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1. When is a permit required?

The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Building and Safety Department at (909) 364-2780.
A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair or change in use of an existing building or structure and site improvements.

Examples of residential items that require permits:
* Water heater replacement
* Re-Roof
* Interior remodels
* Window replacements
* Patio covers
* Second Story Decks
* Balconies

Examples of commercial items that require permits:
* Moveable cases more than 6' in height
* Shelving units/gondolas more than 6' in height
* Additions of walls
* Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces
* Changes made to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems
* Change in occupancy

2. What is exempt from permits?

1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the height does not exceed 12 feet from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point and the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2).*Pursuant to Section 16.060.70 of the Municipal Code, such structures shall be located outside of front, side or rear setbacks. However, such structures not exceeding 10 feet in height may be located in the side or rear setback provided they are located a minimum of 5 feet from the property line.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high
3. Oil derricks
4. Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge of impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.
14. Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not exceeding 15 feet in height.
15. A tree house provided that:
a. It does not exceed 64 square feet of floor area and does not exceed 8 feet in height from floor to highest point of roof.
b. It does not exceed 16 feet in height from adjacent grade to highest point.
16. Playground equipment
17. Decks and platforms that do not exceed 30 inches in height from adjacent grade. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.

3. How long does a plan review take?

Plan check generally takes 15 business days for each submittal. Larger/complicated projects may require more time.

4. What are the hours of operation for the Community Development counter?

Monday - Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm

5. Can I obtain a copy of the construction plans to my house from the Building and Safety Department?

Building and Safety only retains construction plans for 180-days after the project has been completed.

6. Where do I call to schedule an inspection?

* Please call the Inspection Hotline (909) 364-2790.
* Only inspection requests left on the hotline prior to 3:00 pm will be conducted the next business day.
* Any inspection requests left after 3:00 pm on Friday will be performed the following Tuesday.
* Please state the address, permit number, and type of inspection.
* Messages left on the hotline are not returned. Hotline is for inspection requests only.
* Due to the high volume of inspections we are unable to give appointment times.
* If unable to keep an inspection please call the Community Development Counter at (909) 364-2780 to cancel.
* If no one is home, or access is not provided, a re-inspection fee may be required.

7. Where do I call to verify that I am on the inspection schedule for today?

Please call the Community Development Department Counter at (909) 364-2780. Inspectors are best available from 7:30 am - 8:00 am & 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

8. What codes are currently adopted by the Building and Safety Division?

Building Code Adoption Ordinance #306
https://www.chinohills.org/DocumentCenter/View/14296

California Building Code 2016 Edition, Volumes 1, 2 including Appendix Chapters "C", "F", "H", & "J"
California Electrical Code 2016 Edition
California Mechanical Code 2016 Edition
California Plumbing Code 2016 Edition

http://www.bsc.ca.gov/codes.aspx

9. What forms of payment are accepted in the Community Development Department?

Check, cash, or credit card are acceptable forms of payment in Community Development.

10. Where can I find a permit dated prior to 1991?

If it can be located, any permits dated prior to 1991 are with San Bernardino County, Building and Safety Division. The City of Chino Hills incorporated in 1991.

11. What are the requirements for a Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Permit?

There are requirements for a Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Permit. View the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Requirement Check List (PDF)