Teardown and Rebuild?

Question

Hello,

I've done many permitted remodels and additions but not a complete teardown of a house to put up a new one but I think with this latest property, it makes more sense. It's a small 1/1 650 sq ft but built in 1925 with the foundation in complete disrepair.

Do I need to include teardown of the old house in my plans? Anything else I should be looking for when dealing with the city? Any other advise welcome too..

Thanks!

---Mike

Account Closed · Answer

You need to first find out from the city what you'd be allowed to build on that site. They may have new setback, zoning and height restrictions, etc. Also, the existing house may have lead and asbestos that you'll have to deal with prior to demolition.

The good news is that I think you're allowed to use recycled paper or cardboard for vents and drains in CA. :)

The good news is that I think you're allowed to use recycled paper or cardboard for vents and drains in CA.  :)

Mike Wood · Answer

@Mike Jones I think you will find that new construction is much different from renovation.  My experience is the city's pay much more attention to new construction that they do for renovation.

It might make sense to talk to a builder.

The permitting process is typically much more thorough, sometimes taking quite a bit of time and cost.

Mike Jones · Answer

I found out they use:

California Green Building Standards Code, 2013 edition

ABS and PVC pipe prohibited, great what do I use, cast iron for drains and vents? lol

Kyle Kingma · Answer

You'll definitely need to comply with the current setback regulations. However sometimes the front yard is determined by the block face (least setback on the street), so if it is in an older neighborhood, you could probably bring the building up closer than the typical 25 feet if the code allows.

Jo-Ann Lapin · Answer

I would go down to building and safety and sit with one of the city planners and get all the numbers that they will give to you. Just remember when you doing ground up they are on you more than a rehab and seem to just add on things that none could not imagine especially at the last minute.

Mike Jones · Answer

Now that I look at it closer, it's in the city's own guideline so it's in addition to:

http://www.sanleandro.org/depts/cd/bldg/bldgpermit...

about half way down click on the comIndNewAdd link and it's in a pdf

J Scott · Answer

Where do you see that in the code?

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&so...

Mike Jones · Answer

Yes, I forgot to mention this is in San Leandro CA

J Scott · Answer

You don't say what city, and that's going to be the driving factor behind all of your questions. Every municipality is going to have their own set of permits, codes and inspection requirements.

Teardown and Rebuild?

Most Popular Reply