To apply for a permit,
provide the following information to the alteration department at:

Mutual Operations Division (MOD)
800 Rockview Drive.
988-7600

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alterations

The alteration procedure may seem a little daunting at first, but if you follow the few simple rules, you'll be enjoying your upgrade or remodel in no time. After you decide what your alteration will be, to be on the safe side contact MOD Alteration Department at 988-7660 and make sure what you want to do is allowed.

Third Walnut Creek Mutual has several policies which speak to alterations. You can download the current policies and procedures manual here.

Policy 51	Alterations Generally
Policy 52	Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Policy 53	Balcony and Entryway Floor Coverings
Policy 54	Enclosures
Policy 55	Hose Bibbs
Policy 56	Owner Maintained Gardens
Policy 57	Spas
Policy 58	Stepping Stones
Policy 59	Hard Surfaced Flooring
Policy 61	Solar Energy Systems

An alteration permit (see bar, left) is required anytime you alter the architectural, mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing systems, including but not limited to additions, bathrooms, baseboard, crown molding and kitchens. This requirement also applies to the installation of items to the exterior of the unit such as doors, shades, skylights and windows, heat pumps and air conditioners. In addition, acoustic ceiling and vinyl floor tile removal require an asbestos test certificate.

The length of time it takes for the permit to go through the approval process depends on how complete the required information is when presented to the Mutual Operations Building Inspector and if the project needs neighbor approval. After the Building Inspector reviews the alteration plans they are forwarded to the Board Office for review by the specific Project Director and then the Third Mutual Alteration Review Committee. After review by Third Mutual the Alteration Application is returned to MOD and an approved or disapproved notice will be mailed to the manor owner.

Bring your contractor(s) proposal detailing the scope of work, any brochures, picture(s) and floor/unit site drawings which are necessary to help identify the location of the alteration.

Have a copy of your contractor’s and their sub-contractors state license and certificate of liability insurance.

You may need architectural drawings based on the proposal.

Your contractor must provide a standard notification notice to your neighbors. Samples are available at MOD. Your building must also be noticed if water or electricity will be turned off.

Mutual Operations will not be able to accept or process your application until ALL the required information is received. No work may commence without an alteration permit which has been approved by Third Mutual.

In most cases you will need a City of Walnut Creek permit.

Only the Owner(s) of record listed with the Golden Rain Foundation are allowed to apply for an alteration permit. Contractors are not allowed to facilitate the paperwork on behalf of the member unless the member provides written power of attorney to the contractor.

As a condition of approval for your alteration you are asked to sign an alteration agreement and agree to the following:

1. To arrange proper installation, repair, and restorations that have been approved, holding the Mutual and/or the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) harmless from any costs of work or work-related activities through completion of construction of the improvements.

2. To take all reasonable steps to assure existence of and take responsibility for maintaining a weatherproof condition of any alteration, improvement or modification, or of the connection of same to any existing structure.

3. To maintain adequate insurance coverage to satisfy indemnification, hold harmless and other obligations created by this application.

4. To maintain the improvement in good repair and appearances as may from time to time be required by the Mutual, and to restore the premises to its pre-existing condition if so required by the Mutual.

5. To pay any damages for injury of loss of property of others (including Mutual(s)) and any damages for injuries to, or death of any person or persons, arising by reason of the construction and to hold the Mutual and/or GRF harmless there from; and to indemnify GRF, the Mutual and the officers, agents and employees of each of the foregoing, against any liability for any cost, damage, loss or injury or death or cost of defense necessitated by claims therefore not covered by any of the preceding paragraphs.

6. To agree to execute any documents that might be required to assure that the preceding paragraphs are satisfied, including any recordable document addressing maintenance, insurance, removal of improvement, indemnification, or any other conditions covenants and restrictions required in a recorded document to give constructive notice of an obligation arising by this agreement.

7. To assure that all work is completed in a good and workmanlike manner and before the expiration of any permits, and to comply with each and every condition of the permits, with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. The permit expires six (6) months after issue date.

8. To dispose of all alteration debris as part of contract work. Residents and/or contractors may NOT use the Mutual or GRF dumpsters to dispose of alteration debris.

9. To keep Mutual properties continuously clean and free of dirt and construction debris. Storage of equipment and materials on Mutual’s property is prohibited.

10. To obtain any city or governmental agency permits required and provide Mutual(s) and/or its managing agent a copy for permanent records.

11. To pay such costs that might be involved in removal of the improvement to facilitate any construction work which is the obligation of the association in the event it is necessary to remove the improvement in order for the Mutual to fulfill its obligation.

12. To allow reasonable access to the property to allow inspections to be arranged by the Mutual and/or its managing agent in cases where the Mutual and/or its managing agent determine that it is prudent to have such an inspection or inspections arranged.

13. To inform the subsequent buyer of your manor of any alterations for which you are responsible and of the buyers responsibility related to the maintenance, upkeep, and liability with regard to the alteration.

14. To employ only contractors who shall fulfill all license and insurance requirements imposed on such contractors before commencing work.

The Resident is responsible for sufficiency of plans and specifications, obtaining city permits, compliance with building codes, selection of contractor, and performance of work, and shall not rely on the Mutual, its management or staff in any manner.

No work is to begin until permit fee has been paid and permit issued.

Any changes during the course of the alteration need prior approval before commencing.

Notification to neighbor(s) as to when work is to begin and end with contractor’s name and phone number.

When work has been completed, notify inspection department at 988-7600 to schedule an appointment for final inspection.

You can research contractor status online at the Contractors State License Board web site www.cslb.ca.gov (Or for 24 Hour Licensing and Consumer Information call 1-800-321-2752.) The web site lists information on license status, insurance, disciplinary procedures, classification, and bonding and workers compensation. The Contractors State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 9821 Business Park Drive in Sacramento (P.O. Box 2600 Sacramento CA 95826). To contact the Investigative Fraud Team call 916-255-2924. When an alteration is completed call MOD Building Inspection at 988-7660 for the final inspection.

Once a permit has been approved and fees paid the permit is valid for a period of 6 months. Unless an extension is requested in advance and approved by the Mutual after six months the permit will become null and void. The Owner of Record will have to re-apply with the applicable fees imposed.