What are you trying to build?

A setback is the minimum required distance between a structure and your property line, street, or other feature. Your parcel's setbacks are recorded on your Assessor's parcel map. You can look these up free at the City's GIS portal or call our counter at (555) 012-3456 with your APN.

Yes. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) require an Elevation Certificate and may need to meet additional base flood elevation (BFE) requirements before any structural work can be permitted.

State law (AB 68, SB 9) gives most single-family lots the right to add at least one ADU and one Junior ADU. Your specific zoning district may add design standards, but cannot outright prohibit them. Submit a pre-application to confirm your lot's eligibility.

A variance allows you to deviate from a development standard (like a setback) when strict compliance creates an unnecessary hardship unique to your property. A conditional use permit (CUP) allows a use that is conditionally permitted in your zone, subject to specific operational conditions.

Most single-family residential projects are categorically exempt from CEQA review. Projects in sensitive habitat, near archaeological resources, or above certain size thresholds may trigger an Initial Study. Our pre-screening form can flag this early.

Owner-drawn plans are accepted for single-family residential projects under 5,000 sq ft that do not involve structural engineering. However, any project requiring a licensed engineer's stamp (retaining walls over 4 ft, new beam calculations, etc.) must include a wet-signature engineering plan.

Site plans must be drawn at a minimum 1/20" = 1' scale. Floor plans and elevations at 1/4" = 1'. Details at 3/4" = 1' or larger. All sheets must be 24" x 36" for paper submittals, or PDF at equivalent resolution for digital.

Digital submittals via our ePlan portal are accepted and encouraged. PDF files must be vector-based (not scanned), bookmarked by sheet number, and under 50MB per file. Paper submittals require 3 sets for residential, 4 sets for commercial.

Every correction letter issued by plan check lists the specific code section, the deficiency, and the required correction. If a correction is unclear, you can request a plan check conference — a 30-minute meeting with the reviewing plan checker — at no extra charge.

The City of Millbrook currently enforces the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), California Energy Code (Title 24), and California Fire Code. Local amendments are published in our Municipal Code Chapter 15.

Standard deck inspections: (1) Footing inspection before pouring concrete, (2) Framing inspection before decking, (3) Final inspection after all work is complete including guards/rails. If the deck is attached to the house, a ledger inspection is also required before attachment.

A failed inspection generates a correction notice listing the specific deficiency and code reference. Correct the issue, then call to re-schedule a re-inspection. The first re-inspection is free; subsequent re-inspections are $95 each.

No. Covering work before the required inspection is a code violation and may require you to uncover it at your expense. If work was covered before inspection, document it with photographs and contact our office — we may be able to accept a third-party special inspection in some cases.

Permits expire after 180 days of inactivity. A single 180-day extension can be granted before expiration for $75 if work has commenced. If the permit has already expired, you'll need to apply for a new permit, though we may accept the original plans if codes haven't changed significantly.

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued after a successful final inspection, confirming the structure is safe for occupancy. New structures and additions that create new habitable space require a CO. Detached accessory structures (sheds, detached garages) receive a final inspection sign-off instead.

Over-the-counter (OTC) permits are issued on the spot for pre-approved project types with standard details — no custom plan review needed. Plan check projects require a reviewer to examine your drawings against applicable codes, which takes days to weeks depending on complexity.

No. Starting work before permit issuance is an illegal construction violation. If discovered, you'll receive a Stop Work Order and may be required to pay a double-fee penalty. In serious cases, you may be required to remove unpermitted work.

Log into the ePlan portal with your application number to see real-time status: Submitted, In Review, Corrections Issued, Approved, or Issued. You'll also receive automatic email notifications at each status change if you provided an email at application.

Review times depend on queue depth, plan completeness, and reviewer workload. Complete, code-compliant submittals move significantly faster. Projects submitted during peak season (March–August) typically wait longer. Pre-screening helps identify issues before formal submittal.

Submit a written appeal form (available at the counter or online) with a $150 filing fee within 15 calendar days of the denial notice. Your appeal must state the specific grounds — typically that the code was misinterpreted or that your project meets the intent of the code. A hearing is scheduled within 30 days.

The Board meets the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 PM in City Hall Room 204. You'll present your case in 10 minutes, the reviewing staff member responds, and the Board asks questions. Decisions are issued in writing within 5 business days of the hearing.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Request a "Plan Check Conference" — a free 30-minute meeting with the plan checker who issued the denial. Many denials are resolved at this stage through clarification or minor design changes, avoiding the time and cost of a formal appeal.

Request an immediate supervisory review on site — the inspector's supervisor can be reached at (555) 012-3458. If the dispute is not resolved, you may appeal the field correction in writing within 5 business days. Document the correction notice number and the specific item in dispute.

No. A denial or Stop Work Order remains in effect during the appeal process. Construction during an active appeal can prejudice your case and may result in additional penalties. The Board has the authority to require removal of work built in violation.