One of the most important aspects of any kitchen remodel is the planning stage, from design to breaking ground on the project. In this process, you’ll need advice on whether or not you need a permit, considering each state has different permit requirements. Do you need a permit to remodel a kitchen in California? The broad answer here is that you probably do, so let’s get into what aspects of your kitchen remodel will require you to obtain a permit.
When Do You Need A Permit To Remodel A Kitchen?
Speaking generally, the fundamental permit requirements here in Los Angeles cover any work completed on the electrical circuit, plumbing, or building work as part of your remodel, from sinks to drain pipes.
The Electronic Permit System of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) enables the issuance of a “combined” building permit solely for repairing and replacing cabinets, flooring, wall finishes, tile, countertops, and plumbing/electrical fixtures. Most local building authorities across California also issue this kind of permit, but if you are outside Los Angeles, check first.
Building codes in Los Angeles can change quickly, so here we’ll look into some of the components that fall under the ‘building work’ aspect and where you will require a permit.
Cabinets
Here in California, new cabinets installed in a kitchen will require a permit. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as repairing or replacing broken or missing drawers, doors, or shelving, as well as any refinishing work of the cabinet surface or if you wish to repaint existing cabinets. These items, on their own, will not require you to obtain a permit.
Countertops
In the kitchen, updating the existing countertop will not require a permit unless the work is featured in a complete remodel. If this is the case, a permit is required based on the specific clearance rules regarding all sides of an island or countertop surface.
Fixtures
Almost all new fixtures added to the kitchen will require a permit. If this pertains to lighting, it falls under the electrical permit if it is being re-wired to accommodate new fixtures. Electrical permits aren’t needed if the existing light fixture stays in place.
Existing light fittings won’t need any electrical work, and if they are being removed for the remodel for safety, there is no issue with local building codes. The same is true about power sockets if they are being relocated.
If the lighting is being replaced, smoke alarms are updated, or new power sockets are being added to existing outlets, there is no requirement for a permit.
Ventilation Systems
If existing ventilation systems remain in place, a permit will not be required. With this said, if you are looking at rerouting existing ventilation systems, this cannot be done without a permit, given the needed structural changes.
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Plumbing tweaks such as changing sink location, adding new outdoor faucets, outlets, and new pipework or sewer lines will generally require a permit if the installation differs from the original. There are some exceptions if new fixtures utilize the same pipework as the old ones.
One For All
Given the specific details of what does and doesn’t require a permit for any full remodel, it is considered good practice to obtain a permit anyway. This will cover you if anything does go wrong and pipework requires rerouting or needs to be replaced.
What Renovations Won’t Require A Kitchen Remodel Permit?
Despite what you may be thinking, not every aspect of a kitchen remodeling project will require a permit here in California. Some parts of a remodel project won’t require you to start the permit process or adhere to local building codes.
- Installing a new sink and removing the old one if you don’t change the plumbing already in place.
- Applying new wall coverings (You can paint or wallpaper walls without permits)
- Remodel your kitchen’s flooring
- Sanding or repainting already-existing cabinets is not an issue if they occupy the same space and dimensions as the older units.
- Installing brand new appliances, as long as no extra electrical work is needed.
- Adding exterior doors won’t require a permit if the location isn’t changing.
- Installing a new range hood in the same location as the old electric range hood
These are some of the most common aspects of your kitchen remodel that will not require you to seek a permit before you begin. We cannot stress enough, however, that you should always speak at length with your contractor, who will discuss what permits you should request based on the details of the project.
How To Get A Kitchen Remodel Permit?
Once you have identified which building permit you require, you must apply online to begin the permit process. In most cases, a single permit will be enough for all manner of work, although you may have to specify whether you need a plumbing permit or an electrical permit when you apply.
How Long Will You Wait?
Once you have applied for your building permit from the LADBS website, you should expect to wait for between 4 and 6 weeks to have it granted. Instead of losing time on your kitchen remodel project during this time, you can work on fine-tuning the designs, finding better prices on new materials, creating a checklist, and preparing the space so that work can commence once your building permit is issued.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit For a Remodel?
Building permits are often granted, but there is still a chance yours could be rejected. If you proceed with a remodel without a permit, plumbing, electrical, or otherwise, you can face punishment comprising civil penalty charges or worse.
You may even have to rip out the updates you’ve made, even if it was to the existing plumbing or electrics. You can reapply to the permit and building department if they have found fixable issues in your first application.
Seek Out Professional Help
Looking to remodel your kitchen? Call us now at 818.900.9626 for a free consultation or Get a Free Quote
Submitting paperwork, dealing with local authorities, and creating plans for obtaining permits can be an arduous process. You can remove the headache of the entire permit process if you rely on an experienced and high-caliber, professional contractor like Build Method Construction. We don’t just take care of the construction side of your remodel, we will also help you to get a permit, dealing directly with the building authorities to avoid snags.
Given how many aspects of a remodel typically require permits, it makes sense to put your trust in a company like ours that has been turning remodel dreams into a reality for more than 25 years here in Los Angeles. We’ll deal with the building authorities, presenting them with plumbing and electrical drawings, site plan mechanical drawings, and more.
Building codes and rules are constantly changing, and we ensure that we stay up to date to get your application granted the first time.
Kickstart Your New Kitchen Project
Starting your permit approval process is imperative to begin your new remodel. Once you have a design idea you can call us for a free quote. We can take care of the bureaucracy around building permits, saving you from attending inspections, dealing with those collecting fees, and requiring more information.
This is a stressful time for homeowners who face multiple challenges beyond just the permits. We urge you to let us lift a weight off your shoulders to make this process run as smoothly as possible. Are you ready for your next kitchen remodeling project? Give us a call at Build Method Construction without delay.