Process Guides
Forms & Specifications
Fee Information
FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

	Where can I research the laws of the City of Chula Vista?
	In the City's Municipal Code CV Municipal Code
	How can I make a code enforcement complaint?
	In the Code Enforcement Section
	I want to make a complaint to the City about illegal activity but don’t know which department to contact.
	If the problem is about animals, contact Animal Control If the problem is a potential fire hazard, please contact the Fire Department If the problem is about people performing illegal acts that are not an immediate threat to public safety, please contact the Police Dept. If the problem concerns property such as building without a permit, contact Code Enforcement If the problem concerns business license requirements, home occupation licenses, and garage sales contact the Finance Dept.
	My landlord is not making repairs to my rental unit.
	Contact the State of California to learn more about Landlord laws. CA Consumer Affairs If the issue is not resolved through exercising your tenant rights then file a Code Enforcement complaint.Chula Vista Code Enforcement
	What is the zoning on my property and how does that affect my use of the property?
	Contact Zoning Information
	I am opening a new business in Chula Vista. Does the location of the property affect my business?
	Yes, understanding the zoning designations within the City is an important step when choosing a successful location for your business Contact Zoning Information
	I want to have a garage sale. Does the City regulate them?
	Yes, garage sales require a free permit which must be filed with the Development Services Counter in person or by fax @ (619) 585-5681. Garage Sale Permit Form
	Can I have a business in my home? Are there special rules for home-based businesses?
	Yes, home-based businesses are restricted to specific business types so that the residential character of the neighborhood is preserved. Contact Finance Dept. Planning Dept.
	Someone is using my trash cans for their trash. Is this illegal?
	Yes, violations can be reported to the Police Department only if the act is witnessed and the offender can be positively identified. Contact the Police Department
	My neighbor’s trees are growing over my property. My neighbor’s new fence was installed on my property. My neighbor’s yard drains into my yard.
	These are private property disputes that must be addressed between you and your neighbor and are not enforceable by the City.
	Where do I find the building codes for the City of Chula Vista.
	The building codes are printed through a private company and are not available online. The building codes adopted by the City of Chula Vista are listed hereAdopted Building Codes
	Is it a violation for more than one family or a large group of people to live in one house?
	No, it is not a violation by itself. The State of California recognizes many different kinds of families and allows them to live together as a family group. However, Landlords do have the right to limit the number of people living in a rented unit.
	Is it a violation for a vehicle to be parked on the street for long periods of time without being moved?
	Yes. Vehicles may not be parked on a City street for periods of more than 72 hours. If the vehicle is there longer than 72 hours it can be reported to the Police Department.
	I want to advertise my Open House. Can I put signs in the public right of way to direct traffic towards the address?
	Yes, the City offers two options for open house signs. One option allows five unregistered signs that can be placed on private property to advertise the open house. You must get the landowner’s permission to install the signs and there are other restrictions as well. The second option is to register as many signs as you require with the City for a small fee. Registered signs may be placed in the public right of way but there are restrictions as to the location and manner of placement. The Municipal Code provides the information you need to know for correct use of signs. (a href=http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/chulavista_html.html>Municipal Code
	I want to advertise my business with additional signs, pennants and a gorilla balloon. Can I put more signs up to get attention?
	Sorry, no gorillas allowed. The Municipal Code regulates all signage to preserve the appearance of the City and to prevent unfair business practices. The Municipal Code provides the information you need to know for correct use of permanent signs, temporary signs and special events signs. Municipal Code
	I see a lot of signs in the public right of way, illegal signs and even a gorilla balloon. What gives?
	There are more businesses than Code Enforcement Officers. We need your help to enforce the sign codes by educating yourself and your fellow business owners and by reporting violations to Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement Dept.
	I hear a lot about foreclosed properties in Chula Vista. I have a vacant residence in my neighborhood that is an eyesore. Is there something the City can do about it?
	Yes, by filling out the online form you can report this home to the Code Enforcement Residential Abandoned Property team (RAP).The RAP program is designed to force the banks who now control or own the property to maintain it to neighborhood standards. Abandoned Property Registration
	I want to eliminate commercial vehicles from parking in my residential neighborhood. What can I do?
	Traffic Engineering is responsible for how the streets are used within the City. Contact them for information about red curbs, no parking zones, and traffic lights that are badly timed. Engineering Dept.
	How can I help the City of Chula Vista a better place to live and work?
	The City has several areas where volunteers are encouraged. To find out about volunteer programs in Code Enforcement, Recreation, Police Department, and Animal Control contact the individual departments where your interest lies. Contact Human Resources to submit a Volunteer application. Human Resources Dept.
	Can I store a wrecked or partially dismantled or inoperable (non-running) vehicle at my home?
	Yes, but it must be stored completely inside a garage or behind solid fence. Wrecked, partially dismantled and/or inoperable (non-running) vehicles are subject to Code Enforcement action if they are stored in driveways, front yards or other areas visible from the street. Code Enforcement
	Where can I report conditions that I feel are violations at a Mobile Home/Trailer Park?
	Code Enforcement Dept.
	I want to make a complaint to the City about illegal activity but don’t know which department to contact.
	If the problem is about animals/ animals making noise/ farm animals maintained inside the City limits/ please contact Animal Control. Animal Control If the problem is a potential fire hazard such as high and dry weeds please contact the Fire Department. Fire Dept. If the problem is about people performing illegal acts that are not an immediate threat to public safety such as scavenging items out of trash dumpsters please contact the Police Department. Police Dept. If the problem concerns property such as building without a permit or allowing a building to become unsafe or a zoning use on the property please contact Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement
	Which Building codes are currently in effect?
	See “CODES IN EFFECT AS OF Jan. 1, 2008” Form 4608 Building Codes
	What seismic zone and wind speed should I design for?
	The City of Chula Vista is in Seismic Zone 4, and 85 MPH wind speed.
	How long will it take to plan check my project?
	Actual turn-around times fluctuate due to fluctuations in workload and resources. Therefore, at the time of submittal, inquire at the building counter for the turnaround time for your project. Plan Review
	How long is a plan check application good for?
	The plan check application expires 180 days after date of application if a building permit is not issued within the 180 days. A one-time 180 day extension may be granted for good cause.
	How do I schedule an inspection?
	See Building Inspection Section
	When is a building permit required?
	No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in the City of Chula Vista or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate permit for each such building or structure from the building official except as follows: Work Exempt From Building Permits
	Do I need a permit to build a fence around my property?
	A building permit is not required for fences up to 72 inches and freestanding masonry walls up to 48 inches in height above the highest adjacent grade. However, you must check with the Planning Division on Zoning regulations applicable to fences. For more information see Form 4604 Wood & Masonry Fences
	Who is authorized to pull a building permit?
	·Licensed contractor ·Property owner (Owner/Builder form completed by property owner is required prior to issuing a permit.) ·Agent for a licensed contractor (Authorization letter from the contractor is required prior to issuance.) ·Agent for the property owner (An authorization letter from the owner and an Owner/Builder form from the property owner is required prior to issuing a permit.)
	How do I contact my inspector or find out what time the inspector will arrive on site?
	You can reach our Building Inspectors by calling (619) 409-5868 between the hours of 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
	What is required to get a “FINAL” inspection approval?
	For new residential and commercial projects, final approval will be granted after all of the following conditions are met: a) All required inspections have been approved. b) Final documents package complete and given to the Building Inspector. -Copy of electrical circuit card -Insulation certification -Roof covering certification -Soils report -Inspection of post-tension cables, prior to pour (if applicable) -Inspection of foundation during pour (if applicable) -Post-tension cable stress report -Post-tension cable gauge results -Concrete PSI breakage reports thru 28 days -Copies of RFI’s and Engineer’s fixes -Final report of completion from all special inspection programs -Glu-Lam beam certificationsq All plan changes have been approved -Structural Observation reports from Engineer of Record when required -Otay Water District Certification of Potable Water, when the water service is provided by OWD. -Title 24 Energy Compliance forms. CF6R & CF4R when required -Title 24 Acceptance forms Commercial Projectsc) Approval from Fire, Planning, Engineering and Finance as required.
	The utility company has shut off my gas due to a leak. How do I get it turned back on?
	If a gas leak requires repair or replacement of the gas line, a “minor work permit” is required from the Building Division. After a permit has been issued and the Building Inspector has inspected and approved the gas line, the inspector will notify the utility company to release the gas. The permit applicant is then responsible for calling the utility to schedule for the gas to be turned on.
	What is a Plot/Site Plan?
	HOW TO PREPARE A RESIDENTIAL PLOT PLAN
	What needs to be inspected and at what stage of the project do I need to call for specific inspections?
	See Required Inspections List
	How do I get my gas or electric meter released?
	Gas and electric meters are generally released upon completion of the project and obtaining “Final” approval. After “Final” approval, the building inspector will notify the utility company to release the gas and electric meters. The permit applicant is then responsible for calling the utility company to schedule for the meters to be set.
	I am installing a sink/other plumbing fixtures in my back yard. Do I need a permit? Is it legal to use the yard drains for these fixtures?
	Yes, a permit is required. No, it is not legal to use the yard drains for these fixtures. The plumbing code requires that all plumbing fixtures that discharge liquid wastes or sewage shall be connected properly to the drainage system of the building or premises and be connected to a public or private sewer system.
	How will I be contacted when plan check is completed?
	Staff will contact the applicant by phone.
	Is a Chula Vista Business License required to pull a building permit?
	Licensed contractors are required to obtain a Chula Vista Business License before pulling a building permit.
	What is special inspection?
	Special inspections are inspections required in addition to those performed by the Building Inspection Section. The Special Inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of the Building Official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
	What types of work require Special Inspection?
	Special Inspectors shall be employed by the owner, the engineer or architect of record, or an agent of the owner, but shall not be employed by the contractor or person responsible for the work.
	What are the duties and responsibilities of the Special Inspector?
	The Special Inspector shall observe the work assigned for conformance to the approved design drawings and specifications. The Special Inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the Building Official and the engineer or architect of record. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction, then, if uncorrected, to the proper design authority and the Building Official. The Special Inspector shall submit a final signed report stating whether the work requiring special inspection was, to the best of the inspector’s knowledge, in conformance to the approved plans and specifications and the applicable workmanship provisions of the California Building Code.
	Who is qualified to perform special inspection in the City of Chula Vista?
	“Special Inspection Instructions” Form 4546
	What is the city’s policy regarding reinspections and reinspection fees?
	It is the city’s policy to inspect each stage of work once. Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the work to be inspected is not ready for the inspection, the inspection record card is not on site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection was requested or from deviating from the plans. It is not to be interpreted that reinspection fees will be required the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but to control the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
	What fees are due when the plans are submitted?
	A plan check fee is required to submit plans into plan check.
	What happens after payment of the plan check fee?
	The plans will be routed to the appropriate city departments for review.
	How do I check the status on my plan check?
	·Call 619-409-5434 ·Press 4 for Plan Review Information ·Enter the Permit Type: Building [1], sign [2], or New Residential Dwelling Units [3] ·Enter the six-digit Plan Check Number, including any zeros.
	Where can I get information on building plan check and permit fees?
	“Fee Information” http://www.chulavistaca.gov/City_Services/Development_Services/Planning_Building/Development_Services_Center/Fee_Info.asp>
	Fees, fee, permit fee, plan check fee
	Building Department Fees for new construction are available on the city website
	Can I fax in my application for a garage sale permit?
	Yes, the permit may be faxed to the number at the top of the form.