What is an "Unpermitted living Space"?

Unpermitted living Spaces such as garage conversions and unpermitted accessory units often do not meet minimum standards for health and safety. For example, the conversion of a garage to a bedroom without the benefit of building permits often results in unsafe living conditions. Frequently, illegal garage conversions do not meet building or fire codes (such as lack of egress windows, lack of proper electrical service plugs, lack of minimum natural light requirement and other health and safety concerns). They can also adversely affect on-street parking for the neighborhood. The addition of an accessory living unit (such as an in-law unit, etc) without the benefit of building permits often result in unsafe living conditions. Frequently, illegal accessory units do not meet building or fire codes (such as improper plumbing for kitchens and baths, lack of minimum ceiling height, and other health and safety concerns.) Report concerns regarding unpermitted construction to the Code Enforcement Officer via the online form, email, or call 510-215-4363.

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1. Can I defer submittal of fire suppression and fire alarm systems?
2. Who is responsible for obtaining the building permit?
3. How can a reputable contractor be located?
4. What is the Residential Rental Inspection Program?
5. Who do I call to complain about an animal nuisance?
6. Who do I call if I think construction work is being performed without required permits?
7. How do I report graffiti? Who is responsible to remove graffiti?
8. How do I report an illicit discharge?
9. What does the Code Enforcement Officer mean by "poor property maintenance"?
10. Who do I report Pool Maintenance concerns to?
11. What are "illegally placed signs"?
12. What is an "Unpermitted living Space"?
13. Who do I call to complain about vehicles parked on the street for too long?