing 50% or more of fixtures?
• New non-residential fixtures?
• Work area that requires CA energy compliance forms (for example lighting LT & electrical distribution ELC)?
• Installing equipment or a service panel of 400 amps or greater?
• Constructing a new multi-unit residential building MORE than 4 units?
• New or renovated commercial kitchen?
• Telecommunication system?
• Cannabis related project?
• Equipment rated 600 volts or more, or a transformer rated 112.5 kVA or more?

Plumbing plan

• Installing new or renovating existing commercial kitchen or restaurant?
• Installing grease trap or interceptor for grease, sand, oil, or flammable liquids?
• Cannabis related project?
• Wore area is 8,000 square feet or more?
• Installing 16 or more fixtures in commercial or multi-unit residential?
• Installing commercial or multi-unit residential rainwater/storm drain systems?
• Installing sump pump or sewage ejector?
• Installing gas system over 2”?
• Construction of new multi-unit residential building with 3 or more units. (ADU, JADU, Exempt)?