Permit Exemptions

Items Exempt from Permits - Section R105.2

• One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, livestock shelters and greenhouses provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
  The key in this exception is detached, with a minimum of at least 6 feet of separation between other buildings on a residential lot.
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
• Sidewalks, decks, platforms, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep in ground or less than 5 feet deep when installed entirely above ground (Note: This is a Humboldt County ordinance changing the International Residential Code)
• Painting, papering and similar finish work
• Shade cloth structures covers not exceeding 250 square feet of roof area. (Note: This is a Humboldt County ordinance changing the International Residential Code)

Items Exempt From Permit

• Light cord and plug connected temporary decorative lighting
• Reinstallation of attachment plugs receptacles, but not the outlets therefore.
• Repair or replacement of branch circuit over current devices of the required capacity in the same location.
• Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
• For further information see:
  2002 NEC and 2003 International Code Council Electric Code Administrative Provisions.

Note: Items exempted under the 2002 NEC may still require other permits to be issued, and inspections to be performed under other construction codes enforced in Humboldt County. Please contact the Humboldt County Building Department when in doubt over exempted projects.

Items Exempt from Permit - Section 112.2

• A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit; or a portable evaporative cooler
• Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this code.
• Refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this code.
• For further information see: 2003 UMC 112.2
  Exemption for the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Note: Items exempted under the 2003 Uniform Mechanical Code may still require other permits to be issued, and inspections to be performed under other construction codes enforced in Humboldt County. Please contact the Humboldt County Building Department when in doubt over exempted projects.

Items Exempt from Permit: Section 103.1.2

• The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this code
• The clearing of stoppages, including the removal and reinstallation of water closets
• The repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.
  Exemption for the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Note: Items exempted under the 2003 UPC may still require other permits to be issued, and inspections to be performed under other construction codes enforced in Humboldt County. Please contact the Humboldt County Building Department when in doubt over exempted projects.