Legalizing Unpermitted Addition from 80’s
I live in Oakland and just found out for sure that a two-story, 1200 sq ft-ish addition on the back of my house never got final inspections when it was built in the early 80’s. I’m optimistic that it was built to code at the time, since they did pull permits, but I am guessing that it would still take work to get it up to current code - it includes two bedrooms, laundry, a bathroom and a large bonus room/living area. I would like to get it legalized but I don’t know how to find out what that would cost. I’m guessing potentially a lot, and I don’t have a ton to throw at it right now. Can anyone help me figure out where to start, or recommend anyone that helped them with a similar project? I’m going to need cost estimates and someone who can draw up plans, help me get through inspections, etc.
Parent Replies
You should ask a contractor experienced in the California Building Code and working with Oakland's Planning and Building Departments to come and inspect the addition, and provide a quote for the cost. Also, and not to scare you too much, but Oakland has maximum floor-area ratio limits (i.e. the ratio of your house to the lot), and other Planning Code issues that might be implicated by an addition. The contractor you hire should check out Planning Code compliance issues as well. You might need a variance or other discretionary approval from the Planning Commission before you can file a building permit to bring the addition up to code. Good luck!