Building Code Requirements

Why You Need A Permit

Many contractors in Sacramento do not obtain permits for whole house fans. In recent years, many building inspectors and bank house inspectors have been targeting illegally installed whole house fans. Non-permitted fans are subject to applicable fines. Homeowners would have to obtain an after-the-fact permit. All California county and city building departments require a building permit for the installation of a whole house fan. Also, the California State Contractor Board requires that a permit be on-site before a contractor can begin work. Homeowners must have a permit on-site before any work begins.

Who gets the permit?

A homeowner or a contractor can apply for the permit. But for a small project of a whole house fan installation, it's more cost effective for the homeowner to obtain the permit. Obtaining permits can sometimes be time consuming. At TS Construction, to keep prices competitive, we prefer that the homeowner obtain the permit. Permits range from $50 to $200 depending on where you live. Listed below is a link to building department divisions throughout the greater Sacramento area.

Cutting Roof Trusses

Typically, whole house fans are mounted over the ceiling joist, with a frame support created especially for it. Ceiling joists can be cut and supported with framing. However,engineered trusses are an integral component of your roof structure, and should not be altered in any way without additional engineering. Many contractors claim that cutting one truss will not affect the structural integrity of the roof. Although this may apply for some parts of the house, it is a code violation that also voids any structural warranty on your house. If you put your home up for sale, you will be required to hire an engineer to design a truss fix. In most homes, it is unnecessary to cut trusses. There is a shutter specifically designed to accommodate the whole house fan.

Additional code requirements for whole house fans include:

A light installed where there is a mechanical unit in attic.
A safety disconnect or shut off switch in attic.

City of Auburn
www.auburn.ca.gov
Building Inspection Division
1225 Lincoln Ln.
Auburn, Ca 95603
530-823-4211

City of Citrus Heights
www.ci.citrus-heights.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
6237 Fountain Square Dr
Citrus Heights, Ca 95621
916-727-4760

City of Davis
www.city.davis.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
23 Russell Blvd
Davis, Ca 95616
530-757-5610

City of Elk Grove
www.elkgrovecity.org
Building Safety & Inspection Division
8400 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, Ca 95758
916-478-2235

City of Folsom
www.folsom.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
50 Natomas St.
Folsom, Ca 95630
916-355-7222

City of Galt
www.ci.galt.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
495 Industrial Dr.
Galt, Ca 95632
209-366-7200

City of Woodland
www.ci.woodland.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
300 First Street
Woodland, Ca 95695
530-661-5816

City of Yuba City
www.yubacity.net
Building Inspection Division
1201 Civic Center Blvd.
Yuba City, Ca 95993
530-822-4629

El Dorado County
www.co.el-dorado.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
2850 Fairlane Ct.
Placerville, Ca 95667
530-621-5567

Nevada County
www.co.nevada.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
950 Maidu Ave., 1st floor
Nevada City, Ca 95959
530-265-1444

Placer County
www.pacer.ca.gov/building
Building Inspection Division
11424 B Ave.
Auburn, Ca 95603
530-889-7487

City of Placerville
www.ci.placerville.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
487 Main Street
Placerville, Ca 95667
530-642-5200

City of Rancho Cordova
www.cityofranchocordova.org
Building & Safety Department
2729 Prospect Drive
Rancho Cordova, Ca 95670
916-851-8760

City of Rocklin
www.rocklin.ca.gov
Building Inspection Division
3970 Rocklin Rd.
Rocklin, Ca 95677-2720
916-625-5120

City of Roseville
www.roseville.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
231 Vernon St.
Roseville, Ca 95678
916-774-5332

City of Sacramento
www.cityofsacramento.org
Building Inspection Division
300 Richards Blvd.
Sacramento CA, 95811
916-808-5656

City of West Sacramento
www.ci.west-sacramento.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
1951 South River Rd.
West Sacramento, Ca 95691
916-373-5822

San Joaquin County
www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
1810 E. Hazelton Ave.
Stockton, Ca 95205
209-468-3121

Yolo County
www.yolocounty.org
Building Inspection Division
292 E. Beamer Street
Woodland, Ca 95695
530-666-8775

Yuba County
www.co.yuba.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
938 14th Street
Marysville, Ca 95901
530-741-6266

Sutter County
www.co.sutter.ca.us
Building Inspection Division
1160 Civic Center Blvd., Suite E
Yuba City, Ca 95993
530-822-7405

Sacramento County
www.msa.saccounty.net/buildinginspection
827 7th Street, Room 102
Sacramento, Ca 95814

4101 Branch Center Rd.
Sacramento, Ca 95827
875-5296

Tel.: 916-991-2379
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