Planning a Building Project in Alameda?

Planning a Building Project in Alameda? The City of Alameda’s Community Development Department has listed the most common building projects and the permit fees on line.

The goal is to simplify forecasting expenses and make the building projects process easier. The building department has recently posted an article by Greg McFann, City Building Official called “Why Do I Need to Get a Permit?” online in an effort to make the building process easier. You can still obtain fee charts and ask questions at the permit center in City Hall at 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190.

People who are planning a building project may have heard horror stories about the difficulty in getting a permit and finding that they have to pay additional fees as the project gets underway. According to the McFann “the permit and inspection process is in place to assure everyone’s adherence to minimum standards to safeguard life and limb and property and public welfare and to uphold the design standards of the community.” Meaning the rules are not excessive and if there are requirements which seem unrealistic, they are simply to ensure the safety of the public.

If you are planning a building project, be sure to go online first to have your questions answered. The Building Department is making an effort to be more user friendly.

Alameda is a wonderful island community. It is known for its fine, tree lined streets, lovely neighborhoods and beautiful Victorian homes. If you are planning a building project and need help finding people to help you, call me at 510-504-5612 for a free list of resources in Alameda.

Alameda Income Property - Market Report 2011

Alameda Income Property During 2011 remained pretty steady at about 20 to 25 properties on the market. There was a slight rise in January 2011 to nearly 35 properties for sale.

Pending Alameda Income Properties peaked to 7 pending properties in September 2011 and ended the year with 4 properties pending at the end of the year.

Alameda Income Property Sales are all over the place, from 3 properties sold in January, 2011 down to 1 property in the months of April and August, 2011. November was a good month for income properties sales with 7 closing that month.

Currently there are 12 income properties on the market. 3 have been on the market for over a year, 3 on the market for over 6 months. This might be a good time for a serious investor to make an offer on an income property. The owner may be ready to sell their property.

Victorian Triplex in Alameda

Alameda is a wonderful island community. It is known for its fine, tree lined streets, lovely neighborhoods and beautiful Victorian homes. Call me at 510-504-5612 or go to my website for Income Property now for sale in Alameda.

Alameda Condos - Market Report 2011

Alameda Condos – Market Report 2011

During the year the number of condos for sale peaked in June 2011 at just shy of 65 units trailing off to number about 37 available condos for sale in December 2011.

Alameda Condos – Market Report 2011 In December 2010 six condos sold. The condo market was very quiet with only one sale in each month from January to March. In April there was a slow increase in sales of condos. The year ended with nine condos selling December 2011.

Alameda Condos – Market Report 2011 As of January, 2012 there are 18 condos on the market in Alameda nearly half the amount on the market at the beginning of 2011.

The prices range from a 125,900 to a high $515,000. The average number of days on the market is 132.

Alameda Condos – Market Report 2011 I was showing condos today and there seemed to be lot of buyers looking. Let’s hope that looking turns into buying. Now is a good time to look for condos in Alameda, please visit my website.

Choosing Your Post Content

Choosing Your Post Content. We are told that we should write about what we know. Well I know my local community. Consequently, I write many localism posts.

Tree Lined Streets in My Community

Ideas for your localism post’s content will seem to appear magically as you walk or drive around your community. I have written posts about historical buildings, local parks, schools, events, restaurants, businesses and especially the many lovely neighborhoods in my community. Since I live in the community I serve, I can take my own pictures and videos to add interest to my posts.

Lovely Tilden Mansion in Alameda's Gold Coast

Choosing Your Post Content should include market reports for the communities you serve. I set a goal to write a market report every week. I am experimenting with different styles of reports so each week’s report has an unique appearance. As with my other localism posts, I take lots of pictures to supplement and add interest to the market reports.

Alameda Classic Car Show in October, 2011

Choosing Your Post Content may include writing a post every Friday about “Things to Do in My City”. I rank very well on Google for these posts. I enjoy providing a service to everyone who lives in my community. All of my localism posts are sent to my Facebook business page.

Understanding the Building Permit Process in Alameda

Understanding the Building Permit Process, according to the City’s website “Do I Need to Get a Permit” these are the home repairs which Do Not Need a permit:

Building Permit Process Exempt Projects:

• One-story detached accessory structures used provided the floor does not exceed 120 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 (one and two family homes) and U (garages) occupancies
• Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height

The Building Permit Process Electrical Permit Exemptions:

Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

The Building Permit Process Plumbing Permit Exemptions:

The stopping of leaks in provided that if any concealed pipe must be removed and replaced with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made

The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and removal and re-installation of water closets (toilets), provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Come to the meeting on Thursday, January 26 and ask McFann question about whether the building permit process may affect your new project.

Alameda is a wonderful island community. It is known for its fine, tree lined streets, lovely neighborhoods and beautiful Victorian homes. Call me at 510-504-5612 for a free list of events in Alameda.