On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Berkeley
Berkeley requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building or structure, and before erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, unless specifically exempt.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
Fences under 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated height-to-width ratio
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Certain shallow above-ground prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancies
Certain small detached-house decks not over 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Reinstallation of attachment-plug receptacles, same-location replacement of branch overcurrent devices, communications wiring/equipment, and other listed minor electrical repairs
Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work
Stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, and toilet removal/reinstallation where no concealed piping replacement or fixture rearrangement is required
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences under 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated height-to-width ratio
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Certain shallow above-ground prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancies
- Exempt Certain small detached-house decks not over 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt Reinstallation of attachment-plug receptacles, same-location replacement of branch overcurrent devices, communications wiring/equipment, and other listed minor electrical repairs
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work
- Exempt Stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, and toilet removal/reinstallation where no concealed piping replacement or fixture rearrangement is required
Note: Berkeley says all other work should be assumed to require a permit unless specifically listed as exempt. Even exempt work must still comply with the California Building Standards Code and Berkeley ordinances, and a zoning permit may still be required.
Required documents
- Complete application; project description and address; valuation; signed applicant/agent information; complete plan set; cover sheet; site plan with property-line distances; architectural details; structural plans; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design; energy and green compliance documentation; any required supporting forms/checklists; zoning materials if the project affects the exterior or otherwise triggers zoning review. In-person submittals must be PDF files on a USB drive; online submittals must be PDF uploads.
- Building code
- Berkeley requires compliance with the California Building Standards Code plus Berkeley local amendments. As of March 21, 2026, the current adopted package is the 2025 California Building Standards Code with Berkeley local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Berkeley also maintains additional local requirements such as gas shut-off valve rules, energy reach code provisions, green building rules, and natural-gas restrictions for new buildings.
- Permit validity
- Berkeley's current adopted building-code package states an application expires 365 days after filing if no permit is issued, with written extensions of up to 180 days each. A permit becomes invalid if work is not started within 12 months of issuance or is suspended/abandoned for 12 months after commencement; written extensions of up to 180 days each may be granted. New applications/plans are required for expired permits covering remaining work.
- Owner-builder
- Berkeley requires an Owner-Builder Verification before issuance when the permit is in the owner's name. The owner becomes the legally responsible party, must verify identity, and acknowledges employer/liability obligations and owner-builder sale limitations under California law.
- Contractor requirements
- Berkeley says applicants should use California-licensed contractors with a valid Berkeley business license. Contractors must list license numbers on permits/contracts, and owner-builders hiring others are responsible for verifying contractor licensure and workers' compensation coverage.
Source: City of Berkeley Permit Service Center, Planning and Development Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Minor over-the-counter plan checks can take about 30 minutes. Other plan checks may take several weeks. Berkeley also says plan checks can range from 30 minutes to several weeks.
- 01 Confirm whether the project needs only a building permit or also a zoning permit. Berkeley states exterior changes need zoning review in addition to plan check.
- 02 Prepare a complete submittal package. Typical items include permit forms, valuation, plan set, site plan, structural and architectural sheets, MEP design, and energy/green compliance documents.
- 03 Submit online through Permits Online for building permits, or make an appointment for in-person submittal at the Permit Service Center. Zoning permits follow a separate electronic or in-person process.
- 04 Pay initial filing and plan check fees. After intake, Berkeley assigns a permit number so the applicant can track comments, upload corrections, and respond online.
- 05 Complete plan check and any multi-agency review. If comments are issued, upload revised documents to the permit record or resubmit through the counter process.
- 06 Once approved and all fees are paid, Berkeley issues the permit. Keep the permit, approved plans, and job card on site.
- 07 Schedule required inspections during construction and all final inspections on the same day. Correct any failed items and reschedule reinspection if needed.
Typical processing time: Minor over-the-counter plan checks can take about 30 minutes. Other plan checks may take several weeks. Berkeley also says plan checks can range from 30 minutes to several weeks.
Source: City of Berkeley Permit Service Center, Planning and Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Berkeley building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150 base minimum building permit fee for valuation up to $3,000, effective July 1, 2025
02
Plan check fee
Regular plan check fee is 65% of the building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permit fee. Pre-approved ADU plan check fee is 50% of the regular plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fee is valuation-based at $2.40 per $100 of improvement value over $3,000, plus a $62.50 filing fee and other applicable discipline/agency surcharges. Berkeley's public fee estimator also notes other agency fees may apply depending on scope.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection is $250 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Permit extensions are $250 for the first extension and $500 for each additional extension. Application extensions are $250 for the first extension and $500 for the second and third. Work started before permit issuance is subject to a penalty of twice the permit fee for the unpermitted scope, in addition to permit fees.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Reinspection is $250 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Permit extensions are $250 for the first extension and $500 for each additional extension. Application extensions are $250 for the first extension and $500 for the second and third. Work started before permit issuance is subject to a penalty of twice the permit fee for the unpermitted scope, in addition to permit fees.
Berkeley accepts online payment by Visa, MasterCard, and e-check. In person, it accepts cash, Visa or MasterCard, check, and states that amendments are not valid until additional fees are paid. Berkeley also warns applicants to verify invoice emails from `@cityofberkeley.info` or `@berkeleyca.gov` because of phishing activity.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online building/public works scheduling: https://aca-prod.accela.com/BERKELEY/Default.aspx (online)
- https://aca-prod.accela.com/BERKELEY/Default.aspx (online)
- https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/permits-design-parameters/permit-process/building-inspections (online)
- (510) 981-7440 (phone)
- (510) 981-5585 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Inspections generally occur Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The city says applicants can check estimated inspection times online on the morning of the inspection day. After-hours inspections are available for an additional fee by request form.
- Time windows
- Inspections generally occur Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The city says applicants can check estimated inspection times online on the morning of the inspection day.
Typical sequence: Berkeley says required inspections are listed on the job card and depend on scope. Typical listed building inspection types include foundation prior to pour, anchor bolts/hold-downs, slab/concrete, underfloor framing/insulation, rough framing, trade rough inspections, and final inspection. All final inspections for a permit must be scheduled for the same day.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Berkeley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Berkeley, CA? ▸
Berkeley requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building or structure, and before erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, unless specifically exempt.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Berkeley, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Berkeley, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $150 base minimum building permit fee for valuation up to $3,000, effective July 1, 2025. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fee is valuation-based at $2.40 per $100 of improvement value over $3,000, plus a $62.50 filing fee and other applicable discipline/agency surcharges. Berkeley's public fee estimator also notes other agency fees may apply depending on scope.. Plan check fee: Regular plan check fee is 65% of the building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permit fee. Pre-approved ADU plan check fee is 50% of the regular plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Berkeley, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Berkeley, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the project needs only a building permit or also a zoning permit. Berkeley states exterior changes need zoning review in addition to plan check. 2. Prepare a complete submittal package. Typical items include permit forms, valuation, plan set, site plan, structural and architectural sheets, MEP design, and energy/green compliance documents. 3. Submit online through Permits Online for building permits, or make an appointment for in-person submittal at the Permit Service Center. Zoning permits follow a separate electronic or in-person process. 4. Pay initial filing and plan check fees. After intake, Berkeley assigns a permit number so the applicant can track comments, upload corrections, and respond online. 5. Complete plan check and any multi-agency review. If comments are issued, upload revised documents to the permit record or resubmit through the counter process. 6. Once approved and all fees are paid, Berkeley issues the permit. Keep the permit, approved plans, and job card on site. 7. Schedule required inspections during construction and all final inspections on the same day. Correct any failed items and reschedule reinspection if needed.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Berkeley, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Berkeley, CA typically run Minor over-the-counter plan checks can take about 30 minutes. Other plan checks may take several weeks. Berkeley also says plan checks can range from 30 minutes to several weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Berkeley, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Berkeley, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences under 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated height-to-width ratio; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Certain shallow above-ground prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancies; Certain small detached-house decks not over 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Reinstallation of attachment-plug receptacles, same-location replacement of branch overcurrent devices, communications wiring/equipment, and other listed minor electrical repairs; Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work; Stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, and toilet removal/reinstallation where no concealed piping replacement or fixture rearrangement is required. Note: Berkeley says all other work should be assumed to require a permit unless specifically listed as exempt. Even exempt work must still comply with the California Building Standards Code and Berkeley ordinances, and a zoning permit may still be required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Berkeley, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Berkeley, CA via: Online building/public works scheduling: https://aca-prod.accela.com/BERKELEY/Default.aspx, https://aca-prod.accela.com/BERKELEY/Default.aspx, https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/permits-design-parameters/permit-process/building-inspections, (510) 981-7440, (510) 981-5585.
last verified April 2026
source City of Berkeley Permit Service Center, Planning and Development Department ↗
entry id permits/california/alameda/berkeley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Berkeley Permit Service Center, Planning and Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.