Town of Danville Permit Operations During Shelter Order
PERMITTING SERVICES
OPERATIONS DURING “SHELTER-IN-PLACE” ORDER
Updated: March 22, 2020
Contra Costa County and subsequently the State of California have both issued a shelter-in-place order (“Health Orders”) on March 16, 2020 and March 19, 2020, respectively. In general, these orders request residents to shelter-in-place unless they are seeking or providing essential services. During this unprecedented time, the Town’s role is to maintain the health and well-being of the community while providing permitting services that are in compliance of these orders.
We have received a number of questions regarding how this impacts current construction projects underway as well as future construction projects. The Town’s approach is multi-fold:
Residential Construction
For projects where construction is underway, we will provide permitting and inspection services, so long as social distancing practices are used during construction and inspection. This is to ensure public health and safety, minimizing conditions where homes may not be safe, sanitary, or habitable.
For permits necessary to ensure a home is safe, sanitary and habitable (example: replacing a broken water heater), we are available to process applications and inspect the installation.
Please note that the Contra Costa Health Order specifically defines housing construction as Essential Infrastructure (Section 10c) and is therefore authorized to be submitted and processed. However, all statutory timelines related to all land use, subdivision and zoning applications have been suspended by Town’s Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-02, adopted March 17, 2020.
Commercial Construction
Commercial construction projects are not considered to be “essential” unless it is necessary to the operation or maintenance of an “essential business” as defined by the Contra Costa Health Order (example: healthcare facility, grocery stores, etc.).
For non-essential projects where construction is underway, the project will be allowed to proceed to a point necessary to prevent damage to materials and to ensure that the construction site is safe and secure.
If you believe your project qualifies under any of these scenarios, please contact the Building Division at (925) 314-3330 or [email protected] to submit permits for qualified projects. Simple permits are eligible for online permit submittal via the Online Permit Center (www.danville.ca.gov/cap).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the impact on construction projects in Danville?
Certain projects are allowed as long as social distancing practices are used during construction. Residential construction projects that are currently underway (partly completed) may continue to completion in order to ensure health and safety. However, the Order prohibits new construction projects unless they are adding to the supply of housing stock (i.e. building a second unit, building a new home, etc.) or maintaining the habitability of homes in order to avoid displacement of residents.
Commercial construction projects related to maintaining or upgrading an “essential business” (i.e., grocery stores), government or health care infrastructure are also allowed to move forward.
I am midway through a remodel. Can my construction project continue?
Residential renovation projects of any kind that are currently underway may continue ONLY if necessary to a safe, sanitary, and habitable home. Likewise, residential remodeling projects that are partly completed may continue if delaying completion would pose a safety, security, or sanitation risk to residents or impact the habitability of the residence.
I have a project that is being plan checked. Can the project move forward?
All plan reviews currently underway will be completed. However, a building permit would not be issued for the project unless it is an “essential” project as deemed by the Contra Costa Health Order.
I have a contractor scheduled to begin a remodel next week. Can I go ahead with this project?
You must defer your remodel or renovation project unless it is necessary to restore your home to a safe, sanitary, and habitable space.
How do I apply for a building permit for a qualified essential project?
Please contact the Building Division at (925) 314-3330 or [email protected] to submit a permit application by-appointment-only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though we are rapidly working to move this to an online platform. Simple building permit applications (HVAC, plumbing, and residential re-roofing) are currently available to be submitted via the Online Permit Center at www.danville.ca.gov/cap
How do I call for an inspection?
Building inspections will continue to operate as usual. Requests for inspections will need to be submitted by 3:00 PM the business day prior to the requested inspection. Submit requests by phone at (925) 314-3333 or registering online at the Online Permit Center (danville.ca.gov/cap).
To ensure the safety of Town staff and to prevent the spread of the virus, please be advised that inspectors will call ahead to ask health screening questions and inspections will be conducted by strictly adhering to social distancing practices.
Will the Town still be accepting applications to build new residences?
Yes, but the Town’s Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-02, adopted March 17, 2020, suspends all statutory timelines for all land use, subdivision and zoning applications. This includes any automatic “deemed complete” deadlines, approval deadlines, and appeal deadlines, until Town functions can be restored at the conclusion of the local emergency. Applications can be submitted email, online and USPS.
I run a construction company that builds housing. Can we continue to build new units?
Yes. Creation of new housing units, including both market rate and affordable housing units, is deemed an “essential” project by the Order, which allows construction projects to proceed and new ones to begin if they contribute new residential housing stock to meet the Town’s housing supply.
Is general commercial construction allowed?
Unless the project is necessary to the operation or maintenance of “essential infrastructure” or an “essential business” as defined by the Contra Costa Health Order, it will be suspended until the Order has been lifted.
Non-essential projects already under construction will be allowed to proceed to a point necessary to prevent damage to materials that a delay in finishing would create or to make the site safe and secure
ONLINE PERMITTING (Expanded Services Coming Soon)
The Town currently offers online submittals for simple permits (HVAC, plumbing, and residential re-roofing) are currently available to be submitted via the Online Permit Center at www.danville.ca.gov/cap.
In the interest of maintaining public health and safety, we are undertaking an expansion of the system. Due to the urgency of the need, the expedited roll out will likely be less than seamless. For that we apologize in advance. Please bear with us as we work to process permits while maximizing everyone’s safety.
Address/Location
Danville Police Department CA
500 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 925-314-3700
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