Contra Costa County, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This office handles building permits for unincorporated Contra Costa County. General plan and zoning information in CCMAP is available for unincorporated County areas only. Unincorporated communities such as Bay Point, North Richmond, Alamo, Blackhawk, and Bethel Island are served by the county building department.

Department

Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, Application and Permit Center / Building Inspection Division

Address

30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553

Phone

925-655-2700

Website

https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7947/Permit-information

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether planning approval, zoning review, sanitary district review, or other preapprovals are needed before building permit review.
2. Register for an ePermits account in the correct role: licensed contractor, owner-builder, authorized agent, or design professional. Contractors must connect their CSLB license to the account before applying.
3. Prepare digital plans and supporting documents, including the required plan set and permit declarations/authorization forms as applicable. The County reviews plans electronically and requires uploads at submittal.
4. Log into ePermits, create the permit, enter project location and scope details, add the applicant/contact information, sign declarations, and upload attachments.
5. Pay initial fees when instructed. Larger projects typically pay plan check fees up front; the County emails payment instructions.
6. Respond to plan review comments and submit corrections/revisions if requested.
7. Pay remaining fees, then download the issued permit card and approved plans. Printed permit card and full-size approved plans must be kept at the job site.
8. Schedule required inspections by phone or through ePermits and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: Contra Costa County does not publish one standard turnaround for all ordinary building permits. Review time varies by scope and completeness; the County notes some specialized paths such as Post-Entitlement permits and SolarAPP+ are faster than the standard process.

Source: Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, Application and Permit Center / Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

The County states that almost all projects require permits, including new structures, demolitions, additions, alterations, grading, interior/exterior remodels, new electrical work, panel upgrades, water or gas lines, repairs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, decks, carports, garages, docks, pools, foundation repairs, ADUs, junior ADUs, solar, energy storage systems, and backup generators.

Required Documents

• Typically digital plan sets and supporting documents; permit declarations; owner authorization forms when an agent applies; proof of ownership for some owner-builders; and any project-specific checklists/forms. The County says all construction plans and supporting documents must be uploaded at submittal.

Permit validity

Building permit applications are deemed abandoned 180 days after filing unless pursued in good faith or issued. Issued building permits expire 365 days from issuance if no required inspection is approved, or if 365 days elapse between approved required inspections.

Building code

As of March 21, 2026, the County's current code summary lists the 2025 California Building Standards Code set and Contra Costa County Code Title VII. The County separately states the 2025 California Building Standards Code took effect January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply for permits on their own property and may need proof of ownership, trust papers, corporate authority documents, and photo ID depending on title status. If an owner authorizes another person to act on their behalf, the County requires an authorization form.

Contractor requirements

Contractor applicants must connect a CSLB license to the ePermits account. If the filer is not listed as company personnel on CSLB, the County requires a company authorization letter. The County also notes that for commercial jobs other than single-family residences, permits are issued only to the licensed contractor doing the work under Business and Professions Code section 7044.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

There is not one single countywide minimum for every building permit type. Core building fees are largely valuation-based; for example, valuation-based building inspection fees start at $75 for projects up to $2,000 in value, and some trade permits have explicit minimums such as "Electrical Permit (Other) $75.00 minimum."

Plan check fee

Valuation-based. Example schedule for S-001(A) starts at $49 plus $8.94 per additional $1,000 or fraction above $2,000, with higher tiers as value rises. Additional processing/plan check caused by incomplete follow-through, major revisions, or deferred submittals is charged at hourly rates in effect at time of review.

Permit fee formula

Primarily valuation-based for plan review, permit review/processing, and inspection, with separate schedules for many trade and specialty permits; some items are flat-fee or hourly.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection situations are listed in the fee schedule; owner-requested inspection of an existing building is $150/hour with a 1-hour minimum. Code-enforcement repeat-visit reinspection charges are $150 per trip after the second trip.

Penalty (no permit)

Renewal fees for expired permits include $250 for final inspection renewals, 50% of original building permit fee if expired less than 365 days, and 100% if expired 365 days or more. Work performed without permits can trigger additive enforcement costs, including permit-fee multipliers with a $300 minimum in listed situations.

Payment note

Online payments are made through ePermits. Credit cards incur a 2.75% convenience fee with a $1.00 minimum; e-checks incur a $2.50 convenience fee. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted in the office, and paying cash or check in office avoids online convenience fees.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures not over 120 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not more than 3 feet high, subject to the slope/surcharge/liquid limitations in the County handout
• Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter/width ratio not exceeding 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Certain above-ground prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require added support
• Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Certain detached decks for R-3 and U occupancies not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door

Important: The County handout says electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work still requires permits; public sidewalk and driveway curb-cut work still needs Public Works review/approval; pool barriers may still be required; and exempt work cannot violate code or other County laws.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 925-646-4108 (phone)
• https://aca-prod.accela.com/CCCounty/Default.aspx (online)
• https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/inspections (online)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day phone requests are accepted until 5:30 AM Monday through Friday.

Inspection hours

The daily building inspection schedule is posted after 8:45 AM Monday through Friday, and inspection time frames are provided in 3-hour windows. Same-day phone requests are accepted until 5:30 AM Monday through Friday. Online cancellations/reschedules can be made before 6:00 AM on the inspection day.

Time windows

The daily building inspection schedule is posted after 8:45 AM Monday through Friday, and inspection time frames are provided in 3-hour windows. Same-day phone requests are accepted until 5:30 AM Monday through Friday. Online cancellations/reschedules can be made before 6:00 AM on the inspection day.

Typical inspection sequence: The County does not publish one universal sequence for every project on the inspection page. Based on the County's examples of inspection phases and required inspections, typical residential construction generally proceeds through foundation and rough phases, then framing/other applicable specialty inspections, then final inspection. This is an inference from County inspection-phase examples, not a quoted fixed checklist. Reinspection note: To avoid reinspection fees, the County requires the permit and stamped plans on site, an adult representative present, the work ready for inspection, prior deficiencies corrected, and access provided. The fee schedule authorizes reinspection charges where work is not ready/access is unavailable, where extra inspections are needed due to deficiencies, and where multiple partial inspections are requested for one phase.

Additional Resources

• Building code: As of March 21, 2026, the County's current code summary lists the 2025 California Building Standards Code set and Contra Costa County Code Title VII. The County separately states the 2025 California Building Standards Code took effect January 1, 2026.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permit info hub
• Building permit overview
• Building code and ordinances
• Inspections
• https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/8050/Permit-Status-and-Payments
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Contra Costa County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

The County states that almost all projects require permits, including new structures, demolitions, additions, alterations, grading, interior/exterior remodels, new electrical work, panel upgrades, water or gas lines, repairs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, decks, carports, garages, docks, pools, foundation repairs, ADUs, junior ADUs, solar, energy storage systems, and backup generators.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

The minimum permit fee is There is not one single countywide minimum for every building permit type. Core building fees are largely valuation-based; for example, valuation-based building inspection fees start at $75 for projects up to $2,000 in value, and some trade permits have explicit minimums such as "Electrical Permit (Other) $75.00 minimum.". Fees are calculated as: Primarily valuation-based for plan review, permit review/processing, and inspection, with separate schedules for many trade and specialty permits; some items are flat-fee or hourly.. Plan check fee: Valuation-based. Example schedule for S-001(A) starts at $49 plus $8.94 per additional $1,000 or fraction above $2,000, with higher tiers as value rises. Additional processing/plan check caused by incomplete follow-through, major revisions, or deferred submittals is charged at hourly rates in effect at time of review..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

1. Confirm whether planning approval, zoning review, sanitary district review, or other preapprovals are needed before building permit review. 2. Register for an ePermits account in the correct role: licensed contractor, owner-builder, authorized agent, or design professional. Contractors must connect their CSLB license to the account before applying. 3. Prepare digital plans and supporting documents, including the required plan set and permit declarations/authorization forms as applicable. The County reviews plans electronically and requires uploads at submittal. 4. Log into ePermits, create the permit, enter project location and scope details, add the applicant/contact information, sign declarations, and upload attachments. 5. Pay initial fees when instructed. Larger projects typically pay plan check fees up front; the County emails payment instructions. 6. Respond to plan review comments and submit corrections/revisions if requested. 7. Pay remaining fees, then download the issued permit card and approved plans. Printed permit card and full-size approved plans must be kept at the job site. 8. Schedule required inspections by phone or through ePermits and obtain final approval.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

Typical processing time is Contra Costa County does not publish one standard turnaround for all ordinary building permits. Review time varies by scope and completeness; the County notes some specialized paths such as Post-Entitlement permits and SolarAPP+ are faster than the standard process..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not over 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not more than 3 feet high, subject to the slope/surcharge/liquid limitations in the County handout; Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter/width ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Certain above-ground prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require added support; Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Certain detached decks for R-3 and U occupancies not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door. Note: The County handout says electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work still requires permits; public sidewalk and driveway curb-cut work still needs Public Works review/approval; pool barriers may still be required; and exempt work cannot violate code or other County laws.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 925-646-4108, https://aca-prod.accela.com/CCCounty/Default.aspx, https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/inspections. Same-day phone requests are accepted until 5:30 AM Monday through Friday..