BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

For a complete overview of the steps required to obtain approval for building permit applications, click on the General Guide To The Solana Beach Building Permit Process. This guide provides a great deal of important information related to submitting building plans to the City of Solana Beach and our partner agencies.

 

KEY POINTS FOR SUBMITTING BUILDING  PERMIT APPLICATIONS:

• All building permit applications must be reviewed and approved by the California Coastal Commission prior to the issuance of the building permit.
• Your initial building permit application will include one plan set, drawn to scale, with elevations, a site plan, and all structural details associated with the proposal.
• For property additions over 16 feet in height, applicants must receive approval of a Structural Development Permit application.
• Grading over 50 cubic yards requires City Council approval of a Development Review Permit.
• Front yard walls or fences may not exceed 42"; side and rear fences may not exceed six feet. However, side and rear fences can be approved up to eight feet if the top two feet of fence space is left 50% open to light.
• Minor electrical and gas permits must be approved by the City of Solana Beach Community Development Department prior to submitting plans to the Building Department
• For property owners seeking Owner-Builder construction permits please read through the Owner-Builder Notice
• For information regarding project site regulations please read through the Construction Site Guidelines

 

NEW LOCAL BUILDING AND FIRE CODE AMENDMENTS 

Effective January 1, 2008, State Adopted Codes apply for all construction and remodeling in Solana Beach:

 

The 2007 California Building Standards incorporated the following:

• International Buidling Code (2006 Edition)
• Uniform Plumbing Code (2006 Edition)
• Uniform Mechanical (2006 Edition)
• National Electrical Code (2005 Edition)
• California Energy Code (2007 edition)
• California Fire Code (2007 Edition) 
•  

The local amendments to these Codes were adopted by the City of Solana Beach and are effective May 23, 2008.  Some of the changes to the California Fire Code (2007 Edition) are noted below:

•  All new residential dwelling units are required to be sprinkled, other special local sprinklering provisions apply to remodels and non residential buildings.  Also, Wood Shake or Shingle Roofs of any kind are not allowed in Solana Beach.  Be aware that Cedar or Wood Shake shingle roofs, even if they are fire retardant treated, are not permitted roofing materials for new or replacement roofs in Solana Beach. (A permit is required for the replacement or major repair of roofing.)

• If Wood Shake roofs have significant damage and require maintenance, the Wood Shake shall be removed and replaced with "Class A Type" of roofing only.  Wood Shakes or shingles of any kind may not be used even if for replacement roofing.  Further, Class A roofing is required on all new roofs throughout Solana Beach due to the surrounding Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas.
• Existing Built- up or flat roofs that are not Class A roofing materials may be repaired and maintained without required to be replaced with Class A roof assembly.  New flat or built up roofs must be Class A non combustible roof assembly throughout Solana Beach.

• The Solana beach Fire Department and Building Inspection Services staff check for certain other specific fire safety features for new or remodeled construction near the Wildland Urban Interface areas such as non combustible eave protection, spark arrestors  and non combustible fence materials within 10 feet of a structure among other things.  Please refer to the adopted codes  Ordinance #382, Solana Beach Municipal Code Title l5, for specifics.   

 

BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES

 

Hours: Monday through Thursday 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on open Fridays.
635 S. Highway 101 Solana Beach, CA 92075
Building Permit Counter is 858-720-4450
Inspection request line is 858-720-4455