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As of January 1, 2023, the 2022 California Building Codes and 2022 California Fire Code have been effective in the City of Lompoc, along with previously adopted amendments to those codes. Chapter 3 addresses the subject of when building permits are or are not required.

Permits Required

No building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code and the technical codes shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure or building service equipment has first been obtained from the building department. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

Work Exempt from Permits

A permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of permit as listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of the Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the technical codes or any other laws or ordinances of the City of Lompoc (see also section 105).

Building Permits

A building permit shall not be required for the following:

1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Wood fences not over 6 feet high. (Zoning requirements and conditions may apply)
3. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
4. Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.
5. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, and similar work.
7. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group M occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches.
8. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.

Plumbing Permits

A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in the code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, nor for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Electrical Permits

An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:

1. Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the Electrical Code.
2. Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.
3. Temporary decorative lighting.
4. Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.
5. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not outlets therefore.
6. Repair or replacement of any over current device of the required capacity in the same location.
7. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
8. Removal of electrical wiring.
9. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

Mechanical Permits

A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:

1. A portable heating, cooling, evaporative cooler or ventilation device.
2. A replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of the technical codes.
3. A unit refrigerating system as defined in the Mechanical Code.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our counter staff for assistance. Counter staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM at 805-875-8220, or by emailing our general mailbox at building@ci.lompoc.ca.us.