Additions

Adding-on to Your Home or Business?

Make sure you understand the full scope of your project before you start. Additions can trigger fees, code upgrades and more that can cost money and add time to your project.

Impact Fees

When you add square footage to your property, you will be required to pay fees to cover additional costs borne by the community for that square footage. Sometimes changes in use can also trigger fees.  To learn more, you should check with the Planning Division, 707-778-4470 or [email protected].

Parking

Changes in the use of your property and expansions may trigger additional parking requirements.  Off street parking requirements are established in the Implementing Zoning Ordinance.  You should check with the Planning Division, 707-778-4470 or [email protected].

Code Upgrades

Depending the extent of your remodel, you may need to upgrade your project to meet new codes.  This could include ADA Accessibility, fire, energy, plumbing among others.  The building code will be updated in 2020 and could trigger other requirements.  You will need to make sure you work with your architect and engineer to be sure your project will meet the requirements.

Fire Sprinklers

Often, additions can changes of use will trigger the need to install fire sprinklers.  This is true for residential and commercial projects.  Fire sprinklers add cost and time to your project.  You should be sure you understand your requirements and plan ahead.  You may need to upgrade your water connections as well.

For info about sprinkler requirements, see the Fire Prevention Bureau page or call 707-778-4389.

To find out whether you will need to upgrade your water connection to install fire sprinklers, call 707-778-4546.

Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR)

Sometimes Commercial and Residential additions trigger Site Plan and Architectural Review.  For more info go to the SPAR page.