No Permit Required
Permits are not required when working on the following types of projects:
- Non-structural interior remodeling (painting, floor coverings, countertops, cabinetry, etc.)
- Reroofing using a different material than the original roof.
- Building a new shed or similar structure that is less than 120 sq. ft.
- Building a new retaining wall that is less than 4 feet tall so long as it does not support a surcharge load from a close by road or building. For a retaining wall, the height is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, not from the top of the soil.
- Replacing a window, so long as there are no structural changes (i.e. the new window is the same size as the existing).
- Building a new fence that is less than 6 feet 8 inches tall. The height is measured from the top of the soil.
Permit Required
Permits, but not necessarily construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional, are required for the
following types of projects:
- Remodeling the exterior façade, excluding repair or installation of an Exterior Insulation and Finish
System (EIFS).
- Replacing a rooftop unit with a new unit that has the same dimensions as the original model and weighs
the same amount or less.
Licensed Design Professional Required
The following types of projects are likely to require both permits and construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional:
- Replacing a rooftop unit with an new unit that has different dimensions or weighs more than the original
model.
- Installing solar panels on an existing roof.
- Replacing a window with structural changes (e.g. the new window is larger than the existing window).
- Reroofing using a different material than the original roof that increases structural loads.
- Replacing guardrails at balconies, decks, walkways, etc.
- Parking garage repairs including patching of deteriorated concrete.
- Repairing, strengthening, or replacing structural components such as columns, beams, trusses, joists,
braces, etc.
- Installing new, or repairing or replacing existing EIFS.
- Building new structures over 120 sq. ft.
- Adding an addition to an existing building.
Disclaimer
Building code requirements and building department policies may change, and it is always recommended to speak
with a building department official about permitting requirements prior to proceeding with a project.
Visit the City
of Glendale Building Safety Department website for more information.
Forensix recommends the following levels of involvement from a licensed design professional for various
types of projects involving a pool shade structure in the City of Glendale.
Building a new shade structure from a pre-engineered kit
If documentation can be provided showing that the pre-engineered kit was originally designed by a
licensed design professional, then you should not be required to hire your own separate licensed design
professional. However, the building department would likely require a permit for the project.
Building a new custom shade structure
A licensed design professional should be hired to prepare construction documents to submit for permit.
Repainting the shade structure
No permit or licensed design professional involvement is required.
Repairing the shade structure after it starts to show signs of termite damage or rot
A licensed design professional should evaluate the shade structure and determine if structural repairs are required.
Depending on the repair recommendations, permits and/or construction documents prepared by a licensed design
professional may or may not be required.
Repairing the shade structure after it is hit by a car
A licensed design professional should evaluate the shade structure and provide repair recommendations.
Repairs would likely require a building permit and construction documents prepared by a licensed design
professional.