When is a Building Permit Required for a Commercial Project?
According to State code, no building or structure regulated by the State code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained.
Whether or not my project requires a building permit, is there any other City department I should to contact regarding my project?
Yes. You should determine if there are any special development conditions for your project. Please contact the Building Division at 916.625.5120 for general information. In some cases, you may need to contact individual divisions.
Are there any permit exceptions* for commercial projects?
A building permit may not be required for the following commercial projects:
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. (This type of work may however require an encroachment permit from the Public Works Division. Please contact them at 916-625-5500 for further details.)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
*Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
If I determine my project requires a permit, what forms and plans do I need to submit to the Building Division?
Please see the Commercial Projects page for details on which forms and plans to submit.
How many sets of plans do I need to submit and do they all need to be wet signed?
For most commercial projects, three sets of plans are required. However, only two sets need to be wet signed.
Is a plan check deposit required when I submit my plans?
Yes, prior to May 1, 2011 plan check deposits are required for all commercial projects over $50,000 in valuation. Effective May 1, 2011, a plan check deposit will be required at the time of submittal for all projects.
Plan Check Deposit Schedule
Where do I submit my forms and plans?
(Please note that forms are provided for your convenience. Original signatures are required to obtain a permit. Please do not fax.)
Building Division
Administration Building, 1st Floor
3970 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677
After I submit for a permit, what happens next?
Staff will review the project to ensure that the project meets minimum life safety requirements and is in compliance with the City of Rocklin zoning ordinance and development standards. Please see the Project Review/Project Approval page.
The Permit Process - Commercial
