Building Department

Questions related to plan review, permit, inspection, and project close-out requirements.

Campus Building Department

The Campus Building Department reviews and inspects all construction and renovation at UC Berkeley. In addition to theCalifornia Building Codeand the UCOP Facilities Manual, we also work to ensure that projects follow the Campus Design Standards and contribute to a safe, efficient and long-lasting built environment...

Permits and Plan Reviews

All construction and renovation projects at UC Berkeley must adhere to the California Building Code and the UCOP Facilities Manual. Additionally, projects in university-owned and university-operated spaces must adhere to the Campus Design Standards...

Codes and Resources

Accessibility Information

Accessibility Budget Calculation Form (Downloadable Word Doc)

Applicable codes and requirements

California Building Standards Code (online)
Division of the State Architect California Access Compliance Reference Materials (online)
...

How do I share documents with the Building Department?

Email is easy! Send your documents as attachments to: building@berkeley.edu. Make sure your email denotes your project details (Permit number if one has been issued, client reference number if not) so we know what the documents pertain to.

If your files are too big for email, you can use either of Berkeley's file sharing tools (Box or Google Drive). Just be sure to allow access to "anyone with the link" in either system before you send along...

Building Department Team

Building Department Team

tim guichard
Sr. Construction Inspector and Interim Campus Building Official
tguichar@berkeley.edu
510-213-3184 (C)

Bob Fox
Sr. Construction Inspector
redrider@berkeley.edu
510-529-5682 (C)

Ian Blakey
Sr. Construction Inspector
imblakey@...

Does my project require a permit?

The California Building Code requires:

“Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit...

Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to...

My project is all done. Now what do I do?

Submit for a final inspection, both with the Building Department and the Campus Fire Marshal. Once you've corrected any prior deficiencies, and passed a final inspection (or corrected any punchlist items generated during your final inspection) you can start working on your closeout documents:

As-Built and/or Record Drawings (Record Drawings if multiple disciplines involved; As-Built Drawings by trade) Operations and Maintenance Manuals Warranties/guarantees California Energy Code (Title 24 Pt. 6) compliance documentation,...

What documents do I need to submit for a permit?

Plans, specifications, product submittals, California Energy Code (Title 24 Pt. 6) compliance documentation, and where applicable, a Load Study.

For simple modifications, this might be covered by a scope of work narrative or a simple drawing. Electrical modifications require a single-line diagram.

My project is done, but I don't have all the final documentation. Can I move in yet?

If you've passed your final inspections with the Building Department and the Campus Fire Marshal, you may be issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, which allows you to occupy the space, while you work on gathering your closeout documents. Note: retention will not be released nor final payment made until you have received a permanent Certificate of Occupancy.

I heard I need to submit a permit for painting. Is that true?

When we first instituted the permit process, we did require permits for paint in order to collect data on who was doing such work on campus. We have since changed our business process, and as such, permits for paint are no longer required.