San Marcos, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 010 adopts the 2025 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2, by reference, and adds stricter fire-resistive construction standards because of the City's hillside vegetation and Santa Ana wind conditions. Sec. 2(1) to exempt only "one story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet," explicitly excluding patios, workshops, garages, habitable spaces or recreational uses from that exemption, meaning anything larger or put to those uses needs a permit.

The same section defines a "Major Remodel," where an existing building is removed and replaced down to the slab and foundation, as a new building subject to the latest adopted codes, zoning ordinance and fee schedule. Permit applicants who are not the property or building owner must submit a letter of permission from the owner before a permit can issue (Sec. 9), and no permit issues until all other required development approvals are in hand, the project complies with the Code, and required grading or public improvements are complete or secured (Sec.

10). m. m. Saturday, with no work on Sundays or City holidays, though the City Manager may waive or modify those hours (Sec. 11). Moving an existing building into or within the City also requires its own permit under Sec. 8, including a termite-free certificate and a 180-day deadline to complete required conformance work.