Q: Do I need a permit?
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Fences not over 6 feet, retaining walls not more than 3 feet above grade, and detached sheds less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit. Partition walls not over 5 feet 9 inches also do not require a permit as well as repairs and replacement of existing fixtures such as cabinets, toilets and sinks. The code requires that all work, even work exempt from permit, be performed to the standard set forth in the model codes. | |
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Q: Do I need an architect to draw the plans?
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Single Family Residences, room additions, garages, workshops and tenant improvements do not require an architect to draw the plans. A California licensed architect or engineer shall prepare structural plans. | |
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Q: How can I subscribe to the City Council agenda and minutes?
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To receive hard copies:
Agendas – Please send self addressed and stamped envelopes to the City Clerk Department.
Agendas & Minutes – Please send self addressed and stamped envelopes with a check in the amount of $45.00 (check payable to City of San Marcos) to the City Clerk Department.
To download agendas from the website, click here. | |
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Q: How deep does a gas pipe have to be buried? An electric line?
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Metal gas pipe requires 12 inches of cover, whether earth or concrete. The pipe needs to be factory wrapped, as well as all joints. Plastic gas and electric pipe requires 18 inches of cover and a tracer wire for gas pipe. Metal risers are required on gas lines where the run of pipe turns to the surface. | |
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Q: How do I contact the City Council?
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Contact the City Clerk Department at (760) 744-1050, Ext. 3145. | |
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Q: How do I obtain a Business License?
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1. In person – Obtain application from the 1st floor, cashier desk.
2. By mail – Call (760) 744-1050, Ext. 3101 and request an application be mailed to you.
3. On line – Click here to download application. | |
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Q: How many sets of plans and calculations do I need?
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When submitting plans for plan check, three sets of plans are required. Two sets of soils reports, structural calculations, energy calculations, and truss calculations should also be submitted. Truss calculatons may be deferred if the manufaturer has not been decided upon at time of submittal. Precise grading plans are required to be attached to all three sets of plans. For production housing, two sets of plans depicting the subdivision lots and homes, with street orientation, are required for addressing | |
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Q: What are the current adopted codes?
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The current code is the 2007 California Building Code (CBC), which incorporates the 2006 International Building Code, the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code, the 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code, the 2005 National Electric Code, the 2006 International Fire Code, and the 2005 California Energy Efficiency Standards. | |
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Q: What defines a swimming pool? A spa?
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A pool is defined as being 24 inches deep of water intended for recreational use. Perimeter fencing, alarms, and self-closing gates are required. A portable above ground spa is not considered a pool but still requires a perimeter fence and a lockable top. A fountain is not considered a swimming pool. | |
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Q: When and where does the City Council hold its meetings?
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The City Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in the City Council Chambers, 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, California.
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Q: When was the City of San Marcos incorporated? Become a Charter City?
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The City of San Marcos was incorporated as a General Law City on January 28, 1963 and became a Charter City July 4, 1994.
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Q: Where can I register to vote?
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Forms are available at the City Clerk Department, Post Office, Library,Department of Motor Vehicles, County Registrar of Voters, and Secretary of State.
Or, simply visit www.sdvote.com to download the form | |
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Q: Whom should I contact for information on birth, death and marriage records?
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County of San Diego
Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office
141 East Carmel St., Suite 141
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 940-6868
Or visit www.sdarcc.com
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