Frequently Asked Questions

View our Work that Requires a Permit page for more information.

Learn more about this on the Necessary Repairs / Improvements at Time of Sale page.

Yes. A homeowner can pull a permit to make improvements on their own house. You can do your own design and prepare your own plans as long as they show compliance with all the applicable codes for structural, energy, fire prevention, and life/safety items. You will be responsible for these items. Liability prevents the City from designing your project for you.  

It is recommended in most cases to use the services of a qualified professional. Licensed individuals must be bonded and provide their own workers compensation and liability insurance. This could potentially be a burden for a homeowner not normally covered for these types of exposure. It is recommended that you contact your insurance agent and review your coverage before taking on a project. See the Contractor page for more details.

Problem With a Contractor

The control the Building Division has over contractors is limited at best; generally it begins and ends with activity on an active permit. A disciplinary action against licensed contractors after a job is complete is administered by the Contractors State Licensing Board 800-321-2752. See the Contractor page for more details.

Problem With a Neighbor

Disputes between neighbors are generally considered a civil matter that is decided in the courts. If work is being done without a permit, or a dangerous condition is being created, the Building Division has the authority to issue a stop work order. Conflicts with local zoning ordinances are resolved by the City Code Enforcement Officer. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 530-661-5820.

Contact the Building Division for specifics on your project.

Through an agreement with the city’s third-party plan check consultant, applicants generally receive first round plan check comments with 15 days, and within 5-10 days for subsequent submittals, allowing for building permit issuance in less than 4 months. ADU or JADU permit application must be approved or denied within 60 days.

Powered by Froala Editor

Plan Check Expiration

Plan review is valid for a period of one year. Contact the Planning Division for information of time extensions for projects reviewed by the Planning Commission.

Permit Expiration

Permits are valid for a period of 12 months from the time of permit issuance. They may be extend once for an additional 180 days by contacting the Building Division.

The City of Woodland uses the following codes:

• 2022 California Building Code (CBC)
• 2022 California Plumbing Code (CPC)
• 2022 California Mechanical Code (CMC)
• 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC)
• 2022 California Residential Code (CRC)
• 2022 California Green Building Code
• 2022 California Existing Building Code
• 1997 Uniform Housing Code
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 1997 Uniform Security Code
• City of Woodland Municipal Code

It should be noted that these model codes are amended by the State of California and the City of Woodland to include various additional requirements. Standard code questions can be answered by Building Division staff; however, more complex design issues should be referred to a design professional such as an architect or engineer.

• Woodland is in Seismic Category D
• Wind Speed is 85 mph
• Exposure is determined by terrain and chosen by the design professional, but typically within the City of Woodland is considered exposure B or C depending upon your location in the City
• No snow load requirements in City of Woodland

Yes. Shake or any wood products roofing material shall be Class B or better. Treated shakes may be used for reroofing an existing home when installed as a Class B fire rated roofing assembly. Only one additional roof can be placed on an existing roof.

Yes. All fencing must meet setback and height requirements as specified in the City of Woodland Zoning Ordinance. Contact the Planning Division for fence requirements at 530-661-5820.

A building permit is required for fences over six feet in height, retaining walls 36 inches or greater in height, and fences constructed using alternative building material (concrete block, masonry, brick, etc.)

Call 811 to have an Underground Service Alert performed prior to any digging or fence construction.