On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fresno
A permit is required to build, construct, remodel, repair, demolish, remove, or move a house, building, or structure. The Building Permit Center also states that any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or to install/alter/replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must obtain the required permit.
One-story detached accessory structures such as small sheds or playhouses for one- and two-family dwellings if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height does not exceed 12 feet, and location/setback rules are met
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height unless supporting surcharge or hazardous liquids
Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
Painting, papering, tile work, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and not more 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 meeting projection/support limits
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet that are not more than 30 inches above grade, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the required exit door
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures such as small sheds or playhouses for one- and two-family dwellings if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height does not exceed 12 feet, and location/setback rules are met
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height unless supporting surcharge or hazardous liquids
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tile work, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and not more 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 meeting projection/support limits
- Exempt Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet that are not more than 30 inches above grade, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the required exit door
Note: Exemptions still depend on zoning/setback/location rules and other code conditions. The City's single-family page adds special placement and anchoring conditions for small exempt accessory structures.
Required documents
- At minimum, an application plus plans clearly detailing the scope of work, or for some simpler work a Permit Affidavit Form with itemized fixture/equipment information. Depending on scope, the City also requires plot/site plans, zone clearance/planning review items, and historic/special district verification before routing.
- Building code
- The City's current permit process is based on the California Building Standards Code. The City formally implemented the 2022 California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2023, and an official February 2026 City document states the 2025 California Building Code became effective January 1, 2026, after City Council adoption activity in September 2025. Based on that official City update, current Fresno permit review is using the 2025 California code cycle as of March 21, 2026.
- Permit validity
- Permits become invalid unless work starts within 180 days after issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. An approved inspection resets the running expiration period to 180 days from that inspection. The Building Official may grant one written extension of up to 180 days if requested before expiration. If a permit has no activity for one year or more, it becomes null and void and new permits are required at full fees. If a permit expires, it may be renewed/reactivated for 25% of the original permit fee, unless code changes require a new permit.
- Owner-builder
- The City uses the California CSLB owner-builder pamphlet. An owner-builder assumes full responsibility for all phases of the project, may become an employer if using unlicensed workers, and is responsible for permits, inspections, corrections, and payment issues. For home improvements, the property generally must be the owner's principal residence; for new single-family construction, sale limits and licensed-subcontractor rules apply.
- Contractor requirements
- The City's owner-builder pamphlet states that anyone who contracts for or bids on construction work valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Contractors must list license numbers in advertisements.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Project-dependent. City-published review targets are about 2 to 3 business days for Level 1 projects, up to 14 business days for Level 2, up to 21 business days for Level 3, and up to 28 business days for Level 4.
- 01 Confirm project scope and zoning constraints. The City groups projects into four review levels based on complexity, and some simple projects can be approved the same day through the online ACA portal.
- 02 Submit the application online through ACA, or schedule an in-person appointment at City Hall Room 3043 if needed. New permit applications receive a completeness review before they are accepted for plan check.
- 03 Upload plans and supporting documents that clearly show the scope of work. For simple work, the City may accept a Permit Affidavit Form with itemized fixture/equipment information instead of full plan sheets.
- 04 If the submittal is incomplete, staff will issue an "Additional Information is Required" status and the applicant must upload corrections before routing.
- 05 Pay plan check fees when invoiced. The City's brochure says plan check fees invoiced at submittal must be paid before plans are routed for review.
- 06 After all reviews are approved, pay remaining permit fees. The permit is then issued and stamped approved plans become available.
- 07 Schedule required inspections through ACA or Inspection Services/Voice Permits, complete corrections if needed, and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Project-dependent. City-published review targets are about 2 to 3 business days for Level 1 projects, up to 14 business days for Level 2, up to 21 business days for Level 3, and up to 28 business days for Level 4.
Source: City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fresno building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
No single universal minimum building permit fee is clearly published for all project types in the master schedule. The schedule does publish an administrative permit issuance fee of $25.83 for all projects, and then applies project-specific permit/inspection tables.
02
Plan check fee
Varies by project. Examples published by the City include single-family offsite improvement plan check at $167.25 per plan, other-use offsite improvement plan check at $370.35 per plan, and foundation permits for multifamily/commercial at 25% of permit fee with a $97.96 minimum. For many projects, plan check/inspection fees are taken from the City's variable fee schedules.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Fees are project-type specific and can be valuation-based or table-based. The master schedule also applies a 12.83% General Plan/document update surcharge on all building permits.
04
Reinspection fee
Premature inspection (work not ready) $64.51 per trip; reinspection other than entitled calls $95.57 per trip; working without required permit up to 4 times permit fee.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Premature inspection (work not ready) $64.51 per trip; reinspection other than entitled calls $95.57 per trip; working without required permit up to 4 times permit fee.
Plan check fees invoiced at submittal must be paid before the plans are routed for review. All permit fees must be paid before permit issuance and access to approved stamped plans.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit portal (online)
- (559) 621-8116 (phone)
- Time windows
- The City publishes Building and Safety Division business hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It does not clearly publish fixed field-inspection windows on the main inspection page.
Typical sequence: After permit issuance, applicants schedule required inspections as construction progresses; approved inspections keep the permit active, corrections must be resolved and reinspected as needed, and final approval closes out the permit.
Source: City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fresno permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fresno, CA? ▸
A permit is required to build, construct, remodel, repair, demolish, remove, or move a house, building, or structure. The Building Permit Center also states that any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or to install/alter/replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must obtain the required permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fresno, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Fresno, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is No single universal minimum building permit fee is clearly published for all project types in the master schedule. The schedule does publish an administrative permit issuance fee of $25.83 for all projects, and then applies project-specific permit/inspection tables.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Fees are project-type specific and can be valuation-based or table-based. The master schedule also applies a 12.83% General Plan/document update surcharge on all building permits.. Plan check fee: Varies by project. Examples published by the City include single-family offsite improvement plan check at $167.25 per plan, other-use offsite improvement plan check at $370.35 per plan, and foundation permits for multifamily/commercial at 25% of permit fee with a $97.96 minimum. For many projects, plan check/inspection fees are taken from the City's variable fee schedules..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fresno, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fresno, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project scope and zoning constraints. The City groups projects into four review levels based on complexity, and some simple projects can be approved the same day through the online ACA portal. 2. Submit the application online through ACA, or schedule an in-person appointment at City Hall Room 3043 if needed. New permit applications receive a completeness review before they are accepted for plan check. 3. Upload plans and supporting documents that clearly show the scope of work. For simple work, the City may accept a Permit Affidavit Form with itemized fixture/equipment information instead of full plan sheets. 4. If the submittal is incomplete, staff will issue an "Additional Information is Required" status and the applicant must upload corrections before routing. 5. Pay plan check fees when invoiced. The City's brochure says plan check fees invoiced at submittal must be paid before plans are routed for review. 6. After all reviews are approved, pay remaining permit fees. The permit is then issued and stamped approved plans become available. 7. Schedule required inspections through ACA or Inspection Services/Voice Permits, complete corrections if needed, and obtain final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fresno, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fresno, CA typically run Project-dependent. City-published review targets are about 2 to 3 business days for Level 1 projects, up to 14 business days for Level 2, up to 21 business days for Level 3, and up to 28 business days for Level 4.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fresno, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fresno, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures such as small sheds or playhouses for one- and two-family dwellings if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, height does not exceed 12 feet, and location/setback rules are met; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height unless supporting surcharge or hazardous liquids; Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tile work, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep and not more 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 meeting projection/support limits; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet that are not more than 30 inches above grade, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the required exit door. Note: Exemptions still depend on zoning/setback/location rules and other code conditions. The City's single-family page adds special placement and anchoring conditions for small exempt accessory structures. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fresno, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fresno, CA via: Permit portal, (559) 621-8116.
last verified April 2026
source City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/fresno/fresno-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.