Exemptions from 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. Where determined by the building official, permits may be waived for small and unimportant work, and as set forth in sections 28.05.062 through 28.05.068 of this division.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2011-O0042, sec. 4, adopted 5/31/2011)
[Building work exempted is as follows:]
(1) 
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (11.15 m2).
(2) 
Fences not over 7 feet (1829 mm) high.
(3) 
Oil derricks.
(4) 
Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) 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.
(5) 
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
(6) 
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
(7) 
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
(8) 
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(9) 
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in section 101.2 [sic], which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
(10) 
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
(11) 
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
(12) 
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3, as applicable in section 101.2 [sic], and Group U occupancies.
(13) 
Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42.1; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)
[Electrical work exempted is as follows:]
(1) 
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
(2) 
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.
(3) 
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
(4) 
Other work exempted by the ICC Electrical Code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42.2; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)
[Gas work exempted is as follows:]
(1) 
Portable heating appliance.
(2) 
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
(3) 
Other work exempted by the International Fuel Gas Code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42.3; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)
[Mechanical work exempted is as follows:]
(1) 
Portable heating appliance.
(2) 
Portable ventilation equipment.
(3) 
Portable cooling unit.
(4) 
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
(5) 
Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
(6) 
Portable evaporative cooler.
(7) 
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
(8) 
Other work exempted by the International Mechanical Code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42.5; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)
[Plumbing work exempted is as follows:]
(1) 
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
(2) 
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(3) 
Other work exempted by the International Plumbing Code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-42.6; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)
Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure, including doors, hardware or security systems, affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-44; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2010-O0017, sec. 3, adopted 3/4/2010)
A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution or metering or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-45; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005)