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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for San Ramon
San Ramon cites the 2022 California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical codes. In general, any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, or install/replace regulated building, electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical systems must obtain the required permit unless exempt under code section 105.2 or similar exemption sections.
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.
Fences not over 7 feet high, with city note of 6-foot maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.
Sidewalks and driveways.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
Swings and other playground equipment.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that project no more than 54 inches and do not require additional support.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high, with city note of 6-foot maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment.
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that project no more than 54 inches and do not require additional support.
Note: The city states that exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates the code or any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.
Required documents
- Varies by project type, but city submittal handouts consistently require a Standardized Permit Application plus project plans drawn to scale and supporting documents such as structural details/calculations, energy forms, site/floor plans, and other discipline-specific materials. For example, kitchen remodel submittals require the standardized application, code editions used, scope of work, plans, and Title 24 documentation where applicable.
- Building code
- Current city building pages list the 2022 California Building Code, 2022 California Residential Code, 2022 California Electrical Code, 2022 California Mechanical Code, 2022 California Plumbing Code, and City of San Ramon Municipal and Zoning Ordinances.
- Permit validity
- City handouts state permits expire 180 days after issuance or after the last inspection passed, whichever is later. The fee schedule also lists a permit extension fee.
- Owner-builder
- City forms allow either a licensed contractor or owner-builder. City application materials include owner-builder declarations; project handouts note permits may be issued to the homeowner, but if the owner personally performs work and inspections show the work cannot be completed satisfactorily, a licensed contractor must perform the work. If the owner hires workers, proof of workers' compensation insurance is required before inspection.
- Contractor requirements
- City forms require contractor license number and license class. City handouts state permits may be issued only to a properly licensed California contractor or the homeowner, and owner-builder declarations reference California contractor licensing law.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5 to 10 business days for application processing; about 10 business days for first plan check comments after routing for review.
- 01 Create a CSS account and choose the correct permit type in the City of San Ramon permit portal.
- 02 Upload the permit application and required plans/documents; the City notes submissions are online and permit types cannot be changed after submittal.
- 03 The application is routed to Planning, Building and Safety, and Engineering for review as needed.
- 04 If no review is required, the permit moves to issuance and permit fees are invoiced.
- 05 If review is required, plan check fees are invoiced first; once paid, plans are routed for review.
- 06 The City states permit application processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, and plan check comments are typically returned within 10 business days after plans are routed for review.
- 07 After comments are cleared and all fees are paid, the permit is issued.
- 08 During construction, schedule required inspections through CSS or by phone; a final inspection is required for sign-off.
Typical processing time: 5 to 10 business days for application processing; about 10 business days for first plan check comments after routing for review.
Source: City of San Ramon Community Development Department, Building and Safety Services Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
San Ramon building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$207 for valuation-based building permits for projects valued from $1.00 to $500.00
02
Plan check fee
55% of building permit fee; disabled access plan check is 25% of the plan check fee; energy plan check is 25% of the plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based, with tiered base amounts plus an added charge per $100 or $1,000 of valuation depending on the valuation bracket. Some permit categories also use flat fees.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee for work without permit is equal to the permit fee.
The City allows applicants to estimate fees, pay invoices online through CSS, and for some submittal workflows notes that plan check fees must be received before review starts.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (925) 973-2582 (phone)
- (925) 973-2580 (phone)
- https://srch-munis-web.sanramon.ca.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home (online)
- https://srch-munis-web.sanramon.ca.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/inspection/todaysinspections (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- The reinspection page says requested inspections are assigned a 2-hour window available by phone or online on the inspection day.
- Inspection hours
- The IVR system offers inspection windows of Anytime (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), AM (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and PM (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The city notes AM/PM requests cannot be guaranteed. The reinspection page says requested inspections are assigned a 2-hour window available by phone or online on the inspection day.
- Time windows
- The IVR system offers inspection windows of Anytime (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), AM (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and PM (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The city notes AM/PM requests cannot be guaranteed. The reinspection page says requested inspections are assigned a 2-hour window available by phone or online on the inspection day.
Typical sequence: Varies by permit, but San Ramon publishes staged inspection codes including footing/foundation, framing and rough trade inspections, insulation, and final inspections. The City states a final inspection is required to sign off the permit. Reinspection note: Reinspection fees are assessed for repeated failure on the same correction items, failing to appear during the assigned inspection window, not having required access equipment such as ladders for reroof/solar inspections, or otherwise not being ready for inspection.
Source: City of San Ramon Community Development Department, Building and Safety Services Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about San Ramon permits
01 Do I need a building permit in San Ramon, CA? ▸
San Ramon cites the 2022 California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical codes. In general, any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, or install/replace regulated building, electrical, plumbing, gas, or mechanical systems must obtain the required permit unless exempt under code section 105.2 or similar exemption sections.
02 How much does a building permit cost in San Ramon, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in San Ramon, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $207 for valuation-based building permits for projects valued from $1.00 to $500.00. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based, with tiered base amounts plus an added charge per $100 or $1,000 of valuation depending on the valuation bracket. Some permit categories also use flat fees.. Plan check fee: 55% of building permit fee; disabled access plan check is 25% of the plan check fee; energy plan check is 25% of the plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in San Ramon, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in San Ramon, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create a CSS account and choose the correct permit type in the City of San Ramon permit portal. 2. Upload the permit application and required plans/documents; the City notes submissions are online and permit types cannot be changed after submittal. 3. The application is routed to Planning, Building and Safety, and Engineering for review as needed. 4. If no review is required, the permit moves to issuance and permit fees are invoiced. 5. If review is required, plan check fees are invoiced first; once paid, plans are routed for review. 6. The City states permit application processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, and plan check comments are typically returned within 10 business days after plans are routed for review. 7. After comments are cleared and all fees are paid, the permit is issued. 8. During construction, schedule required inspections through CSS or by phone; a final inspection is required for sign-off.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in San Ramon, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in San Ramon, CA typically run 5 to 10 business days for application processing; about 10 business days for first plan check comments after routing for review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in San Ramon, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in San Ramon, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet.; Fences not over 7 feet high, with city note of 6-foot maximum plus 1 foot of lattice.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge.; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.; Sidewalks and driveways.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.; Swings and other playground equipment.; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that project no more than 54 inches and do not require additional support.. Note: The city states that exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates the code or any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in San Ramon, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in San Ramon, CA via: (925) 973-2582, (925) 973-2580, https://srch-munis-web.sanramon.ca.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home, https://srch-munis-web.sanramon.ca.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/inspection/todaysinspections. The reinspection page says requested inspections are assigned a 2-hour window available by phone or online on the inspection day..
last verified April 2026
source City of San Ramon Community Development Department, Building and Safety Services Division ↗
entry id permits/california/contra-costa/san-ramon
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of San Ramon Community Development Department, Building and Safety Services Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.