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 receive a permit for construction prior to starting work. To submit plans and request a permit, please fill out the Permit Request Form. Plans are reviewed (at minimum) by:
- The Campus Building Department
- The Designated Campus Fire Marshal
- Office of Environment, Health and Safety
- UCPD
- Facilities Services/Asset Management
- Information Systems & Technology (IS&T)
Permits are issued when plans are deemed to demonstrate compliance with the Code and other requirements. Project managers will be provided with a PDF of their permit, which they are required to post in a conspicuous location at their jobsite.
Example projects by scope and their requirements:
| Project type | No modification | Minor modification | Medium modification | Major modification |
| Examples: | Carpet, acoustic panels, curtains, etc. | Example: Limited work done within single space such as light or outlet changes, relocation of diffuser, casework changes | System reconfiguration or addition of new equipment in limited area, replacement of multiple fixtures, reconfiguration of suite, change in use of space,door or wall change | Major renovation of space, multiple changes to systems, significant impact to building, major triggered code compliance, new construction |
| Documentation required | Written description with location information, total project cost, haz materials test and cut sheets for installed products with ASTM ratings as applicable | Simple stamped architectural design documents, simple load study and impact analysis by engineer or contractor as applicable | Stamped architectural and engineering documentation to document changes and impact | Full set of stamped architectural and engineering documentation |
| Review process and timeline | Online form/email | Several days or one week depending on scale | Submit for review to permit center reviewers - two week review process, can require resubmittal to address comments | Submit for review through Capital Projects, multiple reviews before sign off by permit center |
| Reviewed for: | Compliance with purchasing/bidding requirements, abatement | System impact, compliance with purchasing/bidding requirements, accessibility requirements, code and Campus Design Standards | System impact, compliance with purchasing/bidding requirements, accessibility requirements, code and Campus Design Standards | System impact, compliance with purchasing/bidding requirements, accessibility requirements, code and Campus Design Standards |
| Review by CCRAB/FM1: | CCRAB not required. FM review of product data for flame spread, etc. | Coordinated by permit office | Coordinated by permit office if the project is not run by Capital Projects | Coordinated by Capital Projects |
| Inspection process | None needed | As needed | As needed | As needed |
| Final approval process | No sign off | Final review of project for conformance to design documents and final documentation requirements. Confirm final cost | Final review of project for conformance to design documents and final documentation requirements. Confirm final cost | Final review of project for conformance to design documents and final documentation requirements. Confirm final cost |
| Final documentation required | Copy of quote with scope of work, confirmation of final cost | Updated design documents, copy of contract and scope of work per union agreement, room number information | Updated design documents and close out documentation , copy of contract and scope of work per union agreement, room number information | Updated design documents and close out documentation, copy of contract and scope of work per union agreement, room number information |
| Example Project Submittal Package | Minor Modification Example | Medium Modification Example | Major Modification/New Construction Example |
1 For state-funded projects, DSA serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction for accessibility review. DSA reviews are coordinated through Capital Projects. Projects with state funding are still encouraged to schedule a CCRAB review as DSA frequently takes CCRAB direction into account when conducting plan review.
2 Projects where the scope of work is limited to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing, electrical work not involving placement of switches and receptacles, and other mechanical/building systems are exempted from accessibility reviews and path of travel documentation requirements