Frequently Asked Questions

All new or modified signs, even painted signs, require a sign permit from the Community Development Department. Illuminated signs also require an electrical permit.

Temporary signs such as banners and pennants also require approval. Streamers and pennants are allowed for new business openings only and for no more than 14 days from the date of opening. Temporary signs also require a sign permit from the Building Division. Inflated devices (Air-Dancer) are not allowed as signs.

Window signs do not need permits, but may not cover more than 20% of the area of each window for window areas of 8 square feet or more than 50% of window areas with 8 square feet or less. Signs shall not be placed on any fence, telephone pole, or traffic control device. No sign shall be placed in the right-of-way without a permit. Signs shall not be placed on any public or private sidewalk. No sign shall physically or visually obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular movement.

The City's Zoning Code limits the number of and sizes of signs allowed. Copies of the sign regulations and permit submittal requirements are available in the Community Development Department.

The Unified Development Code regulates placement, material, and height of fencing. Additional regulations relative to the type of fences and locations permitted in your neighborhood may be made by your local civic or neighborhood association or in restrictive covenants listed in your deed.

A zoning certificate ($0 charge) is needed to confirm the fence's compliance with code prior to installing a fence. You can find the application to obtain a zoning certificate for a fence from the list of applications posted on the Planning and Zoning Division page.

No, not if it is your primary residency. A homeowner who owns and occupies the house may do any or all work - building, plumbing, mechanical (heating and cooling), and electrical. If you are not sure of your abilities to do any or all of the work, it is recommended that you hire a licensed professional. Licensed trade contractors provide some assurance that they have adequate knowledge and training in the field(s) of their specialty.

Please Note: Properties in which the owner does not occupy/live in the home require licensed contractors. Any work done by renters, landlords, their employees, or other persons who do not own and occupy the home must have an appropriate license or hire a licensed contractor for any plumbing, mechanical (heating and cooling), and electrical.

No, not for residential projects. The owner or anyone they choose may draw the plans as long as they are clear and detailed enough to indicate what and how the project will be built. In some cases, the complexity of the project, which may include engineered calculations and techniques not specifically addressed by code, will require the skills of a professional.

Commercial projects will require sealed, professional drawings.

No, codes cannot be waived. However, if an alternate way of building something is proposed and will provide the same degree of safety as what the code requires, it may be approved as an alternate method by the Building Inspection Department.