FAQs • Orinda, CA • CivicEngage

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Orinda, CA

Do I need to submit my building permit revisions to the Planning Department?: Depending on the scope of the revisions, your project may or may not require Planning Department approval. Typically, any exterior changes will require Planning approval. Minor interior changes such as room reconfiguration, structural changes, or relocation of plumbing connections do not require Planning approval.

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Building Permits

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

A permit is not required for a fence if it meets the following requirements:

A fence located within five feet of a property line/right-of-way boundary with street frontage must be constructed completely of an open material, such as lattice or wrought iron, and shall not exceed a height of four feet.
Elsewhere, a fence shall not exceed six feet in height.

An Exception Permit is required for a fence that would exceed the maximum height requirements.

2. Do I need a permit to install a electric vehicle (EV) charger?: Yes, submit your building permit application to Contra Costa County here. Planning review is not required for an EV charger.

3. Do I need to submit my building permit revisions to the Planning Department?: Depending on the scope of the revisions, your project may or may not require Planning Department approval. Typically, any exterior changes will require Planning approval. Minor interior changes such as room reconfiguration, structural changes, or relocation of plumbing connections do not require Planning approval.

4. Do my plans need to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer?: The Planning Department does not require plans to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. See Contra Costa County Building Department's handout for When Is A Licensed Professional Required.

5. How do I renew an expired building permit?: Submit a Building Permit Renewal Request to Contra Costa County.

6. How do I check if my neighbor has building permits for the work they are doing?: Visit Contra Costa County's ePermits website to view the current and past building permit history of any address in Orinda. Note that some projects do not require a building permit. See the list of projects exempt from a building permit here. If you believe work is being done without an active building permit, submit a Code Enforcement Form.