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Plan Check

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Plan Check Engineer Staff

Raeann Griffith (661) 945-6872 rgriffith@cityoflancasterca.gov
Venancio "Jun" Simbulan (661) 723-6106 vsimbulan@cityoflancasterca.gov

Plan Review
Your plans will be reviewed by one of our plan check engineers to verify that all buildings and structures will be constructed in compliance with all state and city codes and for structural safety, fire protection, exiting, energy conservation, light and ventilation, and disabled access requirements.  Upon completion of your initial review, you will be provided a correction list of the items that do not meet code requirements.  Once you make the necessary changes, you will need to return the plans for a second review.  When all corrections have been completed and all required agency approvals obtained, our plan check engineers will approve your plans.

Other Agency Approvals Required
Your plans will be routed by our staff to the Community Development Department and the Utility Services Division. You must make a separate submittal to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for review of the codes they enforce. The Fire Department can be reached at (661) 949-6319.  If applicable, you may be required to submit plans to Los Angeles County Health Department.  They can be reached at (661) 723-4533.

Who may prepare plans?
Unlicensed Individuals – An unlicensed person may prepare plans for new buildings or additions to a building as follows:

  • Single family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height
  • Multifamily dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height, except that there may be no more than four dwelling units on any one lot
  • Garages and other appurtenant structures of wood frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height
  • Agricultural and ranch building of wood frame construction
  • Interior nonstructural alterations which do not affect the structural system or the safety of the building

However, any of the above buildings that are not of conventional wood frame construction or have unusual design features or where there is insufficient lateral bracing shall be designed by a registered civil engineer or certified architect when required by the building official.

How long will it take to have my plans checked?
Depending on the size, complexity, and nature of your project, the plans may be checked over-the-counter, or you may be required to submit them for review.  Typically, smaller projects can be plan checked at the front counter.  Larger projects and plans that entail a more time consuming review are required to be submitted for review, and the first plan check is usually complete within three weeks.

What are the structural design requirements?

  • Basic Wind Speed = Exposure C
    • Risk Category I : 90 mph
    • Risk Category II: 95 mph
    • Risk Category III: 100 mph
    • Risk Category IV: 105 mph

    Or as location specific wind speeds as determined by http://atcouncil.org/windspeed

  • Roof Live Load = 20 psf, non-reducible (for roof pitch 4:12 or less)
  • Rainfall Intensity = 3 inches per hour
  • California Climate Zone = 14

What Building Code is enforced?

  • Lancaster enforces the requirements of the 2022 California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and Energy codes and the applicable amendments of the City of Lancaster set forth in Ordinance No. 1094. 

What do I need to provide for plan check submittal?
A.  Minimum Plan Submittal Requirements
      Commercial and Industrial Buildings

  • One pdf formatted set of complete plans organized by disciplines (e.g. architectural, structural, MEP, energy, etc.) shall be submitted; partially completed plans will not be accepted.
  • All plans and applications shall include an accurate description of the entire scope of work.
  • Any paper plans submitted must be legible, blue-line copies (no ink), fully dimensioned, and drawn to scale (minimum 1/8” scale, 1/4” recommended).  Superfluous general notes and details which do not apply to the proposed construction project shall not be included on the plans.
  • All plans submitted must be signed by the person responsible for their preparation.  When required, plans must be wet stamped or electronically stamped and signed by a licensed architect or engineer registered in the state of California.
  • A fully dimensioned SITE PLAN which contains the following information is required:
    • Project address, including suite number, if appropriate, and legal description.
    • Include the name, address, and telephone numbers of the owner and the person responsible for the preparation of the plans.
    • All easements with dimensions
    • Lot area
    • Landscaping, floor area ration, and lot coverage tabulations in both square feet and as a percent (%) of the lot.
    • North arrow
    • All structure-to-property line setback dimensions (existing and proposed).
    • Location of all property lines.
    • Dimensions of all architectural projections (mansards, marquees, bay windows, signs, cornices, balconies, awnings, eaves, etc.).
    • Street name(s) for all adjacent streets, and street center lines for commercial projects.
    • Fully dimensioned parking plan, including tabulations of existing, proposed, and required parking spaces.
    • Grade elevations at property line corners, at driveways, and at garage floor.
    • Show all proposed and existing utility meters, public sewer connections, private sewage disposal systems, and fire hydrant locations.
    • Locations of all buildings/structures on adjacent property within 10 feet of property line.  (For shoring requirements, see item 19).  Location and dimensions of all walks, driveways, and hardscape.
    • Show the location of top or toe of any slope on property.
    • If the Architect or Engineering professional responsible for the plans is involved and is stamping plans, then one of them must wet stamp and wet sign the site plan.
  • A DRAINAGE PLAN, when required, shall include the following information and details:
    • Site drainage patterns
    • Catch basins, area drains, sump pumps
  • GENERAL NOTES shall be included on the plans to address all construction requirements.  The general notes shall include information which addresses the following:
    • If fire sprinklers are to be provided
    • Occupancy classification and use
    • Type of construction
    • The codes and their editions applicable to the project
    • Allowable area analysis (this is not required for tenant improvements)
    • Building material specifications
  • A SITE SURVEY, when required, shall contain the following information:
    • Name, address, telephone number, and state of California license number of surveyor.
    • Locations of property lines, structures on property, and/or grade elevations and topography.
  • SEPARATE PERMITS may be required for the following:
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Plumbing
    • Site improvements such as Pools and Spas
    • Retaining walls (other than walls which are part of the building)
    • Fences
    • Grading
    • Demolition
    • Driveway Aprons and Street Use
  • Fully dimensioned FLOOR PLANS are required for every affected story.  Every room shall identify the existing and the intended use.  Door and window schedules shall be provided to identify the dimension and type of doors and windows.  The floor plans shall identify all existing and new construction.
  • Fully dimensioned details indicating compliance with DISABLED ACCESS requirements, including:
    • Disabled parking spaces
    • Paths of travel from disabled parking spaces to building entrance.
    • Building entrance and paths of travel within the building.
    • Disabled access to facilities within the building, including restrooms, telephones, drinking fountains, and counters.
  • Dimensioned STRUCTURAL PLANS shall be provided for each floor and roof level.  Structural, framing, and foundation plans shall identify the size and spacing of all structural elements.  Complete details shall be provided for:
    • All critical connections
    • All construction assemblies
    • Size, location and embedment depth of all anchor bolts, including bolts required for hold-down devices.
    • Concrete reinforcement details, including the size, spacing, location, and number of reinforcing bars.
    • All lateral force-resisting elements, including shear wall schedules, diaphragm construction specifications, and construction details for steel frame elements.
    • For prefabricated trusses, plans must indicate type of truss and connection details at time of submittal.
  • Complete STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS shall be provided to substantiate the structural plans.  The structural calculations shall address both vertical and lateral forces, and shall be wet stamped and signed by a licensed engineer or architect registered in the state of California.
  • Fully dimensioned EXTERIOR ELEVATION drawings shall be provided that show existing and finished grade lines.  Show wall and roof finish material, and location of all openings.  The elevation drawings shall identify the building height at all critical locations.
  • Fully dimensioned SECTION drawings shall be provided through the building at all significant locations.  At least two sections shall be provided in orthogonal directions.
  • A signed CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE shall be included to verify energy conservation compliance.  Energy conservation calculations shall be provided for computer or points method.
  • The type of soil and bearing value shall be indicated on the plans.  Where expansive soil conditions exist, refer to local jurisdiction requirements.  A SOIL/GEOTECHNICAL REPORT may be required by the local jurisdiction.
  • SHORING plans and calculations may be required for all excavations which exceed four feet in depth or which remove lateral support from an existing building, an adjacent property or the public right-of-way.
  • If a new or upgraded ELECTRIC SERVICE is required, applicants must contact the local utility company for approval of meter location and the available short circuit current information.
  • NPDES requirements shall be incorporated into the construction documents.

B.  Minimum Plan Submittal Requirements
      New Single-Family, New Multi-Family, & Additions to Multi-Family Residences

  • One pdf formatted set of complete plans organized by disciplines (e.g. architectural, structural, MEP, energy, etc.) shall be submitted; partially completed plans will not be accepted.
  • All plans and applications shall include an accurate description of the entire scope of work.
  • All paper plans must be legible, blue-line copies (no ink), fully dimensioned and drawn to scale (minimum 1/8” scale, 1/4” recommended).  Superfluous general notes and details which do not apply to the proposed construction project shall not be included on the plans.
  • All plans submitted must be signed by the person responsible for their preparation.  When required, plans must be wet stamped or electronically stamped and signed by a licensed architect or engineer registered in the state of California.
  • A fully dimensioned SITE PLAN which contains the following information is required:
    • Project address.
    • Name, address, and telephone numbers of the owner and the person responsible for the preparation of the plans.
    • All easements and restricted use areas with dimensions.
    • Landscaping, floor area ratio, and lot coverage tabulations in both square feet and as a percent (%) of the lot.
    • North arrow.
    • All structure-to-property line setback dimensions (existing and proposed).
    • Location of all property lines.
    • Dimensions of all architectural projections (mansards, marquees, bay windows, signs, cornices, balconies, awnings, eaves, etc.).
    • Street name(s) for all adjacent streets and street center lines.
    • Fully dimensioned parking plan, including tabulation of existing, proposed and required parking spaces (not required for privately funded single-family dwellings).
    • Grade elevations at property line corners, at driveways, and at garage floor.
    • Show all proposed and existing utility meters, public sewer connections, private sewage disposal systems, and fire hydrant locations.
    • Locations of all buildings/structures on adjacent property within 10 feet of property line.  (For shoring requirements, see item 19).
    • Location and dimensions of all walks, driveways and hardscape.
    • Show the location of top or toe of any slope on property.
  • A DRAINAGE PLAN, when required, shall include the following information and details:
    • Site drainage patterns.
    • Drainage devices, such as catch basins, area drains, and sump pumps.
  • GENERAL NOTES shall be included on the plans to address all construction requirements.  The general notes shall include information which addresses the following:
    • Applicable codes
    • Occupancy classification and use
    • Construction type
    • If fire sprinklers are to be provided
    • Assessor’s Parcel Number
    • Legal description of parcel
    • Lot area
    • Building area
    • Building height
    • Zone (Fire Seismic, etc.)
    • Description of work
  • A SITE SURVEY, when required, shall contain the following information:
    • Name, address, telephone number, and state of California license number of surveyor.
    • Locations of property lines, structures on property, and/or grade elevations and topography.
  • SEPARATE PERMITS may be required for any of the following:
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Plumbing
    • Site improvements such as Pool and Spas
    • Retaining walls (other than walls which are part of the building)
    • Fences
    • Grading
    • Demolition
    • Driveway aprons and street use
  • Fully dimensioned FLOOR PLANS are required for every affected story.  Every room shall identify the existing and the intended use.  Door and window schedules shall be provided to identify the dimension and type of doors and windows.  The floor plans shall identify all existing and new construction.
  •  Fully dimensioned details indicating compliance with DISABLED ACCESS requirements, including (not required for privately funded single family dwellings and duplexes):
    • Disabled unit(s) and disabled adaptable unit(s)
    • Disabled parking spaces
    • Paths of travel from disabled parking spaces to building entrance
    • Building entrance and paths of travel within the building
    • Disabled access to facilities within the building, including restrooms, telephones, drinking fountains, and counters
  • Dimensioned STRUCTURAL PLANS shall be provided for each floor and roof level.  Structural, framing, and foundation plans shall identify the size and spacing of all structural elements.  Complete details shall be provided for:
    • All critical connections
    • All construction assemblies
    • Size, location, and embedment depth of all anchor bolts, including bolts required for hold-down devices
    • Concrete reinforcement details, including the size, spacing, location and number of reinforcing bars
    • All lateral force-resisting elements, including shear wall schedules, diaphragm construction specifications, and construction details for steel frame elements
    • For prefabricated trusses, plans must indicate type of truss and connection details at time of submittal.
  • Complete STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS shall be provided to substantiate the structural plans if deviating from the conventional construction provisions of the building code.  The structural calculations shall address both vertical and lateral forces, and shall be wet stamped and signed by a licensed engineer or architect registered in the state of California.
  •  Fully dimensioned EXTERIOR ELEVATION drawings shall be provided that show existing and finished grade lines.  Show wall and roof finish material and location of all openings.  The elevation drawings shall identify the building height at all critical locations.
  •  Fully dimensioned SECTION drawings shall be provided through the building at all significant locations.  At least two sections shall be provided in orthogonal directions.
  •  A complete and dimensioned LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION plan, prepared by an individual licensed in the state of California to prepare and stamp such a plan, may be required for all new construction and most other projects which will revise existing parking and/or landscaping.
  •  A signed CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE shall be included to verify energy conservation compliance.  Energy conservation calculations shall be provided for computer or points method.
  • The type of soil and bearing value shall be indicated on the plans.  Where expansive soil conditions exist, refer to jurisdiction requirements.  A SOIL/GEOTECHNICAL REPORT may be required by the local jurisdiction.
  • SHORING plans and calculations may be required for all excavations which exceed four feet in depth or which remove lateral support from an existing building an adjacent property or the public right-of-way.
  •  If a new, relocated, or upgraded ELECTRIC SERVICE is required, applicants must contact the local utility company for approval of meter location and the available short circuit current information.
  • NPDES requirements shall be incorporated into the construction documents.

C.  Minimum Plan Submittal Requirements
      Additions to Single Family Residences and Duplexes

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • This is not a complete example of all required submittals.  Additional information may be required after plan review.
  • Other departments and agencies review and approvals may be required.
  • One pdf formatted set of complete plans organized by disciplines (e.g. architectural, structural, MEP, energy, etc.) shall be submitted; partially completed plans will not be accepted.

SEPARATE PERMITS may be required for any of the following:

    • Accessory structures proposed on the plot plan
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical
    • Plumbing
    • Site improvements such as Pools and Spas
    • Fences
    • Retaining walls (other than walls which are part of the building)
    • Grading, if applicable
    • Demolition
    • Driveway Aprons and Street use

STRUCTURAL AND LATERAL CALCULATIONS MUST BE PROVIDED IF:

  • Spans of beams, joists, or rafters exceed limits specified on the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program (LARUCP) Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions (WFPP) construction sheet, or
  • Shear walls do not conform to minimum sizes specified on the LARUCP WFPP construction sheet, or
  • Proposed addition or remodel is greater that 1-story in height.

PREFABRICATED TRUSSES:

  • For prefabricated trusses, plans must indicate type of truss and connection details at time of submittal.
  • Truss plans must be reviewed and accepted for compliance by the architect or engineer of record.

SOILS CONDITIONS:

  • Soil/geotechnical reports may be required.  Expansive soils are typical in Lancaster.
  • Additions over 500 sq. ft. may use Lancaster Standard Footing Detail 92-001 without soils report.

TITLE 24 ENERGY COMPLIANCE FORMS:

  • A Certificate of Compliance (CF-1R & MF-1R) shall be included to verify energy conservation compliance.
  • Energy conservation calculations shall be provided for computer or pints method.

D.  Minimum Plan Submittal Requirements
      Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Permits for:
      Multi-Family Residential Buildings &
      Commercial & Industrial Buildings

  • A pdf of complete plans shall be submitted; partially completed plans will not be accepted. 
  • All plans and applications shall include an accurate description of the entire scope of work, including complete fixture counts.
  • Plans must be legible, blue-line or copies, fully dimensioned and drawn to scale.
  • General notes shall be included on the plans to address all mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing requirements, and to identify equipment specifications.
  • General notes and details which do not apply to the proposed construction project shall not be included on the plans.
  • The location of all mechanical and/or plumbing equipment and any main service panels or sub-panels, associated with new buildings or additions, shall be accurately identified on the building plans.  Installation of equipment in existing buildings shall be in the same location as the original equipment, or the location of such equipment must be approved by the Building and Safety Division.

 

Supplemental Mechanical Plan Submittal Requirements

  • All new roof top equipment shall require a building permit and shall require structural calculations to verify that the building roof framing elements can support the weight of the proposed mechanical equipment.
  • New roof top equipment shall be shown on building plans.

 

Supplemental Electrical Plan Submittal Requirements

  • Identify the size (ampere rating), voltage, and type (single phase or three phase) of the new or increased electrical service.
  • Load calculations must be included in electrical plans for all commercial/industrial projects and must be prepared by a state of California licensed electrical engineer or State licensed as an Electrical Contractor provided said Electrical Contractor performs the installation.
  • Electrical system single line diagrams must be included in electrical plans for all commercial/industrial projects and must be prepared by a state of California licensed electrical engineer or State licensed as an Electrical Contractor provided said Electrical Contractor performs the installation.
  • Load calculations must be prepared for all electric services greater than 200 amperes and must be prepared by a state of California licensed electrical engineer or State licensed as an Electrical Contractor provided said Electrical Contractor performs the installation.
  • If a new, relocated or upgraded electric service is required, applicants must contact the local utility company for approval of meter location and the available short circuit current information.

Supplemental Plumbing Plan Submittal Requirements

    • Identify the size of the water service.
    • Identify the size of the fire sprinkler service (if applicable)
    • A backflow prevention device is required at the water meter.
    • Show all existing and new sewer connections.
    • Show existing and new natural gas supply.
    • All condominium projects will require a separate water meter and water heater for each dwelling unit.