San Carlos Building Department

I’ve dealt with San Carlos Bldn Dept 12-15 times at this writing. Most necessary information is available for residents to check on-line regarding building requirements. Details about electrical, concrete, fencing, even stair handrail heights and the spires spacing. There is a vast library available in PDF formate. For a homeowner it’s crucial to have the documents in hand to check the contractor’s work.nnSometimes they can be a delay. Example might be a bathroom remodel. Let them know you are working on plumbing below ground. Do the dig, do the piping for supply and drainage. Call them to sign-off on that portion, or fix something they caught, and schedule another visit. Then prep for concrete, it may include moisture barrier, rebar, thickness. Call them to inspect that portion, then again with electrical and so on . . .nnThey can be Hard-Nosed at times. A subcontractor tried to do some work that required a dumpster. He didn’t submit for a permit. One of the inspectors passing the house and noticed, came into the house (without knocking!!) and proceeded to YELL at everyone for not complying like a Drill Sargent to a new recruit. Threatened to have us undo everything and open up the walls which would have been destructive and counterproductive. We got away with opening sight holes to verify piping (which metal detectors could have done just as well).nnThen there is the COST of a permit. I did a remodeling effort for a bathroom and kitchen. They apply a fee based on the square footage of the project. In this case the fee to get a residential building permit was $3775. Other permits are assessed accordingly.nnIn general, they try to be accommodating and informative. Some are just people reporting to a job, and their lack of enthusiasm reflects it. Ignorable.nnIt’s like dealing with anyone else; be nice to them and they’ll be nice in return.

Very great service! Answered my question. Would of loved a good morning from the Secretary though, she was kinda blunt.

I normally do not take the time to post anything like this publicly, but after learning how over zealous Mr. Chris Valley conducted himself in threatening a local San Carlos business with his civic authority on 3/22/16, I felt compelled to share my disappointment. I don't have a dog in this fight with Mr. Valley and Savanna Jazz, but no retailer/business deserves to be treated with such disrespect and negligence as has been recently demonstrated by the SC Planning and Building Department. Such a big disappointment that I'm discouraged from soliciting tenants as a commercial brokers to San Carlos properties knowing my clients could experience similar problems. Mayor Johnson should be concerned with his staff.