Draw Your Own Construction Plans

The State of California has laws defining who is allowed to design certain types of structures. I will list the applicable statutes for each category if you are interested in further information.

If your desire is to build your own house or shop, the law allows you to design and draw the plans yourself as long as you have the expertise and the design falls within the California Building Code guidelines for conventional wood-framed construction. So that said here is the list:

Architects may design any building of any type except: The structural portion of a hospital. Section 129805 of Health & Safety Code; Sections 5500.1, 6737 of Business & Professions Code.

Civil Engineers may design any building except: Hospitals and Public Schools. Applicable Statutes: Section 129805 of Health & Safety Code; Section 17302 of Education Code; Sections 5537.5, 6731, 6735 of Business & Professions Code.

Structural Engineers have no limitations; may design any building of any type. Applicable Statutes: Sections 6731, 6736, 5537.1 of Business & Professions Code.

Any Unlicensed Person (this includes the homeowner, contractor, draftsperson) is limited to design of:

->Single-family dwellings of wood-frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height.

->Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling unites of wood-frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height. Not more than four dwelling units per lot.

->Garages or other structures appurtenant to dwellings, of wood-frame construction not more than two stories and a basement in height.

->Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood-frame construction, unless the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved.

->Nonstructural or non-seismic store fronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment including nonstructural or non-seismic work necessary to provide for their installation.

->May not design any component that changes or affects the safety of any building, including but not limited to structural or seismic components. Applicable Statutes: Sections 5537, 5538, 6737.1 of Business & Professions Code.

So, there you have it. The next time a building department tells you that you cannot draw the plans for your new garage or shed, tell them to show you the code that says you can't, because you have the code that says you CAN.

house plans, garage plans and duplex plans

The questions that must be asked (not necessarily in this order) before you start your construction project are:

1. What is my property zoned? The answer to this question will tell you if you can build a single family dwelling on the property.

2. Is my property in a 100-year flood-zone? The answer to this question will determine if you must meet the local floodplain requirements. Information on flood-zones can be found http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/mscjumppage.shtm

3. What are the setback requirements?

4. Are there any street/road improvements required?

5. Do I need a septic system or domestic well, or are there public utilities available?

6. Are there any known soil conditions on or near my property that I should be aware of?

7. What is the seismic zone and wind-speed where my property located?

8. What climate zone is my property located?

9. Can you give me an estimate of the total fees that are due before I will be issued a building permit?

10. Are there any local amendments to the State Building Code that will affect my project? Be sure to get copies of these amendments. If the jurisdiction has not filed the amendments with the California State Building Standards Commission, they are not enforceable. But depending on what they are, this might not be worth fighting against.