What is considered a substantial remodel?
The definition of a Substantial Remodel differs by town:
Ross
Ross has not modified the California State Fire Code to include a different Substantial Remodel definition. Contact the Ross Building Department for questions regarding how this affects construction projects.
Town of San Anselmo and Town of Fairfax
Substantial Remodel shall mean the renovation of any structure, which combined with any additions to the structure, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent of the existing floor area of the structure within any 12 month period. When any changes are made in the building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, piles or retaining walls or similar components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included in computing floor areas for the purpose of applying this definition. This definition does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings, repair or replacement of foundations, the installation of energy efficient windows of like size, or the removal of interior wall coverings solely for the installation of insulation.
County of Marin (applicable only to properties in the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District)
"Substantial remodel", as used herein, is the renovation of any structure, which, combined with any additions to the structure, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent of the existing floor area of the structure within any thirty-six-month period. When any changes are made in the building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles or retaining walls or similar components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included in computing floor areas for purpose of applying this definition. This definition does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings.
