Building Division

Purpose

The Building and Safety Division oversees all phases of new building construction and performs a variety of inspections. The head of the division is the Chief Building Official. 

The Building and Safety Division provides:

• Assurance of building safety for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, etc.
• Building permit plan check
• Permit issuance

Additionally, Building and Safety maintains a historical permit and plan archive of thousands of construction documents. This section enforces the California Building Codes as amended by the City during adoption.

Current Adopted Codes:

Codes listed are the 2025 Edition unless otherwise noted:

• California Building Code (CBC)
• California Electrical Code (CEC)
• California Mechanical Code (CMC)
• California Plumbing Code (CPC)
• California Fire Code (CFC)
• California Energy Code (CEnC)

Permit Requirements

To schedule an Inspection: Email: rsmith@coalinga.com (preferred) or call 559-935-1533, ext. 146 (leave message and wait for a call back with available times).

Exempt, no building permit required:

• Cosmetic work, e.g. carpeting, painting, trim, and wall covering
• One story detached accessory buildings not on a permanent foundation such as a shed not exceeding 120 square feet
• Platforms, walkways, and driveways no more than 30 inches above ground, 10 feet from the curb face and not over a basement or story below
• Window awning project no more than 54 inches

Over the counter, same day processing:

• Any electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades or repairs
• Encroachment Permits (City sidewalks, driveways approaches, curbs, and gutters)
• Fireplace installation
• Portable spas
• Re-roofing (both overlay and tear-off)

Fast Track 5 to 10 working days:

• Additions to single family dwellings
• Foundation replacement/repair
• Garages, storage buildings, decks, carports, patio covers
• Minor structural repair
• Residential Swimming pools and spas
• Single family dwelling of conventional light frame construction

Normal Processing, depending on size of project (approximately 2 weeks):

• Major alterations, additions, and structural upgrading
• Projects that require planning review and approval (i.e. setbacks, heights, and land use)
• Second story additions

Handyman Work Regulations in California

In California, a handyman is allowed to perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks without a contractor’s license. However, there are limitations on the scope of work they can legally undertake.

What a Handyman CAN Do

A handyman can perform various small repair and maintenance jobs, such as:

• Painting and drywall patching
• Minor carpentry work (e.g., installing shelves, assembling furniture)
• Basic plumbing repairs (e.g., fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a showerhead)
• Basic electrical work (e.g., replacing light fixtures, switches, and outlets)
• Installing flooring (except for major projects)
• Power washing and exterior cleaning
• Fence repairs
• Installing appliances that do not require significant electrical or plumbing modifications

What a Handyman CANNOT Do

A handyman cannot perform work that requires a contractor’s license, which includes:

• Any project with a total cost (labor and materials) exceeding $1000
• Major plumbing or electrical work (e.g., installing new wiring, replacing water heaters)
• Structural modifications (e.g., removing walls, building room additions)
• HVAC system installation or repair
• Roofing beyond minor patchwork
• Any work requiring a permit

For larger projects or specialized trades, a licensed contractor must be hired. Unlicensed work beyond legal limits may result in fines and penalties.

For further details, check with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB): www.cslb.ca.gov.