FAQ

Building Department Frequently Asked Questions

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

Projects must submit plans for review and...

Campus Design Standards

Purpose: The University of California Berkeley Real Estate Division created the Campus Design Standards to guide design and construction professionals to complete lasting, high-quality additions to the campus built environment. These Standards, along with applicable codes, ensure that new construction and renovation projects at UC Berkeley integrate industry best practices and experience with existing campus buildings, infrastructure, grounds, and maintenance issues.

Administration: The Campus Design Standards are administered by Inspection Services and...

Campus Building Department

The Campus Building Department reviews and inspects all construction and renovation at UC Berkeley. In addition to theCalifornia Building Codeand theUCOP Facilities Manual, we also work to ensure that projects follow theCampus Design Standardsand contribute to a safe, efficient and long-lasting built environment in keeping with Berkeley's standing as a world-class...

Codes and Resources

Building Department Team

Building Department Team

Sean McNamara
Director and Campus Building Official
sean.mcnamara@berkeley.edu
510.847.2312 (C)

Bob Fox
Sr. Construction Inspector
redrider@berkeley.edu
510.529.5682 (C)

tim guichard
Sr. Construction Inspector
tguichar@berkeley.edu
510.213....

Inspections

The Campus Building Department is closed for all Academic and Administrative holidays. You can find this year's holiday schedule on the Registrar's website located here: https://registrar.berkeley.edu/calendar/
If you don't know your project number, find it from the list of active permitted projectshere You must provide contact...

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...

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.

What is a Load Study, and why do I need one?

Section 220.87 of the California Electrical Code requires that prior to modifying or adding to electrical systems, their existing loads must be determined. The code requires 30 days of data monitoring, but in buildings with stable loads, the Campus Electrical Engineer may reduce this requirement to 7 days.

Load studies are required so that electrical panels do not become overloaded or their loads become unbalanced between phases.

If you have any questions about load studies, please...

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,...

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my project require review for accessibility compliance?

Yes. All projects are reviewed for compliance with Chapter 11b - Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.

Generally, large projects are reviewed by the Division of the State Architect. Small projects are reviewed in-house by Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certified plan reviewers.

Why do I need to submit for a permit for carpet and other finishes?

Carpet, drapery, acoustic panels and the like must be reviewed for compliance with the California Fire Code. Additionally, the university is obligated to collect and maintain data regarding these activities to demonstrate compliance with California and University bidding, purchasing and contracting rules.

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. We've created handy tutorials forcreating a download link...

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.

Frequently Asked Questions