Permit Guides Articles
Navigate Bay Area building permits, zoning requirements, and city-specific regulations.
California Contractor Deposit Limits: The 10% or $1,000 Rule
California caps contractor down payments at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. What the law says, how progress payments work, what to do if pressured.
Change Order Contract Protections for Bay Area Homeowners
The specific contract clauses that protect Bay Area homeowners from surprise change orders: written scope, fixed price, approval process, and allowances.
Mechanic's Liens in California: A Homeowner's Guide
How California mechanic's liens work, when subcontractors can lien your home, and how to use preliminary notices, lien releases, and Notice of Completion.
Home Remodeling Permits in San Jose: What You Need for Every Project Type (2026)
Complete guide to home remodeling permits in San Jose. Covers which projects need permits, fee schedules, OTC options, and the ePlans process for 2026.
San Jose's 6 Historic Landmark Districts: What Property Owners Should Know Before Renovating
Guide to San Jose's 6 City Landmark Districts: Hensley, Lakehouse, Reed, River Street, St. James Square, and The Alameda. What triggers HP review, district differences, and how to check your property.
Why 3D Renders Matter for Historic Preservation Applications
How 3D renderings strengthen historic preservation permit applications. What cities require, how renders demonstrate SOIS compliance, and what makes a strong rendering package.
How Historic Preservation Adds Time to Your Bay Area Building Permit (and How to Plan for It)
How a historic preservation permit adds 4-6 months before your building permit can start. Full timeline breakdown, dual-hearing schedule, and planning strategies for Bay Area homeowners.
Historic Preservation Permits in San Jose: What Homeowners Need to Know
Complete guide to San Jose's historic preservation permit process. HP permit requirements, HLC hearings, Secretary of Interior's Standards, timelines, and documentation explained.
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation: A Bay Area Homeowner's Guide
The 10 Secretary of the Interior's Standards explained in plain English for Bay Area homeowners. How Standards 9 and 10 apply to additions, windows, and exterior changes in historic districts.
ADU Requirements in Burlingame: Zoning, Setbacks, and Permit Rules for 2026
Complete guide to ADU requirements in Burlingame, California for 2026. Covers setbacks, height limits, size maximums, permit process, fees, and design standards.
ADU Requirements in Danville: Zoning, Setbacks, and Permit Rules for 2026
Complete guide to ADU requirements in Danville, California for 2026. Covers setbacks, height limits, size maximums, HOA rules, permit process, fees, and design standards.
ADU Requirements in Saratoga: Zoning, Setbacks, and Permit Rules for 2026
Complete guide to ADU requirements in Saratoga, California for 2026. Covers setbacks, height limits, size maximums, permit process, fees, and design standards.
Bay Area Restaurant Permits: Health, Fire, and Building Codes (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to Bay Area restaurant permits. Health department, fire marshal, building codes, ABC licensing, costs, and timelines for opening in 2026.
Building Permit Guide for San Mateo County (2026)
Complete guide to building permits in San Mateo County. Types, fees, required documents, inspections, online portal, and city vs county jurisdiction explained.
California ADU Laws in 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know
New California ADU laws let you sell units as condos, skip owner-occupancy rules, and cut fees. See every 2026 change affecting what you can build.
Do I Need a Permit to Convert My Garage in California?
California requires permits for all garage conversions. Fees run $1,500-$15,000. Step-by-step process, inspections, and how to avoid delays.
How to Get Permits for Garage Conversions in Los Gatos
Step-by-step guide to garage conversion permits in Los Gatos, CA. Required documents, fees, review timelines, inspections, and state ADU law impacts.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit in the Bay Area? (2026 Guide)
Bay Area building permits take 1 day to 16+ weeks depending on city and scope. See processing times for San Jose, Palo Alto, and more.
What Happens If You Remodel Without a Permit in California? (2026 Guide)
Learn the real consequences of remodeling without a permit in California. Fines, demolition orders, insurance denials, and how to fix it.
What to Do When Your Garage Conversion Fails the Ceiling Height Requirement
Your garage ceiling is too low for a legal conversion. Learn about California's 7-foot minimum, your options (raise roof, lower slab, exposed beams), and costs.
Permit Requirements for Home Additions in Santa Clara County (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to home addition permits in Santa Clara County. Required documents, fees, Title 24 compliance, inspections, and city vs county jurisdiction.
What to Do When Your ADU Permit Application Is Rejected
Your ADU permit was denied. Learn the most common rejection reasons, how to appeal, how to revise and resubmit, and what California law says about your rights.
SB 9 Explained: California's Lot Split and Duplex Law for Homeowners
Learn how California's SB 9 lets homeowners split lots and build duplexes on single-family parcels. Eligibility, process, and Bay Area tips.
What to Do When Your Building Permit Gets Denied
Building permit denied? Learn common denial reasons, the appeal process, how to revise and resubmit, and how design-build firms handle Bay Area permitting.