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Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel FAQ
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel Information
Kitchens and bathrooms are key areas of energy usage and potential moisture issues. Having a licensed and knowledgeable contractor obtain the proper permits and inspections will help to ensure the work is done correctly. Submit for review using E-Submittal Portal.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, you will need to obtain a permit for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Non-structural projects that do not involve any structural changes, such as opening up walls, moving wall studs, or moving beams can be submitted over-the-counter or by submitting plans or a sketch using the guidelines provided below, and submit an application via email to buildingsafety@rpvca.gov or simply stop by in-person during normal business hours.
What inspections do I need?
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Roughs
- Framing/ Insulation
- Drywall / Interior Lath* / Shower Pan*
- Final
- Required Inspections
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Roughs: While walls are still open & Any MEP work has been completed
- Framing /Insulation: When applicable
- Drywall/ Interior Lath*/ Shower Pan*: Drywall Nailing, Backing & Waterproofing for Tile, Shower Pan is waterproofed
- Final: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, torque new breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) test, All Fixtures installed.
* = Bathrooms only.
Handouts with More Information
Architectural
Final bathroom ceiling height shall be not less than 6 feet, 8 inches. CRC R305.1
Bathroom glazing located within 60” horizontally from the tub/shower, and with a sill lower than 60“above the standing surface, shall be tempered glass. CRC R308.4
Mechanical
New environmental air ducts, vents and exhaust ducts shall not terminate less than 3 feet from a property line or opening into the building; and shall also be located at least 10 feet from a forced air inlet. CMC 502.2.1
An exhaust fan shall be provided near the tub and/or shower that is separate from a fan in a water closet enclosure that has a door. The enclosure’s fan will be rendered ineffective at controlling humidity with the door shut. CRC R303.3.1
Electrical
Light fixtures located within 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold shall be listed for a damp location, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray. CEC 410.10(D)
Bathroom receptacles shall comply with the following requirements:
At least one dedicated 20-amp circuit shall serve the bathroom outlets. CEC 210.11(C)(3)
At least one receptacle shall be located within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin and on the wall that is adjacent to the basin. CEC 210.52(D)
All receptacles shall be GFCI-protected and tamper-resistant. CEC 210.8(A)(1) and 406.12
All knob and tube wiring that is exposed when walls are opened is to be removed back to the attic or under floor accessible spaces and spliced in a junction box with Romex, or other approved wiring method, to be run back to the original location. Knob and tube boxes must be replaced to accommodate new wiring type.
No electrical panels shall be located in the bathroom. CEC 240.24(E)
Plumbing
Proposed shower improvements shall comply with the following:
When replacing a tub with a shower, the drainpipe diameter shall be at least 2” and maintain the minimum 2” drain system to the sewer system. CPC 702.1
A proposed enclosure door shall open to maintain not less than a 22-inch unobstructed egress opening. CPC 408.5
A new shower compartment shall have a minimum finished interior of 1,024 in2 and shall be capable of encompassing 30-inch circle. These dimensions shall be maintained to a point of not less than 70 inches above the shower. CPC 408.6
Compartment walls shall be finished with a nonabsorbent surface (e.g., ceramic tile, fiberglass, etc.) over a moisture resistant underlayment (e.g., water resistant gypsum board, green board, etc.) to a height of 6 feet above the floor. WR gyp board shall be permitted on ceilings. WR gyp board shall not be installed over Class I or II vapor retarder in a shower or tub compartment. CRC R307.2 and R702.3.7
Proposed or relocated water closets shall be located in a minimum 30” wide clear space, no closer than 15 inches from the center to the sidewall, with 24” clear in front of the water closet. CPC 402.5
Plumbing waste vents shall terminate not less than 10 feet from, or not less than 3 feet above, an openable window, door, opening, air intake or vent shaft, or not less than 3 feet in every direction from a lot line, alley and street excepted. CPC 906.2
Provide individual control valves of the pressure balance, thermostatic or combination pressure/balance/ thermostatic mixing valve type. These shall be installed at the point of use in accordance with ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.1016/CSA B125.16 or ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1. CPC 408.3
T-24 Energy
Recessed luminaries shall be IC- and AT- rated, accessible from below the ceiling and JA8 compliant. CA Energy Code 150.0(k)1C
A vacancy sensor shall control at least one luminaire in each bathroom. CA Energy Code 150.0(k)2J
Most LED lighting is NOT high efficacy. All high efficacy lighting (fluorescent, LED) and GU-24 lamp holders shall be listed by Energy Commission and shall meet the requirement of Energy Code Table 150.0-A.
CALGreen
Bathroom exhaust fans shall be energy star-rated with a minimum 50 cfm (intermittent) or 20 cfm (continuous) venting directly to the outside, with humidity (50-80%) control. CRC R303.3.1 and CGBSC 4.506.1
Plumbing fixtures shall comply with the prescriptive maximum flow rates required by CALGreen 4.303.1:
Showerheads ≤1.8 gallon per minute (gpm) @ 80psi
Lavatory faucet ≤1.2 gpm @ 60psi
Water closet ≤1.28 gallons per flush
When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time. CALGreen 4.303.1.3.2
Structural
Bathroom alterations typically do not involve structural changes. However, the following shall be considered when applicable:
Load bearing wall changes
Specifications and details for new wall framing and top/sole plate connections
Wider window openings
Mechanical
New environmental air ducts, vents and exhaust ducts shall not terminate less than 3 feet from a property line or opening into the building; and shall also be located at least 10 feet from a forced air inlet. CMC 502.2.1
If proposed, a new kitchen exhaust fan shall be comply with the minimum exhaust rates prescribed in CMC Table 403.7
Electrical
Kitchen receptacle shall comply with the following requirements:
Those serving kitchen counter tops shall be GFCI/AFCI protected and tamper resistant. CEC 210.8(A)(6), 210.12(A) and 406.12
For kitchen and dining area counter spaces wider than 12,” no such point along the counter wall shall be over 24” from a receptacle. CEC 210-52(c)
Countertop receptacles shall be located no more than 18” above the counter surface, and cannot be installed face-up. CEC 210-8(a) (7) and 210-52(c) (5)
A kitchen island and/or peninsula counter shall have at least one receptacle mounted not more than 12” below the countertop, and shall not be located where the countertop extends more than 6” beyond its support base. CEC 210-52(c) (2), 210-52(c) (3), and 210-52(c) (5) exception
Two or more small appliance branch circuits are required for the kitchen and are limited to supplying wall and counter space outlets for the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room or similar areas, including the refrigerator. Note: These circuits cannot serve outside plugs, range hood, disposals, dishwashers or microwaves. CEC 210-11(C)(1) and 210-52 (B)
All knob and tube wiring that is exposed when walls are opened is to be removed back to the attic or under floor accessible spaces and spliced in a junction box with Romex, or other approved wiring method, to be run back to the original location. Knob and tube boxes must be replaced to accommodate new wiring type.
Plumbing
A proposed kitchen island sink requires an island fixture (i.e., loop) vent. CPC 909.
Plumbing waste vents shall terminate not less than 10 feet from, or not less than 3 feet above, an openable window, door, opening, air intake or vent shaft, or not less than 3 feet in every direction from a lot line, alley and street excepted. CPC 906.2
T-24 Energy
Recessed luminaries shall be IC- and AT- rated, accessible from below the ceiling and JA8 compliant. CA Energy Code 150.0(k)1C
Most LED lighting is NOT high efficacy. All high efficacy lighting (fluorescent, LED) and GU-24 lamp holders shall be listed by Energy Commission and shall meet the requirement of Energy Code Table 150.0-A.
CALGreen
Kitchen and utility faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of ≤1.8 gpm @ 60psi per CALGreen 4.303.1.
Structural
Kitchen alterations typically do not involve structural changes. However, the following shall be considered if applicable:
Load bearing wall changes
Specifications and details for new wall framing and top/sole plate connections
Wider window openings
Contact Us
-
Questions or Concerns?
Building Division
Tel: (310) 544-5280
Email:buildingsafety@rpvca.gov
David Rasor
Building Official
Email:drasor@rpvca.gov
Submit For Review
E-Trakit - Basic permits ( OTC)
GoPost - Plan Check Review - Structural or Extensive Projects
Inspection Request
Tel: (310) 544-5279
Office Location
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 5:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Allowable Construction Hours
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday or State and Federal Legal Holidays:
No work allowed, unless a Special Construction Permit is obtained from the director. Said permit must be requested at least 48 hours before work.
Staff Directory
Contact Us
-
Questions or Concerns?
Building Division
Tel: (310) 544-5280
Email:buildingsafety@rpvca.gov
David Rasor
Building Official
Email:drasor@rpvca.gov
Submit For Review
E-Trakit - Basic permits ( OTC)
GoPost - Plan Check Review - Structural or Extensive Projects
Inspection Request
Tel: (310) 544-5279
Office Location
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 5:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Allowable Construction Hours
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday or State and Federal Legal Holidays:
No work allowed, unless a Special Construction Permit is obtained from the director. Said permit must be requested at least 48 hours before work.
Staff Directory