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1. What is the permit process?

Application: If determined that a permit is required: 

1. The permittee shall submit the required documents through VenturaOPS.  
2. The submittal is then reviewed by a technician and if the submittal is deemed complete, a plan check will be created. 
3. A plan check fee deposit will be assessed based on the current fee schedule.  
4. The applicant is then notified through VenturaOPS to pay the plan check deposit.   
5. The APPB submittal is then replaced with the plan check/permit number (ex: RESP, COMP, MCRP, PEMP). 

Plan Check: When a plan check is required, plan taken in for review, complex projects, or projects at the discretion of the Building Official will be taken in and reviewed in the order it was received. Turn-around time may vary depending on the volume of plans submitted to an office.*Not all permit applications require a plan check, (Example, replacement of a residential water heater. No plan check required. The permit could be issued upon completion of the application and payment of permit fee).  

Permit Issuance: A permit can be issued once: 

1. The permit application is completed; 
2. The plan check review is either approved or a plan check is not required; 
3. Any required agency approvals are received;  
4. The fees have been paid. 

Inspection: When the permitted work reaches a certain phase of construction, the permit holder is required to request an inspection online through VenturaOPS or by calling 805-654-7869 to schedule an inspection. An inspector will review the work for compliance with the requirements of the code(s), the approved plan, and the permit(s) scope of work. 

Project Complete: The project is complete once any required agency approvals have been obtained and the work covered by the permit(s) has passed final inspection (inspection record card and permit(s) have been signed and dated). For buildings and structures, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the Chief Building Official. 

2. What are the different permit types?

• Building permits are required for new construction, remodeling and tenant improvements for both commercial and residential projects. Construction plans and documents are reviewed for compliance with applicable state and local laws and regulations. 
• Mechanical permits are required for the installation or replacement of mechanical equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, hoods, boilers and others. 
• Electrical permits are required for electrical equipment and electrical installations associated with other equipment, such as outlets, lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, electrical panels and services, signs and others. 
• Plumbing permits are required for installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sewer, water and gas lines, water heaters, sinks, water closets and others. 

3. How do I check the status of a building permit application?  

• Online: Log into your VenturaOPS account for real-time status updates. 
• By Email: email your question to [email protected] (save a trip, save time).  This mailbox is monitored daily by our Permit Technician team and allows you to be directed to the right person and/or department. BE SURE TO PROVIDE THE PLAN CHECK/PERMIT NUMBER AND THE ADDRESS
• By Phone: Call 805-654-7869.  Be sure to leave your name, call back number, and your question in brief and clearly, in the event you get to voicemail. Emailing  [email protected] as an alternative is encouraged. BE SURE TO PROVIDE THE PLAN CHECK/PERMIT NUMBER AND THE ADDRESS. 
• In-person: Visit the Permits Counter located at 501 Poli St, Room 117 (see counter schedule).  BE SURE TO PROVIDE THE PLAN CHECK/PERMIT NUMBER AND THE ADDRESS. 

4. What work can a homeowner/owner-builder perform?

A property owner of a one- or two-family residence can obtain all required permits to construct, alter, add, improve, or repair the principal place of residence or appurtenances thereto, where none of the improvements are intended for sale within one year after completion.  

An owner-builder indicates: a person who owns the property and acts as their own general contractor on the job, and either does the work themselves or has employees (or subcontractors) working on the project.  Please review the risks of being an owner-builder. 

The work site must be their principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months prior to completion of the work. The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period. CA Business & Professions Code section 7044 has more information about owner-builders.

5. Is electronic permit and plan submittal required?

The City will only process electronic submittals.  We do not accept paper plan submittals.  ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS and RESUBMITTALS must be submitted online using VenturaOPS. 

6. Why do I need a Building Permit?

The California Building Code requires building permit for new Construction, Remodeling and Tenant Improvements for both Commercial and Residential projects. This may include:  

• A mechanical permit for installation or replacement of mechanical equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, hoods, boilers, etc.  
• An electrical permit for electrical equipment and electrical installations associated with other equipment, such as outlets, lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, electrical panels and services, signs;  
• A plumbing permit for installation or replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sewer, water and gas lines, water heaters, sinks, water closets, etc. 

If you are found performing construction work without the benefit of a building permit, a Building Inspector may stop the work in progress. Work cannot continue until a proper permit has been obtained. In these cases, permit fees are doubled. Work done without the benefit of inspections can pose a health and safety hazard.

7. What can I build without a permit?

For detached one-and two-family dwellings only (not a complete list).  

NOTE: If you are in the Pierpont or Ventura Keys community, please check with Planning.  Check your Title Report for any easement restrictions.

• CABINETS, COUNTER TOPS and other built-in furniture 
• DRYWALL/GYPSUM BOARD: Minor repair of interior gypsum drywall/wallboard when it does not serve as a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly for a structure. Such repair is limited to less than 100 square feet of drywall. If repair exceeds 100 square feet, a permit is required. (If unsure regarding fire-resistive-rated assemblies, please contact Building & Safety for guidance.) 
• DECKS not exceeding 200 square feet not more than 30” above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and do not serve the required exit door 
• REROOF: Repairs limited to a maximum of 40 square feet of weatherproof roof coating will not require reroof permits. Repairs extending past the roof covering, (asphalt shingles, clay, or concrete tile, or approved metal roofing) into the required underlayment, and or structural elements will require a permit to be issued and all permit requirements to be met. Subject to Building and Safety verification and approval. 
• PAINTING, PAPERING, TILING, CARPETING, and similar finish work 
• WOOD, CHAIN LINK, VINYL AND WROUGHT IRON FENCES that do not exceed 6’ high 
• RETAINING WALLS less than 4’ high (measured from bottom of footing), unless supporting a surcharge.  (Note: retaining walls might require a grading permit. Inquire at Land Development Dept.) 
• BLOCK WALLS less than 4’ high (measured from bottom of footing) 
• DETACHED SHEDS: A single story, detached accessory structure used as a tool or light storage shed, playhouse, and similar uses, provided the projected the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet, and that said structure is not taller than 8”6” in maximum height measured from grade (grade is defined as the lowest point within 5’0” of the perimeter of a structure).is the proposed detached shed must located on a residential lot R-3 Occupancy only, has no electrical, plumbing or mechanical equipment and the structure may not obstruct or divert the flow of rainwater from one property to another. Only one detached shed is allowed per parcel; Located in rear yard only and 5’0” from any existing building; Eaves projections shall not exceed 16” nor extend over the property line. 
• WINDOW AND DOOR AWNINGS: Window and door awnings in group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that does not project more than 54 inches (1372 MM) from the exterior wall and that do not require additional support. Door awnings are to be lightweight construction (i.e., not to exceed 5 lbs. per sq. ft.). Required fire separation distance from property line to be maintained (min. 5ft. from the property line). 
• SPAS, HOT TUBS AND ABOVE GROUND PLASTIC POOLS if prefab. New electrical and gas lines will require permits. 
• ARBOR: Detached and max. 2’ D. x 8’ L. x 8’ H.  

8. How long is a plan check and a permit good for?

Building plan checks with no activity expire after 180 days. A building permit is valid for 360 days from the issuance date.  In addition, the Chief Building Official may grant a 180- day extension. In most cases, a permit will not expire 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 re-initiate the permit process and resubmit payment for all applicable fees.

9. What are APPBs, APPFs?

APPBs and APPFs are the initial submittal of permit and/or plan check documents.  The documents are reviewed to determine if they meet the minimum submittal requirements. Once the submittal is deemed complete, the APPB or APPF will be converted to a plan check or permit (ex: RESP, COMP, MCRP, PEMP).

10. Do I need a soil report if I want to build an addition to my house?

Any new structure of 1000 square feet or more will require a Soils Report.

11. Do I need an automatic fire sprinkler system if I want to remodel my house?

The City of Ventura’s automatic fire sprinkler retrofit program is intended to promote fire and life-safety equitably across all types of occupancies and classes of construction through mandatory retrofitting of automatic fire sprinkler systems.  This mandatory retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers is required in existing occupancies when certain thresholds or criteria are met.  Please see the Fire Sprinkler Retrofit Worksheet for additional information on if your remodel requires this retrofit.