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Building - Permit & Plan Check Questions

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1. Can I obtain permit application forms online?

Permit application forms may be obtained online, but they must be submitted in person at the Building Division Counter.  Upon submission, all required plans, specifications and other supporting material must be submitted, along with the appropriate fees.  If you would like to download a permit application form before you visit the Building Division Counter, visit the Applications and Forms page.

2. Can I pull my permit myself as an owner/builder or do I need a contractor?

In California, most construction work is required to be performed by a licensed contractor.  In certain instances, the owner of the property may secure a permit as an owner-builder, but there are strict limitations on when this may occur.  It is important to note that only the owner of the property qualifies for this type of permit issuance, and not the owner of a business or other tenant of the property. The Contractors State License Board has compiled a convenient summary of the limitations related to owner-builder projects for all owners to consider.

3. Is an owner/builder permit more expensive than if a contractor pulls it?

No.  The permit fees associated with your project will be based on the City of Yorba Linda Fee Schedule, regardless of who performs the actual construction work.

4. How many sets of plans do I need to apply for a building permit?

Two sets of plans are required for all permit applications.  The plans shall be drawn to scale, and must include all pertinent information necessary to ensure that the proposed work will comply with all applicable codes and standards.  Plans prepared by a licensed professional (such as an architect or an engineer), shall be stamped and signed.  The plans shall include sufficient details and specifications to enable the builder and the inspector to determine how the structure is intended to be constructed, and how compliance with all applicable codes and standards will be achieved.

5. Can you tell me where my property lines are?

No.  Determination of the precise location of property lines requires the service of a land surveyor.  In California, only a licensed Land Surveyor or a Civil Engineer licensed prior to January 1, 1982 is legally allowed to engage in land surveying.

6. What is a plot plan, and can I prepare my own plot plan?

A plot plan is a graphical representation of a parcel of land, which also identifies all structural improvements on the property.  In addition to identifying structural improvements, any other features which may have a significant impact on the acceptability of any proposed improvement of the property should also be shown.  Features such as drainage, location of parking spaces, sloping grade surfaces, and other important information should be shown.  

7. What codes does the City of Yorba Linda use?

The City of Yorba Linda utilizes the 2019 California Building Standards Code as modified by local amendment ordinances.  Please see the Yorba Linda Municipal Code for copies of our amendments and ordinances. 

8. Does Yorba Linda have any special policies or procedures?

The City of Yorba Linda has implemented several policies and procedures which are intended to streamline the plan approval and permit issuance process.  Many of the policies and procedures are designed to assist applicants in avoiding common errors.  Others are intended to ensure proper interpretation and application of various code requirements.  A full list can be viewed under Policies and Procedures.

9. Are there any referenced codes or standards that I will need to follow?

In addition to the model California Building Standards Code and the City of Yorba Linda’s local amendment ordinances, some regulations are mandated by reference to another code or standard.  Construction projects must comply with such referenced codes or standards just as if they were fully set forth within the California Building Standards Code itself.  More information on referenced codes and standards is available here.

10. Can I get my plans checked over the counter?

Simple plans that do not require a great deal of technical research or engineering evaluation may often be reviewed over the counter.  If the proposed work is subject to extensive review for energy conservation, disabled access, or special seismic design considerations, it may be necessary for the plans to be submitted.  If you believe that your project is simple enough for an over-the-counter review, a plan checker is available Monday - Thursday from 1:00-4:30 pm, alternating Fridays 1:00-4:00 pm.

11. How long will it take to get through plan check?

The length of time needed to complete the initial round of plan review is affected by the complexity of the project, the quality of the plans and specifications, and how busy the Building Division is.  In general, most plans require two to four weeks for completion of the initial plan review.  If you would like to check the current plan check backlog so that you can manage your schedule, you can call the Building Division Counter by calling 714-961-7120.

12. Can you email me my corrections, or do I need to pick them up?

 In general, plan check corrections need to be picked up from the Building Division Counter.  Most plan checks result in “red-marked” plans, which include very specific information related to potential code deficiencies which must be corrected prior to permit issuance.  Since the “red-marked” plans cannot be emailed, the standard requirement is for applicants to pick up the plan check corrections in person.

13. Does the City of Yorba Linda have a basic plan check correction template that I can use to make sure I don’t forget anything important while I design my project?

Yes. The City of Yorba Linda has several plan check correction templates for different types of projects.  Please be advised that these templates only address commonly encountered code deficiencies.  Compliance with all of the requirements included in these templates does not guarantee that a project will be approved.  Use of these templates to address commonly encountered problems will often increase the likelihood that the project will be approved quickly.  To receive a copy of the templates, please contact the Building Division at 714-961-7120.

14. Does the City of Yorba Linda have any standard construction details or other handouts that may assist me in preparing plans for my construction project?

Yes.  There are several standard details and handouts that have been prepared to assist permit applicants with their projects.  If you would like to review these details to see if any of them may be helpful, please visit the Standard Plans page.

15. Does the City of Yorba Linda have any special plan submittal requirements that I need to follow before my plan can be approved?

The City of Yorba Linda has specific plan submittal requirements related to fire prevention standards imposed by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).  There are also plan submittal requirements associated with Yorba Linda’s Planning and Zoning approval process.  Also, electrical load calculations are required to ensure that a building’s electrical system will not be overloaded.  More information related to these plan submittal requirements please contact the Building Division at 714-961-7120.

16. How do I comply with the city’s construction and demolition debris recycling regulations?

The State of California has mandated that all municipalities reduce the amount of solid waste by diverting recyclable material away from landfills.  This includes solid waste that is generated during the construction, remodeling or demolition of buildings. Information and forms can be viewed by selecting the  Waste Management Plan.

17. Are there any special requirements related to swimming pools?

Swimming pools must comply with current regulations to ensure safety.  These regulations help to prevent accidental drowning, electrocution, suction entrapment, water quality, mosquito abatement, and more.  To facilitate compliance with these requirements, the City of Yorba Linda has compiled a swimming pool and spa permit packet (PDF).

18. Does Yorba Linda have an expedited permit process for solar photovoltaic systems?

Yes.  For solar photovoltaic systems 10KV (AC) and less, an expedited permit and inspection process is available if your project complies with specific guidelines.  Please see the Solar Expedited Checklist, to see if your project qualifies. 

19. If I construct an addition, will I need to install fire sprinklers in my entire home?

All new residential buildings require the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system throughout the entire building.  Also, an automatic fire sprinkler system is required to be installed throughout the entire building for residential additions of 200 square feet or larger if the combined area of the existing building plus the area of the addition, including attached garage exceeds 4,800 square feet.  Regardless of size, an automatic fire sprinkler system is required to be installed in any addition when the existing building is already provided with an automatic sprinkler system.

20. How can I tell if my property is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?

Parts of Yorba Linda are located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as identified on the Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) maps prepared by the State Fire Marshal.  Properties located in these areas are located in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), and special construction requirements can be found in either Chapter 7A of the California Building Code or Section R337 of the California Residential Code.  To identify if your home lies in this area, visit Map Yorba Linda and check the "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" layer from the layer list button in the upper right corner.

21. What is methane testing or review?

Methane testing and review is an analytical process in which the propensity for naturally occurring methane gas release is determined.  Many parts of Yorba Linda are located above naturally occurring pockets of methane gas.  If the methane gas seeps up to the surface and disperses naturally into the atmosphere, there is generally little risk of danger.  But, if a building is constructed in an area that experiences methane gas seepage, the gas can accumulate in portions of the building and reach dangerous concentrations.  In extreme cases, methane gas can accumulate enough to create an explosion hazard.  Methane gas is often associated with oil wells, and information can be found at the Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources website.  Additionally, methane gas mitigation is regulated with the assistance of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), which can be reached at 714-573-6108.

22. Who regulates construction projects that may involve asbestos?

Asbestos and asbestos-containing construction products may present serious health hazards if they are handled incorrectly.  It is important that any products that include asbestos be properly removed and disposed of by a qualified individual.  The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulates the proper handling of asbestos materials.  SCAQMD Rule 1403 has been published to establish the regulatory guidelines related to asbestos containing material.  View a copy of SCAQMD (PDF). is available here . The City of Yorba Linda has an asbestos disclosure form that you can use to certify how your project will comply with applicable regulations.  

23. How do I document an “Unreasonable Hardship to Disabled Access Requirements”?

In general, all construction projects must comply with the accessibility standards contained within Title-24 of the California Code of Regulations.  These standards can be found in Chapter 11A (privately funded housing) and Chapter 11B (publicly funded housing and non-residential projects) of the California Building Code.  In some cases, full compliance with these standards may not be necessary for projects which alter existing buildings due to an unreasonable hardship.  Instead, partial compliance may be allowed in public use areas pursuant to Chapter 11B.  To facilitate documentation of an “Unreasonable Hardship”, please submit the following application for unreasonable hardship over the valuation threshold. And the following application for unreasonable hardship under the valuation threshold. Either should be completed and submitted to your plan checker.

24. What type of contractor’s license is required for each type of work?

In California, an individual may be licensed as a “general” contractor or a “specialty” contractor.  Normally, work performed within any specific construction discipline should be performed by a specialty contractor who is licensed in that particular discipline.  The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building.  Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project.  The Contractors State License Board has summarized the distinction between general contractors and specialty contractors, which can be found under license classification. To verify a contractors license please visit the Contractors State License Board.