Homeowners who are hiring a contractor can avoid construction complaints by adhering to the following advice from the Department of Consumer Affairs.

• Be aware that consumers have been targeted by scam artists posing as contractors

• Deal only with licensed contractors and confirm by visiting www.cslb.ca.gov/

• Avoid rushing into repairs no matter how badly they are needed

• Get at least three bids and ask for references of work the contractor has completed in the local area

• Ask to see the contractor's "pocket license" or home improvement sales registration which shows the type of trade for which they are licensed along with the expiration date

• Don't pay cash and don't let the payments get ahead of the work completed

• Under state law, when undertaking a home improvement or repair job, contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000 whichever is less unless the contractor provides a bond, approved bond equivalent or approved joint control ensuring completion of the contract (this bond is in addition to the bond required of all contractors for licensure)

• Require a written contract and don't sign it until you fully understand the terms

Construction complaints can be filed by visiting the Contractors State License Board at https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_a_Complaint/.

Also, consumer complaints can be filed with the Attorney General's office by visiting https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company.

Please review the following website for the California Building Code: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes

Zoning Requirements

An accessory building is any secondary building on a single family lot other than the main habitable building(s). Examples include workshops, storage sheds, detached private garages, guesthouses, tool/garden sheds, playhouses and animal shelters.

Accessory buildings may be attached to the main building or may be detached structures. If attached to the main building, the structure must comply with ordinance and structural requirements of the main building.

Location on the Lot

An unattached accessory structure with less than 60 sq. ft. of projected roof area and less than seven feet in height may be located anywhere on the lot, except in the front setback area.

Structures larger than 60 sq. ft. require approval from the Community Development Department and must be constructed consistent with the following regulations:

The structure, unless it is a carport or portico, must be on the rear half of the lot.

Attached and unattached structures with a floor area of 120 sq. ft. and larger and located more than five feet from a property line may have unlimited wall openings. If located between five and three feet from the property line the walls must be constructed with materials rated for 1 hour fire resistive construction and only 25% of the wall may have unprotected openings.

Animal Shelters

An accessory building for the shelter of animals has the additional requirement of being no closer to any side street property line than the main building and no closer than 10 feet from any property line. Maximum building height is 12 feet.

Contact the Community Development Dept. at 707. 428.7461 regarding questions related to these regulations.

Permits Required

A building permit is required if the accessory building is more than 120 sq. ft. of floor area. Separate electrical or plumbing permits are required for electrical wiring or plumbing installed in the building.

Required Drawings

The following basic information for buildings over 120 sq. ft. submitted for a building permit must be on a plan on 18" x 24" minimum size paper drawn to a scale of 1/4"=1' showing the following:

• Plot Plan - showing the position of the proposed project in relation to existing buildings, property lines and public utility easements. This plan is to be drawn to a scale of 1:20, which means 1 inch is equal to 20 feet.

• Foundation Plan - indicating the type of foundation and the size of footing used.

• Framing Section - showing sizes of framing members and methods of assembly.

• Floor Plan - detailing the location of walls, supports, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and the square footage of the project.

• Elevations - showing two or more sides of the proposed structure.

Permit Information

When applying for a permit, certain information is required.

• Description of the work.

• Location of the project (street number and name).

• Legal owner’s name, address and phone number.

• Valuation of the proposed work.

• Other information as may be required.

The owner, an authorized agent, or a licensed contractor is the only person who can legally sign the building permit. Upon issuance of the permit, the permittee has 180 days (6 months) to commence work on the project.

Inspections

The following inspections are required for accessory buildings:

• Foundation: To be made after footings are excavated, forms erected and steel is in place.

• Roof / Shear Nail: To be made after installation and nailing of the roof and shear wall sheathing.

• Frame: To be made after the framing, fire blocking, siding and lath, are in place and all vents, rough electrical and plumbing are installed.

• Final: To be made when the building is finished.

If it is uncertain as to which inspections pertain, please check with the Building Division Office.

Zoning Requirements

Conversion of garages into habitable living space is permitted providing the following basic criteria have been met:

Off street parking provided as follows:

• If two (2) covered parking spaces existed prior to conversion, then two (2) uncovered spaces, on site, are required.

• If one (1) covered parking space existed prior to conversion then one (1) uncovered space, on site, is required.

• The conversion shall be architecturally consistent with the design of the existing dwelling through one of the following alternatives:

• The garage door is left intact in a permanently closed position.

• The garage door is left operational with storage space between the garage door and a partition wall.

• The garage door and all necessary remnants are removed and the garage door opening is treated with building materials and design detail to match the remainder of the house. An in-ground landscaped planter, or raised masonry planter, 30 inches in depth shall be installed between the driveway and the former garage door. The planter shall be reduced in depth if necessary to maintain an 18 foot long driveway, measured from the back of the sidewalk to the landscaped planter. Where there is insufficient driveway depth to provide a planter of at least 18 inches, the alternatives above shall be used.

State Code Requirements

The converted garage must meet all of the requirements of the State Codes currently in effect including the energy requirements of the California Energy Commission.

These include:

• Method of sealing the concrete floor.

• Six (6) inch high concrete foundation at the garage door opening.

• The area of windows in square footage must exceed 8% and be less than 20% of the floor area of the conversion.

• Natural ventilation must be provided by openings (doors and windows) exceeding 4% of the floor area.

• Maintain minimum 7' 6" ceiling height from finish floor to finish ceiling.

• Provide outside combustion air for the water heater and space heating. (if applicable)

• Install R-13 insulation in the exterior walls and R-38 insulation in the ceiling or as specified in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

• Provide smoke detectors in the building per section 907.2.10.5 of the CBC if the value of the garage conversion exceeds $1,000.00 or if the conversion is to be utilized as a bedroom.

• Provide heating if the area is used as habitable space.

• If the conversion is utilized as a bedroom and a window is used for emergency egress, it must have an opening to the exterior of the building of at least 5.7 square feet with a minimum clear opening width of 20 inches, a clear opening height of not less than 24 inches and a finished sill height not more than 44 inches above the floor.

NOTE: If the water heater or gas burning furnace is located in the garage, the converted garage cannot be used as a bedroom. Walls must be installed to separate the bedroom from the water heater and/or furnace and provisions must be made for outside combustion air.

Permit Information

When applying for a permit, certain information is required to complete the permit application

Description of the work including a floor plan with room dimensions and any electrical, plumbing or mechanical considerations.

• Description of the work including a floor plan with room dimensions and any electrical, plumbing or mechanical considerations.

• Location of the project.

• Legal owners name, address and phone number.

• Valuation of the proposed work.

• Other information as may be required.

The contractor, owner, or an authorized agent is the only person who can legally sign the building permit application. Upon approval of the application and issuance of the permit, the permittee has 180 days to commence work on the project, otherwise the permit automatically expires.

Inspections

The following inspections are required for garage conversions:

• Underfloor Frame - to be made after the floor joists, mechanical and plumbing is installed.

• Underfloor Insulation - to be made after the insulation is installed.

• Frame - to be made after all framing, pipes, vents, rough electrical and plumbing are completed.

• Insulation - to be made after the insulation in the ceiling and wall is installed.

• Sheetrock Nail - to be made after the sheetrock is installed and nailed and prior to tape or texture.

• Final - to be made after the conversion is completed.

How To Apply For A Building Permit

Permits for garage conversions are obtained from the Building Division and are approved administratively by the Community Development Department. Plans for the conversion must also be submitted and shall include a site plan, floor plan and a building elevation.

The floor plan must include the location of walls, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, heaters, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors and the square footage of the project.

The elevations need to indicate how the front of the building will look when the conversion is completed.

The site plan must indicate the existing and proposed building footprint, the driveway, and required landscaping. If a raised planter is to be installed the setback from the sidewalk must be shown (18' required).

Patio or Deck Covers

Patio and deck covers are structures that cannot exceed 12 feet in height. They may be a simple structure consisting of a roof and supporting members only or they may be enclosed. Patio covers may be freestanding (detached) or attached to the house.

Enclosed Patios

Patio enclosure walls may have any configuration, provided the open area of the longer wall and one additional wall is equal to at least 65% of the area of the two walls below a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches of the two walls measured from the floor. Openings may be enclosed with insect screening or translucent or transparent plastic that is readily removable and not more than 0.125 (1/8) inch in thickness. Enclosed patios shall not cover the required egress window of a bedroom.

Patio and deck covers shall be used only for recreational outdoor living purposes and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms.

Sunrooms

Sunrooms are glassed-in enclosures and are allowed if certain conditions are met:

Permits Required

Decks

A permit is required for all decks constructed at or above grade.

NOTE: Decks built within 6 inches of the ground should be constructed of redwood or pressure-treated lumber to avoid dry rot.

Patio or Deck Covers

A patio cover, regardless of size or of roof covering, requires a building permit. Community Development Department approval for placement on the lot is required for structures of 60 sq. ft. and larger.

Required Drawings

• Plot Plan - Showing the size and position of the patio or deck in relation to the existing buildings, property lines and public utility easements.

• Framing Plan & Elevation - Showing the size of rafters, beams or girders; the distance between supporting columns; the method of attachment to the house and foundation; the type of foundation used, and the materials used to construct the patio or deck.

Handrails & Guardrails

Decks that are constructed 30 inches or more above ground are required to have a guardrail surrounding the deck and a continuous handrail along the flight of stairs serving the deck.

The top of the guardrail shall be not less than 42 inches. Open guardrails shall have intermediate rails or ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 inches in diameter cannot pass through.

Handrails are required on stairs that have four or more risers. The top of the handrails shall be placed not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches above the nosing of treads. They shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs and the ends shall be returned or terminate in newel posts. The handgrip portion of handrails shall not be less than 1 1/2 inches nor more than 2 inches in cross section with an adequate smooth gripping surface with no sharp corners and spaced 1 1/2 inches from an adjacent wall.

Permit Application

When applying for a permit, certain information is required to complete the permit application:

• Description of the work

• Location of the project

• Legal owners' name, address and phone number

• Valuation of the proposed work

• Other information as may be required

The owner/contractor or an authorized agent is the only legal person who can sign the building permit application. Upon approval of the application and issuance of the permit, the permittee has 180 days to commence work on the project, otherwise the permit automatically expires.

Planning & Development Requirements

A patio/deck cover less than 60 square feet with an open lattice roof and open on 3 sides may be located anywhere on the lot, no closer that 3 feet to any property line and not in the front of the setback area. Patio/deck covers not meeting these criteria require Planning & Development approval and must be consistent with the following regulations:

• The structure must be on the rear half of the lot.

• The structure may not cover more that 20 percent of the rear-yard setback area.

• The structure may be no closer than three feet to any property line.

• If the structure is placed between the home and any side property line, the structure must meet the setback requirements for the home.

• If the structure is placed on the corner property, the structure shall observe the same street side-yard setback as that required for the home.

• Contact the Department of Planning & Development at 707.428.7461 to inquire about setback requirements or any other questions related to these regulations.

Inspections

Deck

The following inspections are made only if a permit is issued for the deck:

• Footing - To be made after pier holes are dug and prior to concrete placement.

• Final - To be made after girders are set and the deck and handrails and stairs, if used, are installed.

Patio or Deck Cover

Due to the nature of the structure the frame and final inspections are completed at the same time unless the patio walls are enclosed. If the walls are to be covered on both sides, and the framework has electrical wiring, and inspection of the frame is required. A final inspection is made when the patio cover walls are enclosed and the cover is completed.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) defines a residential room addition, in part, as any change to an existing building that increases the conditioned floor area and volume. A conditioned space is an area, room, or space normally occupied and being heated or cooled for human habitation by any equipment.

Zoning Requirements

Room additions may be made to any part of the home, if the addition is consistent with the following regulations:

Required Drawings

It is not necessary to be a proficient draftsman; however, basic plan information must be on a plan on 18" x 24" minimum size paper drawn to a scale of 1/4" = 1' including the following:

• Plot Plan - showing the position of the proposed project in relation to existing buildings, property lines and public utility easements. Note that this plan is to be drawn to a scale of 1:20, which means 1 inch is equal to 20 ft.

• Foundation Plan & Section - indicating the type of foundation and the size of footing used. (In general the foundation should match the type of the existing house foundation.)

• Framing Plan & Section - showing size and spacing of framing members, methods of assembly, and the requirements of the energy standards.

• Floor Plan – detailing the location of walls, supports, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, heaters, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors and the square footage of the project.

• Elevations - showing two or more sides of the proposed structure.

Non-Structural Considerations

• Garages - If the addition forms a common wall between the garage and the addition the common wall must have a minimum of ½" gypsum wall board installed on the garage side extending from the garage slab to the roof. Door openings in the common wall must be protected with a solid core, self-closing, tight fitting, one and three-eights inch minimum thickness door. Ducts penetrating the common walls (or ceilings) within the garage must be the equivalent thickness of 26 GA galvanized sheet metal. Doors from the garage shall not enter a bedroom space.

• Room Sizes - Habitable rooms other than a kitchen must have an area of not less than 70 square feet with a minimum of seven feet in any horizontal direction.

• Ceiling Height - Habitable rooms (e.g. bedroom, kitchen, living room) shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet six inches. Other rooms (e.g. bathroom, utility room) may have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet.

• Windows- All habitable rooms require skylights or windows for natural light. The minimum window area shall not be less than 8 percent of the floor area. If the window serves as an emergency egress for a bedroom, it must have an opening to the exterior of the building of at least 5.7 square feet with a minimum clear opening width of 20 inches, a clear opening height of not less than 24 inches, and a finished sill height not more than 44 inches above the floor.

• Ventilation - Ventilation of habitable rooms may be by either mechanical or natural means. Openable exterior windows, doors, or skylights with an area of not less than 4 percent of the floor area of the habitable room may be used for natural ventilation. Mechanical ventilation shall be capable of providing two changes of air per hour in habitable rooms. For bathrooms, mechanical ventilation must provide five changes of air per hour.

• Smoke Detectors – Smoke detectors are required to be installed in the existing building when the value of the alteration, repair or addition exceeds $1,000, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added. The smoke detectors for the existing building may be solely battery-operated. In buildings that undergo alterations, repairs or additions, detectors shall be installed in each sleeping room and at a central location in a corridor giving access to sleeping areas. The smoke detectors installed for the addition must be hard wired to the electrical system. If the existing home or addition is 2-story, a smoke detector is required at each story, and if the sleeping rooms are on the upper level, the detectors shall be placed at the center of the ceiling directly above the stairway and in the hallway to the sleeping rooms and in all new sleeping rooms.

State Building Energy Efficiency Standards

Energy efficiency standards apply to an addition that increases the conditioned floor area and/or conditioned volume of a building.

Two methods may be used to demonstrate compliance with the energy standards:

• Method 1 - Performance Compliance : Method 1 relies on a computer program that analyzes the energy use of the addition alone or the addition and existing house as a combined unit. The performance method requires the services of an energy consultant. A compliance report is submitted to the Building Division with the building plans.

• Method 2 - Prescriptive Compliance : Method 2 requires that specific conservative measures are installed in the addition alone. If the prescriptive approach is used for room additions, the following components must be indicated on the plans:

*A handout showing various assemblies for a radiant barrier is available through the building division. The assembly chosen must be detailed and specified on the plan. The radiant barrier shall be installed at sloped roof surfaces and gable end walls that are within the attic space. (The radiant barrier is not required when the addition is located below an existing unaltered roof.)

Prescriptive Glazing

• Glazing (windows) shall be dual pane and shall have an affixed label that must not be removed until inspected by the Building Division. The label will list the certified U-factor and solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC).

• Glazing must have a U-factor not exceeding 0.57 and a SHGC not exceeding 0.40. The U-factor and SHGC of each window shall be indicated on the plans.

• Additions 1,000 sq ft and larger; the addition’s glazing area shall be limited to 20% of the addition floor area, including West facing glazing. West facing glazing area includes skylights tilted to the west or tilted in any direction when the pitch is less than 1:12. West facing glazing shall be limited to 5% of the addition floor area.

• For additions less than 1,000 sq ft of floor area, the total net glazing area must not exceed 20% of the addition floor area, including West facing glazing. West facing glazing must not exceed 5% of the addition floor area. For additions less than 1,000 sq ft, the area of existing glazing that is removed by the addition may be added to the 20% and 5% limits.

• Additions less than 100 sq ft in floor area may have up to 50 sq. ft. of glazing. There is no credit for glazing removed when using this option.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

• Electric-Resistance heating is not allowed.

• Extension of forced air heating ducts from an existing system requires the new ducting joints to be sealed with tape or mastic that has a UL 181 label. The use of cloth backed rubber duct tape is not allowed unless it is used in combination with mastic and drawbands.

• If a split system or dual pack heating and air conditioner are installed as a part of the addition, it must be equipped with a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). Installation of this type shall be under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor.

• Electric heat pumps are allowed only if the performance compliance method (Method #1 noted above) is used to for the addition.

• Duct insulation shall have a min. value of R-6.

• Duct testing: If more than 40 lineal feet of new duct is installed in an unconditioned space (attic or crawl space), all ductwork (existing and new) must be tested for leakage. A “HERS” rater independent of the installing company is required to perform the testing. The installer must complete form CF-6R page 4 and the “HERS” rater must complete form CF-4R page 1. Completed form CF-6R and CF-4R must be onsite for approval of the building inspector.

Water Heaters

• If the addition includes an increase in the total number of water heaters, the heater must be of a non-recirculation type that does not exceed 50 gallons.

• The first 5 feet of hot and cold piping from the water heater must be insulated with a min. 1” thick insulation.

• Water heaters with an energy factor less than 0.58 shall be externally wrapped with insulation having an installed thermal resistance of R-12 or greater.

• The water heater must be strapped to resist seismic forces.

Lighting

• General lighting in kitchens shall be fluorescent and controlled by a readily accessible switch located at the entrance to the kitchen. In lieu of fluorescent lighting, 50% of the total rated wattage may be incandescent provided it is controlled by a switch separate from the switch that control the fluorescent lights.

• Lighting in Bathrooms, Garages, Laundry Rooms, and Utility Rooms shall be fluorescent unless the lights are controlled by an occupant sensor (vacancy sensor) that does not have an override function.

• All other lighting shall be fluorescent unless controlled by dimmer switches or occupant (vacancy) sensors.

• Exterior lighting shall be fluorescent unless or activated by a photo-control motion sensor.

Building Permit Fees

Fees are charged for each type of permit issued such as building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. The fees provide for the checking of plans and field inspection of the materials and methods of construction. For room additions over 499 square feet a School Development fee is applicable.

Upon issuance of the permit the permittee has 180 days to commence work on the project, otherwise, the permit automatically expires. The only person who can legally sign for the permit is the owner, an authorized agent, or a licensed contractor.

Inspections

All permits issued require inspections during construction and at completion of the work. Scheduling inspections is the responsibility of the permittee. The following inspections are required for room additions:

• Foundation - To be made after trenches are excavated, forms erected and steel is in place.

• Underfloor - To be made after the installation of underfloor framing, heating ducts and plumbing.

• Underfloor Insulation - To be made after the insulation in the floor is installed, but prior to installation of the subfloor.

• Roof Nail/Shear Nail - To be made after installation and nailing of the roof sheathing and the wall sheathing.

• Frame - To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, siding, lath and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys, vents, rough electrical and plumbing are installed.

• Insulation - To be made after the insulation in the ceilings and walls is installed.

• Sheetrock nail - To be made after the sheetrock is installed and nailed and prior to tape or texture.

• Final - To be made after the addition is completed and ready for occupancy.

Not all of the inspections listed above will apply to every job. If it is uncertain as to which inspections pertain, please check with the Building Division Office.

Permits Required

The California Building Code and Section 14.5 of the City of Fairfield Municipal Code states that no person, firm or corporation shall install any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18in depth without first having obtained a building permit from the building official. Included are hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools.

The following forms are required when submitting the construction permit application for pools/spas:

• Swimming Pool Submittal Form

• Swimming Pool Barrier Letter

• Swimming Pool Uncertified Fill Notice (if applicable)

Spas And Hot Tubs

Spas and hot tubs, whether permanent or portable, are regulated under the provisions of the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code and the California Plumbing Code. An electrical permit is required when an electrical circuit servicing the spa or hot tub is installed. A plumbing permit is required to install a gas line if the spa or hot tub is heated by natural gas.

How To Apply For A Swimming Pool Permit

When applying for a building permit to install a swimming pool the applicant shall submit for approval:

Setback Requirements

Gunite Pools:
Pools shall not be constructed in the front or side setback of the residential property. There shall be a distance of at least 4' between the pool excavation and any side or rear property line. A minimum of 5' is required between the pool excavation and any building foundation on the property.

Vinyl Liner Pool:
In addition to the setback requirements for gunite pools, a liner pool shall have a minimum clearance of 5' from any building foundation plus an additional foot of clearance for every foot of depth below a 5-foot depth.

A pre-site inspection of the property is required prior to the issuance of permits to verify the setback requirements.

Fiberglass One-Piece Swimming Pools:
One-piece swimming pools are installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations by installers approved by the manufacturer. Homeowners or contractors not approved by the manufacturer are not allowed to install fiberglass one-piece pools. Setbacks shall be the same as for vinyl liner pools.

Spas and Hot Tubs:
There are no written regulations that control the location of portable spas and hot tubs placed on the property; however, consideration should be given to the placement regarding the neighbor's property and the possible affects the spa or hot tub could have on the neighbor's privacy.

Electrical Setback Requirements

Overhead electrical conductors create a safety hazard if they are incorrectly installed adjacent to swimming pools. Section 680-8 of the California Electric Code and Table 6-1 of the PG&E Service Requirement Green Book regulates the installation of overhead conductors.

Telephone lines and cable television systems may pass over a pool if a 101 vertical clearance is maintained above the swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Heating

Swimming pools that are heated by gas heaters must conform to provisions of the California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code and the 2005 California Energy Efficiency Standards Section 114.

The gas venting system shall terminate not less than 4' below or 4' horizontally from, nor less than 1' above a door or window and not less than 4' from a property line.

• The heating system must be equipped with an on/off switch that turns the heater on and off without the need to relight the pilot light or change the thermostat setting.

• A 36" minimum length of plumbing shall be installed between the filter and heater to allow for the possible addition of solar heating equipment.

• Heated outdoor pools must be equipped with a manufactured pool cover (to reduce heat loss).

• A time clock, which allows the circulation pump to run in the off peak electric demand period.

Plumbing Requirements

Plastic PVC, when used in the circulating system, must have a soil embedment depth of 12". Risers to the pool equipment may be plastic PVC and shall be painted with latex paint to provide protection from the sun. There cannot be a direct connection between any storm drain, drainage system, drywell or subsoil irrigation and any line connected to a swimming pool. Water supply and hose bibs within 25' of the pool shall have a backflow prevention device installed and be at least 12" above the pool deck.

Safety Glazing

Safety glazing is required when glazing in walls and fences are used as a barrier for indoor and outdoor swimming pools and spas when the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 60" above the pool side of the glazing and the glazing is within 5' of a swimming pool or spa water's edge.

Inspections

There are five (5) required inspections for a gunite swimming pool and two (2) required for a spa. The following is a list of swimming pool requirements:

• A pre-site inspection to check setback requirements and to identify possible lot drainage and grading problems, and to determine the size of the electrical service.

• A pre-gunite inspection to check the reinforcement steel placement, positioning of the equipment pad, the electrical bonding of the steel, burial depth of the piping (electrical conduit/circulation), pressure test of the circulation piping and the erection of a temporary fence. If a pool heater is used, a gas test is also conducted.

• A pre-deck inspection to check deck steel bonding and deck drainage.

• A pre-plaster inspection to check for the installation of a permanent fence and gate, the installation of the electrical circuits, the bonding of the electrical equipment, the installation of the selected barrier feature and the preparation of the gunite pool for the plastering.

• A final inspection to determine if all work on the pool has been completed, the selected safety feature is in place; door alarms have been installed and if a pool heater is used, the installation of a pool cover.

A portable spa requires a rough electric inspection to check compliance with the California Electric Code and a final inspection to determine that all work is completed, the selected safety feature installed and the spa is operating correctly.

Encroachment Permits

Encroachment permits are required when a pool contractor is granted permission by the City of Fairfield Public Works Department to access a job site through a City owned or maintained fence or across City maintained landscaping.

Encroachment permits are obtained from the Public Works Department located on the third floor of City Hall. The refundable permit fee is $750.00.

Liability insurance in the amount of $300,000.00 with an insurance endorsement is required. When an encroachment permit is issued, the job site is inspected by the Public Works Department for traffic control, cleanliness and any existing damage to City facilities as a part of the pre-site inspection.

Upon completion of construction the site will be reinspected. The permittee will be responsible for repairing or replacing fences, landscaping, irrigation systems and sidewalks that were damaged during construction. Refunding of the permit bond depends upon the satisfactory completion of these repairs.

Barrier and Safety Features (2007 CBC sec.3109.4.4.2)

Hot tubs or spas with locking type covers complying with ASTM-ES 13-89 are exempt from the barrier and safety requirements section of the State Building Code.

• Barrier Requirements:

  Residential pools shall be surrounded by an enclosure fence or a portion of a building wall not less than 60" nor greater than 72" in height. Openings, gaps or voids, if any shall not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4" in diameter with a maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of 2". The outside surface of the fence shall be free of protrusions, indentations or cutouts that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of 5 years to climb. A temporary fence shall be installed during excavation. Any access gate shall open away from the pool area and be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device.

  In addition to the enclosure listed above, the swimming pool shall be equipped with at least one of the following safety features:

  The pool shall be isolated from access to the home by an enclosure that meets the requirements listed above.

  • The pool shall be equipped with a manually or power operated safety pool cover that meets all of the performance standards of ASTM F1346-91.

  • The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms that are audible and continuous on those doors that permit access from the residence to the pool area when the door is opened or left ajar.

  • The exit alarms may be battery operated or may be connected to the electrical wiring of the building.

  • All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool shall be equipped with a self-closing, self latching device with a release mechanism no lower than 54" above the floor.

  • Other means of protection if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the devices set forth in Items 1-4 inclusive, as determined by the building official.

• Dual Drain Separation for Entrapment Avoidance:

  Single or multiple pump outlet circulation systems shall be provided with a minimum of 2 suction outlets spaced 3' apart that are piped so that water is drawn simultaneously through a vacuum relief protected line to the pump or pumps. Suction outlets that are less than 12 inches across shall be covered with anti-entrapment grates, as specified in the ASME/ANSI Standard A 112.19.8, that cannot be removed except with the use of tools.

Indoor Swimming Pools

Doors with direct access to an indoor swimming pool shall be equipped with an audible alarm.

Please download this Residential Generator Checklist and follow the instructions closely.

Please note that you will need Planning approval for setbacks and noise ordinance prior to submitting to Building Safety. You may apply in-person at the Community Development counter with both divisions simultaneously.