HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 - NB-1 - Building Permit Requirements for Masonry - 2/1/2011CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2011 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MASONRY WALLS
DATE: JANUARY 19, 2011
FROM: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION BY: KHANH NGUYEN, CBO, BUILDING OFFICIAL
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: KHANH NGUYEN (714) 754-5277
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct staff to draft an ordinance to require building permits for masonry walls greater than
three feet in height.
BACKGROUND:
Mayor Pro Tem Righeimer requested City Council review of building permit requirements
for masonry walls. Since 2003, the City has not required a building permit for walls that
are six feet or less in height. The City has never required a building permit for a wooden
fence that is six feet or less in height. This is consistent with the current California Building
Code. Regardless of whether a building permit is required, zoning requirements (in
respect to height and location) still apply. There has been concern expressed that
fences/walls are being constructed that do not comply with zoning standards, because a
building permit is not required.
Since 1979, the Uniform Building Code has exempted walls/fences not over 6 feet high
and retaining walls not over 4 feet high from building permit requirements. The State
Code recognizes that these structures are not hazardous to the public.
In September 2010, Council adopted the 2010 California Residential and Building
Codes, as being applicable to Costa Mesa. It would be necessary to adopt an
ordinance if Council wishes to require permits for fences and/or masonry walls that are
six feet or less in height.
ANALYSIS:
Staff is recommending that building permits only be required for masonry (e.g., stucco,
block or brick) walls and not for fences. The City has never required a building permit for
fences, and if a fence is constructed inconsistent with zoning standards, the necessary
correction is more easily made than for a masonry wall.
Staff estimates that the average cost for a masonry wall permit will be $350, and typically
staff will be able to issue the permit "over the counter". The property owner or contractor
will be required to submit a site plan (showing. location and height) and construction
specifications. We currently have standard specifications for six-foot high block walls that
can be used for the permit issuance. For masonry walls being proposed on property
lines, staff is not recommending that a lot line survey or signatures from adjacent
neighbors be required for permit issuance. These requirements add substantial cost and
time to the homeowners.
FISCAL REVIEW:
A detailed analysis will be provided if Council wishes to consider an ordinance. There
should not be an impact to the City budget as the building permit fees will cover the cost
of permit issuance and inspection services.
LEGAL REVIEW:
Legal review is not required at this time.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Direct staff to amend the adopted California Residential and Building Codes, as
applicable to the City of Costa Mesa, requiring permits for masonry walls over 3
feet in height.
2. Receive and file.
CONCLUSION:
Building permit requirements for masonry walls that are greater than 3 feet in height will
ensure that the walls are constructed in conformance with all applicable building and
zonin ode requirements.
KHANH NGUYEN KIMBERLY BRA T, AICP
Building Official Development Se ces Director
DISTRIBUTION: City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Public Services Director
Transportation Svs. Mgr.
City Clerk (2)
Staff (4)
File (2)
Building Industry Association (BIA)
South Coast Metro Alliance
Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce
File: 020111MasonryWall ermit I Date: 011811 1 Time: 1:40 .m.