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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Contra Costa County
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.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not over 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not more than 3 feet high, subject to the slope/surcharge/liquid limitations in the County handout
- Exempt Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter/width ratio not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require added support
- Exempt Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Confirm whether planning approval, zoning review, sanitary district review, or other preapprovals are needed before building permit review.
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 Log into ePermits, create the permit, enter project location and scope details, add the applicant/contact information, sign declarations, and upload attachments.
- 05 Pay initial fees when instructed. Larger projects typically pay plan check fees up front; the County emails payment instructions.
- 06 Respond to plan review comments and submit corrections/revisions if requested.
- 07 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.
- 08 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Contra Costa County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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."
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Contra Costa County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Contra Costa County, CA 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..
last verified April 2026
source Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, Application and Permit Center / Building Inspection Division ↗
entry id permits/california/contra-costa/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, Application and Permit Center / Building Inspection Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.