Thanks for taking time to reply to the blog. This information should help “demystify” the permit process for homeowners in San Carlos.

Perhaps in another post, we can discuss what the process is for new homeowners to obtain permits “after the fact.” In other words, how to get permits for un-permitted work that was already done on the house they just purchased…i.e. bonus rooms, additions, etc..

Thanks,

Chuck

The first step in remodeling your home or adding square footage is to speak with the Planning Department (650-802-4263). They will help you determine allowable square footage, height, setbacks, aesthetics and so forth. Some projects are reviewed and approved at staff level while larger projects may require more intense design review and greater scrutiny by the Planning Commission. Smaller projects less than 500 square feet can be approved much quicker by both Planning and Building Departments. Projects less than 500 square feet also save the applicant a large amount of money as no soils reports are required and school fees (paid to Sequoia Union School District) will not be necessary.

Once your project is approved by the Planning Department, you will submit 3 sets of plans to the Building Department (650-802-4261). The Building Department will review your plans for energy compliance, structural integrity, as well as verify Planning requirements have been met. New homes, or residential reconstruction over 2500 square feet, will require the installation of sprinklers. This can be added cost to the overall project, but the added life-safety is well worth it.

The San Carlos Planning and Building Departments are under new management so to speak. As Building Official, my primary goal is to improve customer service for the community and ensure life-safety with each permit issued.

There are other requirements as they pertain to remodeling your home…too many to list on this Blog. So, please feel free to contact me, at 650-802-4262, if you have further questions. You can email me, at cvalley@cityofsancarlos.org, as well.

Thanks!

Christopher Valley
Building Official
San Carlos Building Department

This is a great question. Much of it depends on how big of a renovation you are planning. I’m not as intimately familiar with the process as I was eight years ago when we remodeled, but back then there were two major departments you had to work with to get things through — the Planning Commission and the Building Commission.

The Planning Commission scrutinized the appearance and size of the house, and determined whether the home was a good fit for the neighborhood, and assured that the styling was complementary to other homes in the area. The Building Commission was in charge of approving the blueprints, and made sure all current building codes were adhered to — they’re much more involved in the “nuts and bolts” of the house, and were in charge of all inspections and permit signoffs.

I think whether or not a project is smooth sailing or a nightmare is greatly influenced by the architect you use. We used a firm that had done many other homes in San Carlos, so they had lots of experience getting plans approved through the City. They knew what would fly and what wouldn’t. Consequently, our project (which was a total tear-down and 2nd story addition) flew through relatively painlessly.

I think the City of San Carlos has gone through great pains to make the planning and permit process as smooth as possible. As long as your not trying to build a pink mediterranean castle in White Oaks, they’ll definitely work with you to make your project happen.