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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Concord
Concord's "Work Requiring a Permit" bulletin states all new installations listed require permits, many replacements also require permits, and the list is not exhaustive. Examples requiring permits include accessory structures, garages, garage conversions, decks, retaining walls over the stated thresholds, fireplaces/chimneys, kitchen and bathroom remodels, reroofs, room additions, windows, HVAC equipment, new or extended wiring, service/subpanels, gas piping, sewer lines, and many plumbing fixture changes.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
Fences or screening 7 feet or less high, stated as 6 feet maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.
Prefabricated above-ground pools that do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.
Garage door opener replacement when no new overhead outlet is added.
Replacement GFCI devices.
Replacement non-recessed lighting fixtures.
Faucet or toilet replacement only when the fixture is not moved.
Dishwasher replacement only if an air gap already exists.
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
- Exempt Fences or screening 7 feet or less high, stated as 6 feet maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools that do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.
- Exempt Garage door opener replacement when no new overhead outlet is added.
- Exempt Replacement GFCI devices.
- Exempt Replacement non-recessed lighting fixtures.
- Exempt Faucet or toilet replacement only when the fixture is not moved.
- Exempt Dishwasher replacement only if an air gap already exists.
Note: Concord's bulletin says the list is not complete, and all work must still comply with the City's construction codes and development standards whether or not a permit is required.
Required documents
- Common required items include contractor declaration; owner-builder acknowledgment when the owner or the owner's agent applies; drawings in PDF; structural calculations when applicable; Title 24 energy documents when applicable; CALGreen checklist for applicable residential projects; geotechnical/soil report when required; and any required outside-agency approvals. Plans by licensed professionals must be stamped and signed.
- Building code
- Concord's current building-code page lists the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Concord Municipal Code Title 15, and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District amendments, including 2025 California Fire Code amendments and 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code amendments.
- Permit validity
- Concord states an application is null and void if it is not approved within 12 months of application, or if an approved application is not issued within 12 months of approval. A permit becomes null and void if no inspection is passed within 12 months of issuance or within 12 months of the last valid passed inspection. An active issued permit is canceled if it is not finaled within 3 years of issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Concord will not issue an owner-builder permit until the owner-builder acknowledgment form is completed and submitted. The form states the owner-builder is the responsible party of record and explains contractor-license-law exemptions and related risks.
- Contractor requirements
- Concord requires a contractor declaration for licensed contractors. The owner-builder form cites California Business and Professions Code section 7031.5 and requires applicants either to state their contractor license basis or claim an exemption. Concord's submittal requirements also state a City business license is required for all contractors doing work within the city.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The City does not publish a universal processing time for all building permit types on its general permit pages. For at least one published permit pathway, Concord states ADU permits are typically issued within 60 calendar days after submittal of a complete application; project-specific timing varies.
- 01 Confirm project requirements before applying by reviewing Concord's submittal requirements and using Permit Pal for zoning, permit, and fee information.
- 02 Prepare the application package in PDF format. Concord's residential submittal checklists commonly require a contractor declaration or owner-builder form, plan check/admin fee payment, drawings, and project-specific supporting documents such as structural calculations, Title 24 energy documents, CALGreen materials, and soils reports when applicable.
- 03 Submit the building permit application through the Virtual Permit Center. The City instructs applicants to apply separately to outside agencies when the scope triggers their review, including the Fire District, County Health, and Contra Costa County Sewer District. Separate grading or encroachment permits are also required from Concord Engineering for soil movement or right-of-way work.
- 04 Pay plan check and administrative fees at submittal. Remaining permit fees are due after all required City divisions and outside agencies approve the application and all conditions are satisfied.
- 05 Respond to plan review comments and provide any required outside-agency approvals. Concord notes that building permits will not be issued until required approvals are received.
- 06 After issuance, post the permit card, complete the work, and request inspections through the City's inspection system until final approval.
Typical processing time: The City does not publish a universal processing time for all building permit types on its general permit pages. For at least one published permit pathway, Concord states ADU permits are typically issued within 60 calendar days after submittal of a complete application; project-specific timing varies.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Concord building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
For general building valuation-based fees, the published minimums are effectively the flat fee brackets at the low end: plan review fee $83.93 and inspection fee $130.09 for valuations from $0 to $2,000, plus administrative and technology fees. The administrative fee is $67.50 plus 0.000789 times valuation, capped at $550.
02
Plan check fee
General building valuation-based plan review fees start at $83.93 for valuations up to $2,000; additional plan review is charged hourly at $220.00. Plan check/admin fees are due at submittal.
03
Permit fee formula
Concord uses a mix of valuation-based and flat fees. General building permits use valuation-based plan review and inspection fee tables; MEP-only work uses separate valuation-based MEP tables; some permit types such as solar PV, pools, and portable spas use flat or semi-flat schedules.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees are listed at $186.00 per hour. Building Code Enforcement lists a reinspection fee at $186.00 hourly as well.
Concord requires plan check and administrative fees at application submittal, with remaining permit fees due after approvals and condition clearance. The Virtual Permit Center also provides payment instructions and payment workflows.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 925-671-3330 (phone)
- https://cityofconcord.org/182/Inspection-Services (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests submitted by 11:59 p.m.
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests submitted by 11:59 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. After 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection, the permit holder can confirm whether the inspection is in the AM window (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) or PM window (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Inspection hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Inspection requests submitted by 11:59 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. After 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection, the permit holder can confirm whether the inspection is in the AM window (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) or PM window (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Inspection hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Request the inspection after the work is complete and ready, keep the permit card on site, ensure the contractor is present for contractor-installed work, complete any correction items, and continue through required trade and final inspections until the permit is finalized. Reinspection note: Concord charges a reinspection fee if no one is present at the time of inspection, and the fee schedule lists reinspection at $186.00 per hour.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Concord permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Concord, CA? ▸
Concord's "Work Requiring a Permit" bulletin states all new installations listed require permits, many replacements also require permits, and the list is not exhaustive. Examples requiring permits include accessory structures, garages, garage conversions, decks, retaining walls over the stated thresholds, fireplaces/chimneys, kitchen and bathroom remodels, reroofs, room additions, windows, HVAC equipment, new or extended wiring, service/subpanels, gas piping, sewer lines, and many plumbing fixture changes.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Concord, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Concord, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is For general building valuation-based fees, the published minimums are effectively the flat fee brackets at the low end: plan review fee $83.93 and inspection fee $130.09 for valuations from $0 to $2,000, plus administrative and technology fees. The administrative fee is $67.50 plus 0.000789 times valuation, capped at $550.. Fees are calculated as: Concord uses a mix of valuation-based and flat fees. General building permits use valuation-based plan review and inspection fee tables; MEP-only work uses separate valuation-based MEP tables; some permit types such as solar PV, pools, and portable spas use flat or semi-flat schedules.. Plan check fee: General building valuation-based plan review fees start at $83.93 for valuations up to $2,000; additional plan review is charged hourly at $220.00. Plan check/admin fees are due at submittal..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Concord, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Concord, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project requirements before applying by reviewing Concord's submittal requirements and using Permit Pal for zoning, permit, and fee information. 2. Prepare the application package in PDF format. Concord's residential submittal checklists commonly require a contractor declaration or owner-builder form, plan check/admin fee payment, drawings, and project-specific supporting documents such as structural calculations, Title 24 energy documents, CALGreen materials, and soils reports when applicable. 3. Submit the building permit application through the Virtual Permit Center. The City instructs applicants to apply separately to outside agencies when the scope triggers their review, including the Fire District, County Health, and Contra Costa County Sewer District. Separate grading or encroachment permits are also required from Concord Engineering for soil movement or right-of-way work. 4. Pay plan check and administrative fees at submittal. Remaining permit fees are due after all required City divisions and outside agencies approve the application and all conditions are satisfied. 5. Respond to plan review comments and provide any required outside-agency approvals. Concord notes that building permits will not be issued until required approvals are received. 6. After issuance, post the permit card, complete the work, and request inspections through the City's inspection system until final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Concord, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Concord, CA typically run The City does not publish a universal processing time for all building permit types on its general permit pages. For at least one published permit pathway, Concord states ADU permits are typically issued within 60 calendar days after submittal of a complete application; project-specific timing varies.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Concord, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Concord, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.; Fences or screening 7 feet or less high, stated as 6 feet maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.; Prefabricated above-ground pools that do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.; Garage door opener replacement when no new overhead outlet is added.; Replacement GFCI devices.; Replacement non-recessed lighting fixtures.; Faucet or toilet replacement only when the fixture is not moved.; Dishwasher replacement only if an air gap already exists.. Note: Concord's bulletin says the list is not complete, and all work must still comply with the City's construction codes and development standards whether or not a permit is required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Concord, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Concord, CA via: 925-671-3330, https://cityofconcord.org/182/Inspection-Services. Inspection requests submitted by 11:59 p.m..
last verified April 2026
source City of Concord Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/contra-costa/concord
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Concord Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.