Miscellaneous/General Trade Permits

Exemptions from a Permit

Most installation, repairs, alterations, or modification of equipment will require a permit.

Exemption from the permit requirement of the codes does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the code or county ordinances.

We have listed some of the exemptions from the codes, but if you are in doubt please contact Building Services with your question anytime.

Plumbing exemptions

  • The replacement of a plumbing fixture with the same, such as a faucet, hose bib, installation of an ice maker line from an existing shut off “anglestop”, irrigation system after the vacuum breaker, sinks, toilets, and similar appliances.
  • Repairs to a plumbing system to stop leaks, unless new materials are being used due to defects in the materials of an existing system. The defective materials repair would be considered new work and require a permit.

Electrical exemptions

  • The replacement of an electrical device with the same, such as lights, outlets, snap switches, controllers, fuses and breakers.
  • The replacement of permanently installed equipment with motors provided the new motor requirements are the same as the existing. (Installing a larger air conditioner with a different load requirement or replacing larger pump motors for spas and pools would require a permit.) Communication and signal systems that are low voltage and installed in a single family home.

Mechanical exemptions

  • The replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance which does not alter it’s original testing agency approval.
  • Portable heating, ventilating or cooling appliance provided an existing outlet is used. (A new electrical branch circuit or “hardwired” connection would require an electrical permit)
  • A stand alone unit refrigeration system.

Other Exemptions

  • Painting, wallpapering, carpeting and other floor and wall coverings. Cabinet and interior finish replacement.
  • Concrete flatwork such as driveways, walkways, and patios.
  • Fences not over 7 feet high.
  • Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet 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.
  • Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.

Obtaining an Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing Permit

Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, LP Tanks, Solar Panels and Re-roof

  1. Building Services permit application:
  • Complete the three-part application and sign where applicable (signature must be verified by office personnel). If you are applying as owner-builder, you must be the owner of record and complete part four of the multi part application.
  • When other than the owner or licensed contractor is applying for the permit, the second half of part four of the form must be completed, giving authority to sign as the owner's agent.
  • An owner or their agent must sign a "Deed Restriction Certificate"(PDF, 210KB) declaring conformance with any applicable deed restrictions and/or CC&R's for subject property.
  • If the property is within the architecturally-controlled area of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District or Cameron Park Community Services Districts, architectural approval of exterior changes or mechanical units prior to permit issuance may be required. Failure to obtain approval may delay issuance of your permit.
  • Check with your local association for any restrictions that may affect installation of mechanical units outside or on the roof.
  • Contractors acting as agent for the owner must have a currently active California state contractors license, worker's compensation coverage unless exempted, and a current El Dorado County business license.
  1. Submit plans as outlined in General Trades Plan Requirements and Guidelines;
  2. When the property is not served by public water/sewer, the Environmental Management Department will review the site plan for distance or impact to any septic tank or leach field.

General Trades Plan Requirements and Guidelines

Building services cannot accept an application for a permit unless the minimum criteria listed below are met.

Submit two complete sets of plans that include the following:

All submittals include:

  • Plot plan: minimum scale 1" = 20'. This plan must show the entire parcel and indicate and identify actual distances from all property lines and/or easements to structures and proposed exterior equipment. A plot plan is not necessary if the work is to be completed within the only existing permitted structure on the property.
  • Title block: giving owner's name and mailing address, job site address, and assessor's parcel number.
  • Floor plan(s) Show location or area of proposed mechanical, electrical or plumbing work. Label all rooms. Use a scale of ¼” = 1'0". Partial floor plans are ok.
  • Foundation plan with details, indicate all hold-down devices and locations (Only applicable for large mechanical equipment requiring a foundation or support pad or a restraint for equipment located in a flood zone).
  • Name and wet-signature (original) of the person responsible for preparing plans on the title page of the plan set. (Plans requiring design by a California-Registered Architect or Electrical or Mechanical Engineer must bear stamp and license number.) Expiration date must not predate the application date.
  • Penetrations details Other than a single family dwelling, indicate how required structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where penetrations may occur in a fire assembly.

New Roof Frame or Re-roof project:

  • Roof framing plan or description for re-roof. If re-roofing, include a plan or description of the existing roof structure and the type and weight of the proposed new roof material. (Only needed when changing to a heavier roof material such as concrete tile.)

New Electrical project:

  • Electrical plan identifying all existing and new outlets, switches, lights, smoke detectors, electrical to mechanical equipment and the main panel ampacity and location. (Main and associated branch circuit only needed for mechanical equipment installation) Electrical may be illustrated on the Floor Plan.

New Mechanical project:

New Plumbing project:

  • Gas schematic plan is required for the installation or modification of any gas system. Properly sized for LP or natural gas.

New Plumbing project:

  • Design details for both water and electrical photovoltaic solar panels.
    • Include electrical load and equipment used for photovoltaic generation.
    • Engineer review of panel (both water and photovoltaic) point loads where ground snow loads exceed 50#'s per foot.

Plans may be simple in nature but should clearly describe the full scope of proposed work.

Check our plan review guidelines(PDF, 43KB) for more details on the plan check process. The guideline, while not all-inclusive, is intended to help you prepare residential plans that are essentially "complete".

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