The objective of the Building and Safety Division is to ensure that new buildings and alterations to existing buildings comply with the state and local laws for building, Green Building, Energy, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes. The Building & Safety Division achieves this objective by reviewing plans, issuing permits, and conducting field inspections of ongoing building construction to ensure compliance State and local codes.
Building permits are required for most construction or remodeling projects. There are specific requirements for residential, multi-family and commercial construction, and we encourage you to take a look at our FAQ’s section to get an overview of the issues. Please feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Ventura Office 805-654-2771 or Simi Valley Office 805-582-8064 if you have any questions regarding your construction projects.
Forms
- Permit Application Online Form
The Building and Safety Permit Application fill-in Form. - Authorization of Agent and Owner’s Acknowledgement form
Authorization of an agent to act on behalf of the property Owner.
- Owner-Builder Acknowledgement form
- Certificate of Compliance
A certification that must be completed indicating that the project will comply with Construction Safety requirements. - Foundation and Soil Investigation Report Waiver Request
The Ventura County Building Code allows projects meeting a certain criteria to be exempt from the requirement of providing a Soil Investigation Report. This form provides a checklist of the criteria that must be met to exempt a project from requiring a Soil Investigation Report. See B-49 in the “Guidelines and Standards” section of this page for additional information. - Residential Building Energy Conservation for New Buildings/ Additions Over 1000 Sq Ft
The 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards prescriptive requirements for new buildings and additions greater than 1000 square feet. - Residential Building Energy Conservation for New Buildings/ Additions Under 1000 Sq Ft
The 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards prescriptive requirements for additions less than 1000 square feet. - Streamlined Permit Acknowledgement
The Ventura County Building Code Streamlined Permit Acknowledgement for certain Agricultural Buildings, Greenhouses, and shade Structures. - Request for Permit and Use of a Temporary Power System
Request for temporary power. - Request for Appeals Board Hearing
Request for Appeals Board hearing. - 2008 Residential Building Energy Efficiency Standards
The 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards residential compliance forms. - 2008 Non- Residential Building Energy Efficiency Standards
The 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards non-residential compliance forms. - My Home Safety Checklist
The Home Safety checklist. - Public Records Search Request
Form to request a Public Records Search. - Request to Duplicate Plans
Form to request duplicates of Plans - Extension Request for Application
Form to request an extension of the Plan Check past the expiration date. - Application for Refund
Form to request the Refund of Fees paid to the Division of Building and Safety. - Covenant Agreement
Covenant and Agreement for the maintenance of yards for an oversized building. - Application for Alternative Use of Materials and Methods
The Ventura County Building Code authorizes the Building Official to consider, on a case by case basis, requests for the use of any alternate material, design, or construction method not specifically prescribed by the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Regulations. This policy provides the process and an application for the consideration of an Alternate Material, Design and Method of Construction.
Brochures
- Considering Becoming an Owner-Builder?
Are you thinking of being an Owner Builder? This handout describes what it means to be an Owner-Builder and explores some of the risks and benefits. - Overview of Structural Requirements of the 2013 Ventura County Building Code (Currently Being updated)
A brief overview of the structural requirements of the Ventura County Building Code - Most Commonly Used Earthquake / Wind Loads Shear Transfer Details
Commonly used shear transfer details. - Most Commonly Used Weld Types, Materials and Connections
Commonly used weld types, materials, and connections. - Accessibility to Public Buildings
Building accessibility requirements, details, and information.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Clarification of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010.
Guidelines & Standards
- Requirements for Construction Plan for Residential
Plan requirements for residential buildings and structures.
- Requirements for Construction Plan for Non-Residential
Plan requirements for non-residential buildings and structures. - Residential Floor Headers
A table of allowable loads for various size headers supporting residential floors. - Residential Roof Headers L/180
A table of allowable loads for residential roof headers of various size. - Fireplace Details
Typical fireplace and chimney detail. - Detached Retaining Wall - Level Grade
A typical detached retaining wall detail. - Detached Garage
A detached Garage standard plan and details provided by the Division of Building and Safety. A permit is required to construct a structure of this nature. However, the use of this Standard Plan allows for the Plan Review fees to be reduced by eliminating the need of a Plan Review. - Detached Carport
A detached and attached Carport standard plan and details provided by the Division of Building and Safety. A permit is required to construct a structure of this nature. However, the use of this Standard Plan allows for the Plan Review fees to be reduced by eliminating the need of a Plan Review. - Detached Patio with Roof or Trellis Cover
A detached and attached Patio Cover standard plan and details provided by the Division of Building and Safety. A permit is required to construct a structure of this nature. However, the use of this Standard Plan allows for the Plan Review fees to be reduced by eliminating the need of a Plan Review. - Steel, Wood and Mason Fences
Typical steel, wood, and masonry fence details.
- Wind Load Determination Alternate Method
Means to calculate Wind loads using alternate methods.
- Requirements for Foundation and Soil Reports
The Ventura County Building Code allows projects meeting a certain criteria to be exempt from the requirement of providing a Soil Investigation Report. This form provides the requirements of a Soil Investigation Report is required as well as, provides a table of the exceptions. See B-50 located in the “Forms” section of this page for additional information. - Residential Stairways and Handrails
Details of residential stairs and handrails. - High Fire Hazard / Fire Hazard Severity Zone Requirements
Requirements for structures built in High Fire Hazard/Fire Hazard Severity Zones. - Slope Setbacks
Slope setbacks based on the California Building Code section 1805.3. - Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Information regarding the requirements for residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems.
Laws/Ordinances
Current
- 2016 Ventura County Building Code
The 2016 Ventura County Building Code is the current Building Code. Clicking this link will open the Ventura County Building Code in a new window. Close the window to return here. - 2013 Ventura County Building Code
The 2013 Ventura County Building Code. Clicking this link will open the Ventura County Building Code in a new window. Close the window to return here.
Historical
- Historical Building Codes
This link* will take you to the Historical Building Codes section of the Building and Safety web site where you will find a selection of past Building Codes that may or may not apply to your permitting process.
* A new browser window will open. To return here, simply close the new window.
Policies
- Septic Tank Abandonments
Clarifies the inspection and permitting responsibilities when a septic tank is abandoned. - Permits Requirements for Construction in Easements
Clarifies the permitting requirements for construction in an easement. - Heating and or Cooling of Habitable Spaces in Residential Buildings
Clarifies and defines the Heating/Cooling requirements for different residential habitable room uses. - Sleeping Rooms (Bedrooms)
Clarifies and defines a bedroom and a bedroom equivalent. - Compaction of Backfill Behind Retaining Walls
Provides the requirements for the compaction of backfill behind retaining walls. - Construction Standards for Mobile Home Changes in Use
Clarifies the requirements for modifying or changing the use of a Mobile Home. - Definition and Use of Construction Terms- Remodel and Rebuild
Provides the definition of a “remodel” and “rebuild” for the purpose of the Ventura County Building Code. - Temporary Dwelling During Construction
Temporary dwellings during construction of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance allows certain types of manufactured facilities to be placed on private property as a temporary dwelling during construction, subject to the Building Official’s approval and various other conditions. This policy is written to clarify what types of facilities will meet with the Building Official’s approval and under what conditions they will be approved in both the Coastal Zone and Non-Coastal Zone areas. - Professional Engineer / Architect Stamp and Signature Requirements
Professional Engineering and Architect Stamp and Signature requirements for plans and engineering documents. - Requests for Alternate Methods, Designs and Materials
The Ventura County Building Code authorizes the Building Official to consider, on a case by case basis, requests for the use of any alternate material, design, or construction method not specifically prescribed by the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Regulations. This policy provides the process and an application for the consideration of an Alternate Material, Design and Method of Construction.
Fees
The Fee Schedules are Adobe Acrobat™ PDF format documents. These documents are easy to read, download, and print. Please see "Your Tool Box" located to the right to get the Acrobat™ plug for your browser if needed.
Fiscal Year 2017-18
FAQs
How far away from my property line can I build a structure?
For all property line setback, building height, information. Please contact the Planning Department at (805) 654-2488.
Do I need a permit if I replace my Hot Water Heater?
Yes, Prior to obtaining your permit, you will first need to complete a Permit application form. You can obtain this form either by downloading it here , or by completing the form at the Building and Safety counter, located at:
West County Residents:
Ventura County Government Center
800 S. Victoria Ave.,
3rd floor –in the Hall of Administration
Ventura, Ca. 93003-1720
(805) 654-2771
Or
East County Residents:
Simi Valley Court House
3855-F Alamo St Ste. #2019A,
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 582-8064
What size of storage shed can I build on my property without obtaining a Building permit?
One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, patio covers, playhouses, playground equipment or athletic equipment and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet can be built without obtaining a building permit. However, all zoning setback requirements must be met. Please contact the Planning Department at (805) 654-2488 for all zoning setback information.
Are you open for business on Fridays?
Yes, Building and Safety’s regular business hours are:
West County Office:
Counter Hours:
Monday thru Friday …. 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Plan Submittal and Permit Issuance…..7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
No Financial Transactions After 4:00 p.m.
East County Office:
Counter Hours:
Monday thru Friday …. 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Plan Submittal and Permit Issuance…..7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
No Financial Transactions After 3:45 p.m.
I want to build a “new house”, what do I need to do to get a permit?
Please visit one of our office locations, and have one of the counter staff prepare a “Permit Processing Checklist” for your project.
Where is my property line?
Please contact the Public Works Department, Surveying & Mapping Division at (805) 654-2068.
I am about to purchase a property, what am I allowed to build?
For this information, please contact the Planning Department at (805) 654-2488.
Can I obtain the permit history of a property?
Yes, please visit one of our office locations, obtain and complete a “Public Records Search Request” form. Give the completed form to one our counter staff members. They will research the property as requested and provide you with copies permits.
I have a neighbor that is building without a permit, what do I do?
You can file an anonymous complaint with Code Compliance at (805) 654-2788.
I’m planning a room addition to my existing home, do I need to install Fire sprinklers?
For Fire Sprinkler requirements, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (805) 389-9710.
Contacts
Ventura Office
805-654-2771
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Simi Valley Office
805-582-8064
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