Frequently Asked Plan Check Questions

1. How long is a plan check application valid? Plan check applications expire 12 months after the plan check fees are paid, pursuant to Volume IA, Section 105.3.2 of the Glendale Building and Safety Code. 2. My plan check is about to expire, can I extend my plan check? Yes. 30 days prior to its expiration, an application to extend a permit application may be filed with the Department using an Application for Building Permit / Plan Check Extension pursuant to Volume IA, Section 105.3.2 of the Glendale Building and Safety Code. 3. How do I extend my plan check? Complete the Application for Building Permit / Plan Check Extension. The applicant must provide sufficient evidence that circumstances beyond their control prevented action to secure the permit within the allotted time. Financial hardship, contracting issues with design professionals or contractors, or seasonal weather conditions are typically not adequate reasons for the granting of an extension. The request must be filed at the Permit Services Center on the 1st floor of the Municipal Services Building (MSB). A filing fee stated on the form shall accompany each request submitted to the Department. 4. How many sets of plans are required? Generally, two complete sets of plans are necessary for small tenant improvements, sign permits and single-family residential construction. Additional sets must be submitted for construction for new building and projects that require Development Review. Please check with Permit Services Center. 5. What is the minimum classification required for roofs in the WUI Areas (also known as High Fire Hazard Areas)? The minimum roof covering installed on buildings located in the WUI Areas is a minimum Class A roof covering. 6. Is my home required to be heated? Interior spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space heating systems capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 68 degrees F. at a point 3 feet above the floor on the design heating day. 7. When is a Geotechnical Report required for Single Family Dwelling project in the City of Glendale? Per Section R401.4 of the City of Glendale Building & Safety Code (City of Glendale Amendments to the California Residential Code), a soil report is required for any new structure or addition not meeting the following exceptions: 1a) Buildings not located in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, seismic hazard zones, Alquist-Priolo zone or adjacent to slopes greater than 3-units horizontal to 1-unit vertical, and 1b) Additions less than 500 square feet where the foundation and footings comply with soil bearing values no greater than 1,500-psf and minimum depth and width dimensions taken from CRC Table R403.1 for a 3-story structure. 2) Ancillary structures less than 500 square feet where the foundation and footings comply with soil bearing values no greater than 1,500-psf and minimum depth and width dimensions taken from CRC Table R403.1 for a 3-story structure. 8. When will the excavation for a foundation require a Grading Permit in the City of Glendale? Typically excavations for footings do not require a grading permit. However, any excavation over 50 cubic yards outside the volume of the new footing or slab will require a Grading Permit. Grading Permits are issued by Public Works Engineering and should be contacted directly for questions at (818) 548-3945.
City of Glendale Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division 633 E. Broadway, Rm. 101 Glendale, CA 91206 818.548.3200 www.ci.glendale.ca.us Form B-100 (07/2013)