Frequently Asked Questions March 19, 2013 - City of Manteca

City of Manteca
Frequently Asked Questions

Business Licenses
1. Who needs a business license and how do I get one?
– Everyone doing business within the city of Manteca is required to have a Business
License.
2. What happens when a business needs to obtain licenses
and/or permits from other agencies at the same time, like
an ABC license or a health department permit?
– When needing multiple permits or licenses such as a Health Department permit,
you would need to obtain all permits and licenses prior to completing your
business license.
– Example: If you are a restaurant, you would need to obtain a seller’s permit from
the Board of Equalization and a Health Permit from the San Joaquin County
Health Department. If you plan on serving alcohol, you would also need an ABC
license as well. You must receive approval through the City’s Community
Development Department to see if your location is zoned appropriately for your
business type, and approval through our Fire Department to make sure code
requirements are met.

Business Licenses (cont.)
2.(cont.)
– After all approvals and permits are received you may then come to the
Finance Department to complete the license processing. A payment will be
taken for the estimated gross receipts of the business, as well as any
applicable fees. Once processed, a final review is done and the license is
mailed out to your business mailing address. The business license should be
posted in an area for the public to view along with your health permit.
3. What things do I need to consider when moving or
changing a business address?
– When you have a change of address, you will require a new business license. The
old license may be transferred to the new location for a small a fee of $6.00.
– You will also need to obtain a new home occupation permit, if necessary.
– The business license and home occupation permit are tied to your location, so if
you are planning on moving or relocating, please plan accordingly.

Business Licenses (cont.)
4. Why is the Planning Division involved in the business
license process, and what are the things they look at
when evaluating a business license application?
– The Planning Division is involved in order to review the zoning designation
at the proposed business location to make sure the proposed use is
permitted and if any special requirements are needed (entitlements). We
also review the overall site, parking, landscaping, etc.
5. What happens if I have already signed a lease for my
new location, but I later find out from Planning that my
type of business is not allowed at that location?
– It is encouraged that applicants consult the Planning Division prior to
signing a lease; however, if the applicant has already signed a lease,
he/she should talk to the landlord and explain the situation to them.

Business Sign Regulations
1. What are the new rules for temporary signs,
portable signs and banners?
Temporary Signs: “Special Events”: On Property
Banner’s, Balloons, Inflatables, Flags, etc.
Temporary Sign Permit, Over the Counter, $10.
30-days max each 3 months.
Portable Signs: Off Property (Sidewalk in Front of Business during business hours).
One of either per 50-feet of business frontage: A-Frame (4’ X 3’ Max.), Flag. (15’ X 2’
& 15 sq. ft. Max.).
Portable Sign Permit, Insurance, locational requirements, 1-week review, $10. Annual
Renewal.
Human Sign: Off Property (Set location/s during the Daytime).
One per business location: 12 sq. ft. Max.
Portable Sign Permit, Insurance, locational requirements, 1-week review, $10. Annual
Renewal.

Business Sign Regulations (cont.)
2. How will the new rules affect me, and when will they go
into effect?
– The new rules are currently in effect.
2. Do I need to get a sign permit, planning permit or planning
approval if I'm just painting a sign on the side of my
building? How much does that cost?
– A sign permit must be obtained for a painted wall sign through the
Building Safety Division. The permit will be reviewed by the Planning
Division. It will cost approximately $115, based in part, on basis of
valuation.

Business Sign Regulations (cont.)
4. Do I need a sign permit if I’m installing a non-illuminated
wooden sign on the side of my building? How much does it
cost?
– A sign permit is required for a non-illuminated wooden sign. It will cost
approximately $275, based in part, on basis of valuation.
5. Do I need a permit if I am just changing out the sign face of
an existing permitted sign cabinet?
– No, you do not need a permit if you are changing out the sign face of an
existing permitted sign cabinet, as long as nothing else is being changed.

Business Sign Regulations (cont.)
6. What the process for obtaining a sign permit?
– A sign permit is obtained through the Building Safety Division. A nonilluminated
wall sign may be obtained over-the-counter (OTC) during
the OTC times (M-Th, 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Alternating
Fridays, 8:00-9:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m.). All other signs must be
submitted for a 10-working-day review, along with the appropriate
submittal documents (please see Building Safety Division website).

Building Permits
1. When do I need to obtain a building permit? What examples
of the kind of work or improvement that requires or does
not require a permit?
– A building permit is required for work that consists of any of the following: “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.”
CBC Section 105.
– Examples that require a building permit: a remodel, adding a toilet or sink, moving walls, adding an
exterior sign, demolishing a wall, adding or removing electrical outlets or lights, additions, tenant
improvement, etc.
– Example that would not require a building permit: painting, tiling, cabinets, racks or partitions not
over 5’9”, replacement of lamps, portable cooling or heating equipment, clearing of stoppages, repair
of leaks in plumbing systems, etc. CBC 105
2. How much does it cost to get a building permit and how long
does it take?
– The price and time required for a building permit depends on the type of permit and the complexity of
the project.
– For example a commercial reroofing permit can be issued over the counter within 30 minutes and
costs approximately $220.00 while a new commercial building costs more and takes additional time
due to the amount of plan check and inspection that are required to confirm compliance with State
Building Codes.
– Please note that the majority of fees associated with projects which include adding square footage
are not “Building Permit Fees” but are instead impact fees (such as Traffic, Water, Sewer, School Fees,
etc.).

Building Permits - Continued
3. What is the penalty for doing work without a building
permit?
– “An Investigation Fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected” (the
building permit fee is doubled) and all work will need to be inspected which
may require some destructive inspections to verify compliance with State Law.
– Also a Code Enforcement Citation may be issued resulting in additional fines,
fees, or penalties.
4. If I am in a rush, can I request expedited service? How much
does that cost?
– Expedited Plan Check is available for any permit which reduces the plan check
time to no more than half of the typical time.
– The cost is an additional 35% above the price of the plan check cost (in
addition to the normal permit price), which is paid to cover staff overtime or
outsourcing if needed.

Building Permits - Continued
5. How will I know the
work has been finally
approved by City Staff?
– Upon completion of the final
inspection, the Building Inspector
will sign the line at the bottom of
the inspection card.

Building Permits - Continued
6. What happens if I am due for an inspection during a period
when City Hall is closed on certain work days due to
furloughs and 9/80 work schedule? Do I have the option to
pay extra for inspections on those days?
– Building Inspectors are available to conduct normal inspections during Citywide
furloughs and no extra payment is required.
– During the 9/80 schedule, inspections are not typically offered. However, if you request
an inspection during the “flex” day, communicate with the inspector prior to the date
and they are available, and pay the additional fee to cover staff overtime ($228.00) the
inspections can be conducted on that day.
7. Do I need to obtain a demolition permit when doing
remodeling or other debris removal? How much does that
cost?
– Yes, according to California State Law (California Building Code, Section 105.1), any type
of demolition work (structural, non-structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)
requires a permit. A demolition permit costs approximately $220.00 regardless of the
amount to be demolished within the structure or site.

Building Permits - Continued
8. What is a “Certificate of
Occupancy”, and how can I
get one?
– A Certificate of Occupancy is a
certificate issued by the Building
Safety Division, giving approval to use
a building or portion thereof following
final inspections and approvals from
all city departments. It allows
occupancy of the building or space by
certifying compliance with all
applicable codes and laws and
indicates the space is in condition
suitable for occupancy.
– A “Certificate of Occupancy” is
typically issued to the property owner
by the Building Safety Division at the
time of final inspection of the new
building or tenant improvement.
– An owner at an existing property can
request a Certificate of Occupancy at a
location by applying for a building
permit, supplying a complete floor
plan, a complete site plan, and
obtaining a final inspection by the
Building Safety Division.

Building Permits - Continued
9. Will the City tell the County Assessor about my
new improvements?
– The City is required to send most permit information to the County Assessor’s
office for any new construction. For example, generally items of routine
maintenance such as a reroof or water heater are not sent to the Assessor but
additions or new building are sent. Less than half of permits result in
additional assessments. Please be aware the County Assessor is required to
value all new construction, even if a building permit was not issued.
10. Will my property taxes go up when the
improvements are completed?
– It is the decision of the County Assessor on which improvements may or may
not increase the property taxes after the improvements are completed. It is
possible property taxes may increase; however, this is typically on for what is
considered new construction, and not for permits for maintenance.

ADA & California Accessibility
1. Nearly 40% of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits in the
U.S. are filed in the State of California.
2. Recently, there have been several letters threatening lawsuits and
also several lawsuits filed against Manteca business owners for
violations of ADA accessibility requirements.
3. A business owner can be found liable for not less than $4,000 plus
attorneys’ fees for items such as lacking the correct parking signage,
inaccessible restrooms, etc. (some exceptions).
4. In most cases, businesses must comply with the accessibility
requirements in effect at the time of original construction.
5. If you receive a letter or have already received a letter, we
recommend you contact your own legal adviser for direction as soon
as possible.
6. If you have not received a letter or lawsuit, we recommend you
contact a California Access Specialist to identify your potential
liability and provide suggestions on how to limit any liabilities you
may have at your business or property.
http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/programCert/casp.aspx

CC&Rs and the Planning Process
1. What are Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
(CC&Rs), and why do they matter? Does the City
keep track of where they apply?
– The City does not keep track of CC&Rs. These are policies put in place by the
business association
2. If I obtained a City permit for some
improvements, but the CC&Rs for my location
prohibit or restrict those improvements, does the
City’s permit issuance trump those guidelines?
– No, CC&Rs are still in effect

CC&Rs and the Planning Process
(Cont.)
3. Does the City enforce CC&Rs, or notify permit
applicants about CC&R compliance?
– The city does not enforce CC&Rs

Code Enforcement
1. How does Code Enforcement decide to
take action on a code problem?
– If it is a violation.
2. Does City staff patrol the community
looking for code violations?
– No, they reply on complaints or comments.

Code Enforcement (cont.)
3. What should I do if I receive a notice of
code violation?
– Contact Code Enforcement
4. If I become aware of an apparent code
violation problem, how should I report it?
Can I remain anonymous?
– Call the Police Department or submit your request on the City of Manteca
website.