On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Inyo County
Inyo County says permits are required for essentially all commercial and residential construction and specifically lists new construction, additions, remodels, utility setup, garages, sheds, storage containers, carports, patios, decks, grading for new construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, reroof/stucco/siding, foundations, pools, solar, demolition, windows, and similar work. County code also makes it unlawful to erect, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain a building or building service equipment contrary to Title 14 and the adopted technical codes.
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are generally exempt under the California Residential Code permit exemption framework adopted through Title 24.
Fences within the standard code height limits are generally exempt.
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are generally exempt unless supporting a surcharge.
Water tanks supported directly on grade within standard code size / ratio limits are generally exempt.
Sidewalks and driveways are generally exempt.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work are generally exempt.
Prefabricated swimming pools under the code depth threshold are generally exempt.
Swings and playground equipment are generally exempt.
Certain small detached decks and limited awnings are generally exempt under the residential code.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are generally exempt under the California Residential Code permit exemption framework adopted through Title 24.
- Exempt Fences within the standard code height limits are generally exempt.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are generally exempt unless supporting a surcharge.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade within standard code size / ratio limits are generally exempt.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways are generally exempt.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work are generally exempt.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under the code depth threshold are generally exempt.
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment are generally exempt.
- Exempt Certain small detached decks and limited awnings are generally exempt under the residential code.
Note: Inyo County does not publish its own exemption handout on the Building & Safety page reviewed here, so exemption questions should be confirmed with the department before work starts. Even exempt work must still comply with zoning, fire, environmental health, utility, and other applicable rules.
Required documents
- County building permit application
- Three plan sets on at least 18 x 24 inch paper
- Title block with name, address, owner, APN, and contact information
- Site plan showing distances, existing structures, street, arrows, and latitude / longitude
- Topo drawing
- Exterior elevations
- Title 24 calculations
- Sewer tie-in or system information
- Electrical plan page
- Plumbing plan page
- Heating and air page
- Cal Fire-approved fire sprinkler plan where applicable
- Building code
- Inyo County Code Chapter 14.08 adopts all parts of the most recent California Code of Regulations, Title 24, subject to county amendments. As of January 1, 2026, the 2025 California Building Standards Code is the statewide Title 24 edition in effect.
- Permit validity
- The permit expires and becomes null and void if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance, or if construction is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.
- Owner-builder
- The public application allows the owner to apply directly, but a separate owner-builder instruction sheet or declaration was not located in the county sources reviewed. Confirm with Building & Safety if you intend to pull the permit as an owner-builder.
- Contractor requirements
- The county application requests contractor license information, and the Building & Safety page links applicants to the California Contractors State License Board. Use a properly licensed California contractor where state law requires one.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: About 1 week for zoning/general plan plan check; about 2 to 3 weeks for a ministerial new-home building permit.
- 01 Confirm zoning and site feasibility first. Inyo County states building permits are typically reviewed by both Building & Safety and Planning, and a zoning/general plan plan-check review is part of the process.
- 02 Complete the county building permit application with project address, APN, owner/contractor information, project description, and value of work.
- 03 Prepare plan-check materials. County guidance says plans must be at least 18 x 24 inches, three sets must be submitted, and the package should include a site plan, topo drawing, elevations, Title 24 calculations, sewer information, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plan pages as applicable.
- 04 Submit the application and plans to Building & Safety by email, mail, or in person. County materials specifically direct building permit applications to ctruelsen@inyocounty.us, tsparrow@inyocounty.us, or jfeeney@inyocounty.us.
- 05 Wait for county review. In the county housing element, Inyo says zoning/general plan plan check is about one week and ministerial new-home building permits are typically reviewed and approved in about two to three weeks.
- 06 Pay assessed fees, obtain the permit, then schedule inspections through the online request form, by phone, or by email as work progresses.
Typical processing time: About 1 week for zoning/general plan plan check; about 2 to 3 weeks for a ministerial new-home building permit.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Inyo County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
County code says engineered designs beyond conventional light-frame provisions, and all commercial structures with engineering design requirements, may be subject to plan-check review at the applicant's expense. The housing element also lists a separate Planning Department zoning review plan check of $50 for a typical residential project.
02
Permit fee formula
The county housing element says Building & Safety sets permit cost by the value of the work, including labor and materials, using the Engineering New Record Building Cost Index.
03
Penalty (no permit)
County code says if work begins before the required permit is obtained, fees are assessed to recoup Building Division staff time and materials spent mitigating the violation.
The county posts an online Public Works payment page, but building permit fee amounts are not publicly listed there. Expect county-calculated fees before permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection request form (online)
- 760-873-7857 (phone)
- ctruelsen@inyocounty.us; tsparrow@inyocounty.us; jfeeney@inyocounty.us (email)
Typical sequence: The county states permitted work must be inspected at specified stages of construction and at completion. For a typical building project, this commonly means foundation / footing, framing, rough trade inspections, insulation or nailing inspections where applicable, and final inspection, but Inyo County does not publish a universal sequence on the cited pages.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Inyo County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
Inyo County says permits are required for essentially all commercial and residential construction and specifically lists new construction, additions, remodels, utility setup, garages, sheds, storage containers, carports, patios, decks, grading for new construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, reroof/stucco/siding, foundations, pools, solar, demolition, windows, and similar work. County code also makes it unlawful to erect, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain a building or building service equipment contrary to Title 14 and the adopted technical codes.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Inyo County, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: The county housing element says Building & Safety sets permit cost by the value of the work, including labor and materials, using the Engineering New Record Building Cost Index.. Plan check fee: County code says engineered designs beyond conventional light-frame provisions, and all commercial structures with engineering design requirements, may be subject to plan-check review at the applicant's expense. The housing element also lists a separate Planning Department zoning review plan check of $50 for a typical residential project..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Inyo County, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and site feasibility first. Inyo County states building permits are typically reviewed by both Building & Safety and Planning, and a zoning/general plan plan-check review is part of the process. 2. Complete the county building permit application with project address, APN, owner/contractor information, project description, and value of work. 3. Prepare plan-check materials. County guidance says plans must be at least 18 x 24 inches, three sets must be submitted, and the package should include a site plan, topo drawing, elevations, Title 24 calculations, sewer information, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plan pages as applicable. 4. Submit the application and plans to Building & Safety by email, mail, or in person. County materials specifically direct building permit applications to ctruelsen@inyocounty.us, tsparrow@inyocounty.us, or jfeeney@inyocounty.us. 5. Wait for county review. In the county housing element, Inyo says zoning/general plan plan check is about one week and ministerial new-home building permits are typically reviewed and approved in about two to three weeks. 6. Pay assessed fees, obtain the permit, then schedule inspections through the online request form, by phone, or by email as work progresses.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Inyo County, CA typically run About 1 week for zoning/general plan plan check; about 2 to 3 weeks for a ministerial new-home building permit.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Inyo County, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet are generally exempt under the California Residential Code permit exemption framework adopted through Title 24.; Fences within the standard code height limits are generally exempt.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are generally exempt unless supporting a surcharge.; Water tanks supported directly on grade within standard code size / ratio limits are generally exempt.; Sidewalks and driveways are generally exempt.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work are generally exempt.; Prefabricated swimming pools under the code depth threshold are generally exempt.; Swings and playground equipment are generally exempt.; Certain small detached decks and limited awnings are generally exempt under the residential code.. Note: Inyo County does not publish its own exemption handout on the Building & Safety page reviewed here, so exemption questions should be confirmed with the department before work starts. Even exempt work must still comply with zoning, fire, environmental health, utility, and other applicable rules. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Inyo County, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Inyo County, CA via: Inspection request form, 760-873-7857, ctruelsen@inyocounty.us; tsparrow@inyocounty.us; jfeeney@inyocounty.us.
last verified April 2026
source Inyo County Building & Safety Department ↗
entry id permits/california/inyo/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inyo County Building & Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.