Schools
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Building Permits ~ Ask the Building Official
Alameda Architectural Preservation Society Lecture
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Ask the Building Official
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Building Permits
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A Presentation by Greg McFann
City of Alameda Community Development Department
Immanuel Lutheran Church: 1420 Lafayette Street, Alameda, CA 94501
(Parking available at the corner of Chestnut Street and Santa Clara Avenue.)
Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cost-Free for AAPS members; $5 for non-members
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Building Permits
Story by Chris Buckley & Alan Teague
Gregory J. McFann Greg has been Alameda’s Building Official since September 1999. Prior to that time he was Building Official in Hercules and San Bruno, and also a building inspector with the City of Oakland. McFann is a graduate of Alameda High School and has an architecture degree from the University of California. He is a California General Building Contractor and is past President of the East Bay International Code Council.
On Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:00 pm, Greg McFann will be talking about Alameda’s planning and building permit programs, the California Historical Building Code, Code Compliance and the complicated world of Receivership.
The Permit Process
The section on Permits will cover the ins and outs of why we have planning and building permits. Greg will give some general guidance on why you need a permit and what to do if you “forgot” to get one. The permit process varies depending on the type and scope of project. This will be a good opportunity to ask those nagging questions on “Do I need a permit to...?”
Using the California Historical Building Code
All homes built before 1942 are eligible to use the California Historical Building Code as an alternative to the current California Building Code. This is critically important for restoration and remodeling of our historic homes. Greg will talk about some of the variances between these two codes and how you can use them in your restoration project.
Code Compliance Program
Code Compliance is a sensitive issue. There are almost a thousand code compliance cases in the backlog for the City. Greg plans on talking about this area and how you can pro-actively resolve issues, as well as give some examples of how code compliance has helped rehabilitate historic buildings.
As a last resort, when an owner is unwilling or unable to correct severe deterioration or damage to their buildings, the City can ask a court to appoint a “receiver” to make necessary repairs. The cost of this work is the responsibility of the owner. Greg’s presentation will cover how receivership works and how to avoid it.
This “must hear” presentation is the first of a year-long series of events for the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society. Come early and stay late to hear more about what is going on with the Society and to speak with Greg McFann in person.
Greg has written a column “Ask the Building Official” for the Alameda Sun. Copies of these articles are available at the following link: www.cityofalamedaca.gov/City-Hall/Articles
Additional permit information can be obtained by calling or visiting the Community Development Department at City Hall, located in Room 190 on the first floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue.
Alameda Architectural Preservation Society
P.O. Box 1677
Alameda, California 94501
510-479-6489
www.alameda-preservation.org