On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wasco
Wasco's FAQ says permits are needed for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, structural work, and window replacement. California permit law also generally requires a permit before a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
Residential fences no higher than 4 feet in the front yard do not require a building permit.
Residential fences in rear and side yards generally do not require a building permit if they are not concrete block or brick wall fences and do not exceed 7 feet in height.
The city specifically says permits are required for concrete block or brick wall fences over 6 feet in rear or side yards.
- Exempt Residential fences no higher than 4 feet in the front yard do not require a building permit.
- Exempt Residential fences in rear and side yards generally do not require a building permit if they are not concrete block or brick wall fences and do not exceed 7 feet in height.
- Exempt The city specifically says permits are required for concrete block or brick wall fences over 6 feet in rear or side yards.
Note: Wasco's public FAQ does not publish a full citywide exempt-work list online. The city directs applicants to call 661-758-7250 if they are unsure whether their project needs a permit. Fence rules above apply to residential fencing only, and chain link fencing is not permitted in residential zones.
Required documents
- The city's online instructions require the applicant to upload the permit-specific paperwork and plans. Hard-copy plans may still be required depending on project type. Wasco also publishes a Construction Permit Declaration, Owner Builder-Property Owners Package, Solar Permit Checklist, and trade-specific Title 24 forms for some permit types.
- Building code
- Wasco's 2022 Building Code Update FAQ states the city enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Code effective January 1, 2023, including the California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Energy, and Green Building Standards Codes.
- Permit validity
- Wasco's published code-update FAQ states permits expire if work is not started within 1 year of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Plan-check applications expire if a permit is not issued within 180 days after initial submittal.
- Owner-builder
- Wasco publishes an Owner Builder-Property Owners Package and a Construction Permit Declaration for applicants using the owner-builder path. California CSLB warns that an owner-builder who signs the permit application assumes full responsibility for all phases of the project.
- Contractor requirements
- Under California CSLB guidance, anyone contracting for work that requires a building permit, uses employee labor, or totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials generally must hold a current CSLB license unless a statutory exemption applies.
Source: City of Wasco Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Initial plan check typically 2 to 3 weeks
- 01 Go to the City of Wasco permit portal and choose the correct permit category.
- 02 Review the available knowledge/forms for your permit type, complete the required paperwork, and prepare digital uploads.
- 03 Create a MyGov collaborator account if you do not already have one, validate your email, request access to the City of Wasco, and start a new permit request.
- 04 Enter project information and upload plans and supporting documents. The city notes that hard-copy plans may still be required depending on the project.
- 05 Pay applicable fees and respond to correction items if the city issues them during review.
- 06 After permit issuance, keep the approved permit and plans available on site and call the Building Department to schedule inspections.
- 07 Initial plan check typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, but timing varies by project.
Typical processing time: Initial plan check typically 2 to 3 weeks
Source: City of Wasco Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Wasco building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$160 for valuation-based building permits; many common over-the-counter permit types have flat fees above that amount
02
Plan check fee
65% of the building permit fee when applicable; expedited plan check is billed at actual third-party cost plus a 25% administrative fee
03
Permit fee formula
Both. Wasco charges flat fees for common permit types such as water heaters, reroofs, patios, and solar, and valuation-based permit fees for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, remodels, and combined MEP permits.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee is $80 starting with the 3rd inspection attempt; missed inspection fee $80; work without permits is charged at 2x the permit fee/investigation fee
05
Penalty (no permit)
Reinspection fee is $80 starting with the 3rd inspection attempt; missed inspection fee $80; work without permits is charged at 2x the permit fee/investigation fee
Permit processing fee $80 applies; technology fee is 5% of permit fee; general plan maintenance fee is 7% on applicable permits; credit card transaction fee is 3% for credit card payments over $2,000
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 661-758-7250 (phone)
- instructions PDF (online)
- Inspection hours
- Morning or afternoon inspections, Monday through Thursday only. For same-day morning inspections, call before 7:30 a.m. For same-day afternoon inspections, call before 11:30 a.m.
- Time windows
- Morning or afternoon inspections, Monday through Thursday only. For same-day morning inspections, call before 7:30 a.m. For same-day afternoon inspections, call before 11:30 a.m.
Typical sequence: The city's public FAQ and instructions do not publish a standard sequence online; sequence depends on the scope of permitted work and the approved inspection card/policy for the project.
Source: City of Wasco Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Wasco permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Wasco, CA? ▸
Wasco's FAQ says permits are needed for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, structural work, and window replacement. California permit law also generally requires a permit before a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Wasco, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Wasco, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $160 for valuation-based building permits; many common over-the-counter permit types have flat fees above that amount. Fees are calculated as: Both. Wasco charges flat fees for common permit types such as water heaters, reroofs, patios, and solar, and valuation-based permit fees for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, remodels, and combined MEP permits.. Plan check fee: 65% of the building permit fee when applicable; expedited plan check is billed at actual third-party cost plus a 25% administrative fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Wasco, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Wasco, CA, follow these steps: 1. Go to the City of Wasco permit portal and choose the correct permit category. 2. Review the available knowledge/forms for your permit type, complete the required paperwork, and prepare digital uploads. 3. Create a MyGov collaborator account if you do not already have one, validate your email, request access to the City of Wasco, and start a new permit request. 4. Enter project information and upload plans and supporting documents. The city notes that hard-copy plans may still be required depending on the project. 5. Pay applicable fees and respond to correction items if the city issues them during review. 6. After permit issuance, keep the approved permit and plans available on site and call the Building Department to schedule inspections. 7. Initial plan check typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, but timing varies by project.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Wasco, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Wasco, CA typically run Initial plan check typically 2 to 3 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Wasco, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Wasco, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Residential fences no higher than 4 feet in the front yard do not require a building permit.; Residential fences in rear and side yards generally do not require a building permit if they are not concrete block or brick wall fences and do not exceed 7 feet in height.; The city specifically says permits are required for concrete block or brick wall fences over 6 feet in rear or side yards.. Note: Wasco's public FAQ does not publish a full citywide exempt-work list online. The city directs applicants to call 661-758-7250 if they are unsure whether their project needs a permit. Fence rules above apply to residential fencing only, and chain link fencing is not permitted in residential zones. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Wasco, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Wasco, CA via: 661-758-7250, instructions PDF.
last verified April 2026
source City of Wasco Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/kern/wasco
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Wasco Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.