Fire Department (CDF) Impacts in San Luis Obispo County and Other, Similar Counties

When considering a new project - home, commercial or other type of construction - do check with your local fire department.

For example, if your property is located in a particular fire zone, which is determined by the fire department, types of construction can be required that will conform to their standards.This could affect framing, roofing, the type of glass in windows, road construction, access to property and, of course, use of fire sprinklers.

Your local fire jurisdiction could have other, far-reaching effects on your project, so check with with your local fire department agency to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Agencies Other Than the Building Department, Planning Department, and Environmental Department

In an outlying area of an unincorporated area, the following agencies can have a profound effect upon your plans for your home, ranch, or accessory buildings.

1. Fire Department (C.D.F.)
2. Environmental outside a City
3. Fish and Game
4. Conservancies (Land Management)
5. Water purveyor
6. State requirements - soil, erosion, etc.

All of the above could determine your cost in time or money or both. An outstanding example: in this County, the Fire Department now requires any home larger than 3,000 square feet to be fire sprinklered. In some jurisdictions, all new construction must be fire sprinklered.
If remodeling, any addition to an existing home that creates more than 3,000 square feet requires that the entire project be retrofitted with fire sprinklers.
Check with your local city or county agencies.

The Frustrations of Obtaining a Building Permit continued

As a further note to obtaining information from a Senior Planner in your area -

Ask if there are any other environmental issues, ordinances or requirements that might impact your project. This applies whether you are considering a home on acreage, on a city lot, a commercial project, or any other category of building.

Present issues which could affect your making a decision are:
1. Environmental - ask about the issues
2. Fire sprinklers
3. Water connection fees
4. Sewer connection fees
5. Well report requirements
6. School fees
7. All the other fees that the city or county requires to obtain a building permit
8. And again - be sure to hire an Architect to check and re-check the information obtained

Most governmental agencies try to be informed, but from personal experience, I have learned that one sector sometimes doesn't get all the information from another sector, which could affect your decision to proceed with your project.

Good luck - I hope your experience is positive!

Obtaining a Building Permit Can Equal Frustration

Get Your Preliminary Information

It's important to know that as a property owner, you have no real property rights when you're developing your property. You are governed by layer upon layer of rules, regulations and ordinances: local, regional, state and federal.

It's best, therefore, to hire a knowledgeable Architect who is familiar with all of these very restrictive laws.

Also, as a property owner requiring to build a project on your property, it's best to check with your local Planning Department, to orient you to all of the requirements that pertain to you.

Be sure to keep complete notes of your meeting, and get the business card of the person who is giving you this information. It is best if this person is a senior planner. This is a preliminary meeting, and the information you receive about restrictions and fees can sometimes affect your decision to build or not to build.

If you would like to proceed, then you should see an Architect, who can help you with the myriad details of your project.

Pros and Cons of Wood Siding

Pro
1. Siding comes in a variety of textures and thicknesses
2. Siding comes in wood and other, composite materials
3. Composite materials are less expensive
4. Composite sidings come pre-finished
5. Composite sidings are applied rapidly
6. All siding will cover large areas of walls and soffits rapidly
7. Siding material can be applied by same wood framing contractor
8. This is a clean material operation
9. Sidings can take a variety of paint colors
10. Siding debris can be recycled
Cons
1. Siding application is more expensive because of labor costs
2. Siding over frame construction requires a plywood or O.S.B. solid back
3. Material will show joints
4. Material will show nail or metal connections
5. Corners require extra care
6. Corners require caulking
7. Siding details at windows or doors require caulking
8. Siding requires periodic inspection for maintenance
9. Siding requires painting or staining every 4 to 5 years

Pros and Cons of Stucco

Stucco in this blog means cement plaster with a stucco finish.

Pros:
1. This is a 3-coat process, with metal lath over an underlayment paper
a. The first coat is the Scratch Coat of cement plaster
b. The second coat is the Brown Coat, also of cement plaster
c. The finish coat, of stucco, has color and texture
2. Structurally, stucco adds stability to a wood or metal frame
3. The material is fluid and adapts to any architectural style needed
4. The material can have the color and texture desired
5. It is fireproof
6. It is maintenance free
7. It reflects quality of construction
8. Stucco has insulation qualities
9. It is environmentally friendly
Cons:
1. Stucco will generate minor expansion cracks, like concrete. These, however, can be tolerated, or they can be easily patched
2. It has a flat look from a distance, with no texture like siding
3. Stucco can be a messy operation
4. Stucco debris removal can cost extra

Raised Wood Foundations versus Concrete Slabs

Concrete Slab
Pro
1. Less expensive
2. Faster to install
3. Can adapt to radiant floor system
4. Six inches above grade - no steps or low ramp
5. Convenient for handicap access
6. Garage access = same level
7. Easier for seismic frame transfer forces
8. Better termite protection
9. Longer house life
10. Fireproof
Con
1. Possibly harder on feet and back for standing
2. Will develop small cracks
3. Closer to ground - 6" minimum from grade
4. Has lower look, architecturally
5. No access below grade for utilities
6. Some utilities to be in attic