COLLINS BY DESIGN
Solar Electric Consulting - Residential On/Off Grid Design - Structural Building Plans and Drawings

HOME PAGE REQUIRED: OPTIONAL:

Design Considerations - Remodels and Additions The Building Department will require 3 sets of Plans with your Application for a Building Permit. Simple examples of the required and optional (or conditional) pages can be seen by clicking on the links to the left. Most likely your project will require more complicated drawings than can be shown here. Things to be aware of include: Additions must meet all current building codes even if the original building does not. If you want to replace part of something, say floor joists, you might be required to bring the entire floor up to current building standards. Set backs from adjacent properties must be maintained. Height limitations can only be raised thru a variance proceeding. You cannot put a second story addition on a single story foundation. You cannot move existing windows or glass sliding doors, unless they meet current California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards. Only 10% of a room's sq ft can be under 6' high. All wood burning fireplaces or stoves must have an outside air source, an air tight door and comply with setbacks to walls and floor. Chimneys must be 2 ft higher than any horizontal roof plane within 10 ft. Adding bedrooms might require adding septic leach field area. Hard wired smoke detectors must be added in hallways and bedrooms if they don't exist. New wiring cannot be added to an existing circuit that doesn't meet current codes. New earthquake codes require alternate braced panels in remodels and additions. These are 4' sections at exterior load bearing wall corners that must have min 4x8'x1/2" plywood or equivalent sheathing without openings. For more information call (707) 462-2427 or E-mail Collins By Design Cal Contractors Lic #B557124