Kitchen Permit Requirements
The on-line permit is available for properties in Sunnyvale with a residential zoning district.
Zoning district information is available on-line by clicking on E-Zoning.
The kitchen remodel permit will allow replacement of existing kitchen cabinets, counter tops, and
electrical/plumbing upgrades. A permit is required whenever kitchen cabinets are replaced or added.
No permit is needed for countertop replacement or re-facing of existing cabinets. Following are the
minimum requirements that must be met based on the 2007 California Building Codes:
-
Counter top receptacles shall be GFCI protected and located so that no point is more than 24-inches
from a receptacle outlet. Counter top areas with a minimum dimension of 12” in width shall be provided
with a receptacle. Receptacles shall be located no more than 20” above counter top. Islands/ peninsulas
shall have at least one receptacle. (CEC 210.52)
-
Above counter receptacles shall have two 20-amp small appliance branch circuits. Provide separate
circuits for the garbage disposal and the dishwasher. (CEC 210.11)
- Smoke detectors shall be provided in all sleeping rooms and adjacent hallways, multi-levels,
and basements. (CBC 907.2.10.2)
- A minimum of 50% of the total rated lighting wattage (based on the maximum allowed for each
fixture) shall be high efficiency fixtures (e.g. fluorescent).
The “Residential Kitchen Lighting Worksheet”
(which will be printed after the e-permit process is complete)
shall be completed and provided to the building
inspector at the rough electrical inspection. The following table defines the requirements for
high efficiency lighting (2005 California Energy Efficiency Standards Section 150):
| |
| HIGH EFFICIENCY LAMP REQUIREMENTS |
| Lamp Power Rating |
Minimum Lamp Efficiency |
| 15 watts or less |
40 lumens per watt |
| over 15 watts to 40 watts |
50 lumens per watt |
| over 40 watts |
60 lumens per watt |
|
The Kitchen Permit is NOT available on-line if you are:
- Removing or replacing walls.
- Removing or replacing windows.
|
If any of the above conditions apply, the permit shall be issued at the One-Stop
Permit Center, City Hall, 456 W Olive Avenue. Specific process information
is available at the
Building Division web site.
|
Inspections
-
A minimum of two inspections are required for kitchen remodels. A rough electrical inspection should be scheduled after the electrical boxes are installed and before any devices are connected. Any other structural, mechanical, or plumbing alterations should also be scheduled for a rough inspection. The final inspection should be scheduled after all the work is completed.
|
