Building Permits in Bradley, CA

A small accessory concrete slab (walkway, patio pad, small equipment pad) of 200 square feet or less at grade is exempt from a building permit. Larger slabs that will support a future structure or are part of a building foundation fall under the building permit. Stormwater BMPs may apply per CALGreen for impervious surfaces over a threshold, especially given runoff into the Salinas River watershed.

A freestanding deck not more than 30 inches above grade and not more than 200 square feet is exempt from a building permit under 2025 CRC R105.2 plus CA amendments effective 2026-01-01. Monterey County zoning setbacks still apply (verify with RMA Building Services at (831) 755-5025). VHFHSZ parcels (much of the rural south county chaparral and oak woodland near Lake San Antonio and Camp Roberts is in CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area): Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials may still apply to deck materials and the surrounding 5-foot ember zone.

Fences 7 feet or less are exempt from a building permit under 2025 CRC R105.2 plus CA amendments. Monterey County zoning regulates fence height (typically 4 feet front-yard, 6 feet rear/side) and setbacks. VHFHSZ defensible space rules under PRC 4291 may restrict combustible fences within 5 feet of structures (use non-combustible material in the ember zone), which is a common concern on the agricultural and ranch parcels around Bradley.

An at-grade uncovered concrete or paver patio is exempt from a building permit. Adding a cover, roof, or screen enclosure turns the covered area into an accessory structure requiring a building permit. CALGreen and county zoning may regulate impervious surface coverage and stormwater runoff into the Salinas River watershed.

A retaining wall 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, without surcharge, is exempt from a building permit under 2025 CRC R105.2. Drainage and erosion control remain the owner's responsibility. High seismic conditions and the rolling terrain along the Salinas River and the Lake San Antonio foothills make careful drainage design especially important.