On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kerman
Kerman states permits are required anytime a building or structure, or any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, relocated, removed, converted, or demolished.
Fences up to 6 feet high are exempt from Kerman zoning setback and building permit requirements, according to the city's FAQ
Kerman's public Building Division materials reviewed here do not publish a single local handout listing all exempt building work
Because Kerman adopts the California Title 24 Building Standards Code by reference, additional exemptions generally follow the state code's permit-exempt categories in the adopted California Building/Residential Code, subject to local interpretation by the Building Division
- Exempt Fences up to 6 feet high are exempt from Kerman zoning setback and building permit requirements, according to the city's FAQ
- Exempt Kerman's public Building Division materials reviewed here do not publish a single local handout listing all exempt building work
- Exempt Because Kerman adopts the California Title 24 Building Standards Code by reference, additional exemptions generally follow the state code's permit-exempt categories in the adopted California Building/Residential Code, subject to local interpretation by the Building Division
Note: Even if work is building-permit-exempt, separate zoning, encroachment, sewer/septic, public works, or utility approvals may still apply. Kerman specifically notes that other permit requirements may also apply to residential work.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application
- project description
- plot plan
- construction plans for new construction and major remodels
- contractor license information
- workers' compensation declaration or exemption
- owner-builder declaration if applicable
- and any project-specific forms such as reroof, pool barrier, smoke/carbon monoxide verification, subcontractor list, or standard plot/patio plans.
- Building code
- Kerman adopts the California Title 24 Building Standards Code by reference. The city's adopted 2024 Housing Element states that Kerman has adopted the 2022 California Building Code and has not made local amendments that impact residential development.
- Permit validity
- Kerman's public-facing sources reviewed here do not state the general permit expiration period. The city does publish permit extension, reactivation, and reissuance fees, so applicants should confirm the active permit term and extension deadlines with the Building Division before issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Kerman's application includes an Owner-Builder Declaration with options for owners using licensed contractors, mixed owner/contractor work, or owners performing the work themselves or through wage employees, and states the structure is not intended or offered for sale when the owner personally performs the work.
- Contractor requirements
- The permit application requires contractor license number, class, and expiration date. Kerman also states all contractors working within city limits must obtain a City of Kerman business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Kerman says small projects such as reroofs or new electrical service can often be issued the same day as over-the-counter permits. For larger projects, building permits usually take two to three months for a typical project.
- 01 Confirm the project needs a permit with the Building Division. Kerman states permits are required whenever a building or structure, or any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, relocated, removed, converted, or demolished.
- 02 Prepare the application package. For a typical submittal, Kerman's FAQ says the minimum initial submittal is a project description and plot plan; complete construction plans are often submitted and are generally required for new construction and major remodels.
- 03 Submit the application to the Building Division and pay application/plan check fees when due. The city provides a Building Permit Application and states applicable plan check fees are paid at the time of application.
- 04 Complete presite review and agency referrals as required. Kerman's FAQ says staff performs a preliminary investigation, a presite inspection, and referrals to other agencies such as Environmental Health and Public Works when applicable.
- 05 Respond to plan review comments. The city states a plan checker reviews construction plans for conformance with state building codes, and revisions are often required.
- 06 Pay issuance fees and obtain the permit after referrals and plan review are complete.
- 07 Schedule required inspections during construction through the Building Division.
Typical processing time: Kerman says small projects such as reroofs or new electrical service can often be issued the same day as over-the-counter permits. For larger projects, building permits usually take two to three months for a typical project.
Source: City of Kerman Building Division, within the Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kerman building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$163 for valuation-based building permits in the $1-$2,000 tier; some listed minor permit types are lower, including residential water heater change-out at $60, residential HVAC change-out at $80, and residential reroof at $120.
02
Plan check fee
Building plan review fee is 75% of the applicable building permit fee when plan review applies. Separate Planning review fees also apply on listed project types, such as $95 for residential alterations/additions and $189 for new single-family construction.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Kerman uses flat fees for many common permit types and valuation-based formulas for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, remodels, and stand-alone MEP permits. For example, general building permits are $163 for the first $2,000 of valuation, then increase by schedule; additional plumbing, electrical, and mechanical percentages may apply to combined permits.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee $82 after the first reinspection; after-hours inspection $196 per hour with a two-hour minimum; phased inspection fee $82; permit extension $163; permit reactivation $163 in some cases or 50% to 100% of original base permit fee depending on expiration age; investigation fee for work without permits equals the permit fee in addition to normal permit fees.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Reinspection fee $82 after the first reinspection; after-hours inspection $196 per hour with a two-hour minimum; phased inspection fee $82; permit extension $163; permit reactivation $163 in some cases or 50% to 100% of original base permit fee depending on expiration age; investigation fee for work without permits equals the permit fee in addition to normal permit fees.
Permit processing fee of $68 applies. The fee schedule also notes that additional fees may apply for Planning review, technology enhancement, construction and demolition waste review, and fees collected on behalf of other agencies such as the State of California.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit portal (online)
- 559-550-0829 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- one day before the requested date; Monday inspections must be requested by Friday before 4:00 p.m.
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Requests must be called in by 4:00 p.m. one day before the requested date; Monday inspections must be requested by Friday before 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: The city does not publish one universal sequence on the inspection page, but states applicants will be informed of required inspections when the permit is issued. The general permit process described by Kerman includes a presite inspection before issuance when applicable and ongoing construction inspections after permit issuance.
Source: City of Kerman Building Division, within the Community Development Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kerman permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kerman, CA? ▸
Kerman states permits are required anytime a building or structure, or any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, relocated, removed, converted, or demolished.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kerman, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Kerman, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $163 for valuation-based building permits in the $1-$2,000 tier; some listed minor permit types are lower, including residential water heater change-out at $60, residential HVAC change-out at $80, and residential reroof at $120.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Kerman uses flat fees for many common permit types and valuation-based formulas for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, remodels, and stand-alone MEP permits. For example, general building permits are $163 for the first $2,000 of valuation, then increase by schedule; additional plumbing, electrical, and mechanical percentages may apply to combined permits.. Plan check fee: Building plan review fee is 75% of the applicable building permit fee when plan review applies. Separate Planning review fees also apply on listed project types, such as $95 for residential alterations/additions and $189 for new single-family construction..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kerman, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kerman, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project needs a permit with the Building Division. Kerman states permits are required whenever a building or structure, or any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, relocated, removed, converted, or demolished. 2. Prepare the application package. For a typical submittal, Kerman's FAQ says the minimum initial submittal is a project description and plot plan; complete construction plans are often submitted and are generally required for new construction and major remodels. 3. Submit the application to the Building Division and pay application/plan check fees when due. The city provides a Building Permit Application and states applicable plan check fees are paid at the time of application. 4. Complete presite review and agency referrals as required. Kerman's FAQ says staff performs a preliminary investigation, a presite inspection, and referrals to other agencies such as Environmental Health and Public Works when applicable. 5. Respond to plan review comments. The city states a plan checker reviews construction plans for conformance with state building codes, and revisions are often required. 6. Pay issuance fees and obtain the permit after referrals and plan review are complete. 7. Schedule required inspections during construction through the Building Division.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kerman, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kerman, CA typically run Kerman says small projects such as reroofs or new electrical service can often be issued the same day as over-the-counter permits. For larger projects, building permits usually take two to three months for a typical project.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Kerman, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Kerman, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Fences up to 6 feet high are exempt from Kerman zoning setback and building permit requirements, according to the city's FAQ; Kerman's public Building Division materials reviewed here do not publish a single local handout listing all exempt building work; Because Kerman adopts the California Title 24 Building Standards Code by reference, additional exemptions generally follow the state code's permit-exempt categories in the adopted California Building/Residential Code, subject to local interpretation by the Building Division. Note: Even if work is building-permit-exempt, separate zoning, encroachment, sewer/septic, public works, or utility approvals may still apply. Kerman specifically notes that other permit requirements may also apply to residential work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kerman, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kerman, CA via: Permit portal, 559-550-0829. one day before the requested date; Monday inspections must be requested by Friday before 4:00 p.m..
last verified April 2026
source City of Kerman Building Division, within the Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/california/fresno/kerman
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Kerman Building Division, within the Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.