City of Chowchilla

Chowchilla Municipal Code section 15.06.050 requires a permit before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes, or changes occupancy of a building or structure, or installs, enlarges, alters, repairs, removes, converts, or replaces regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Note: The City does not publish a Chowchilla-specific exempt-work handout on the building page reviewed. Because Chowchilla adopts the current California Title 24 codes by reference, work exempt from permits generally follows the California Building Code and California Residential Code exemptions and minor-work rules. Even if work is permit-exempt, it still must comply with zoning, building, fire, energy, and other applicable codes. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, encroachment, or planning approvals may still be required. Verify exemptions with the Building Division before starting work.

Building code

Ordinance No. 517-23 updated Chowchilla Title 15 to adopt the current version of California Code of Regulations Title 24 by reference, including the California Building Standards Administrative Code, Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Fire Code, Green Building Standards Code, and Referenced Standards Code.

Permit validity

The current Chowchilla ordinance adopts the current California Building Standards codes by reference. The City page reviewed does not separately publish a general building permit expiration rule. For electrical permits, Chowchilla Municipal Code section 15.08.300 states the permit becomes void if work is not commenced within 60 days after issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. Applicants should confirm the current expiration rule that the Building Division is applying to the specific permit type.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder applications are allowed; the City application includes an owner-builder option. Under CSLB guidance, an owner-builder is exempt from contractor licensure in limited circumstances, but assumes full responsibility for the project and may become an employer if using unlicensed labor.

Contractor requirements

The City application requests the contractor license number. CSLB states that in California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that requires a building permit, uses employee labor, or contracts for work valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials must hold a current CSLB license.

Source: City of Chowchilla Community & Economic Development Department, Building Division ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the project scope with the Building Division and prepare plans. The City states that before construction can occur, plans must be prepared and submitted for review for compliance with zoning and building regulations.
2. 02
   Complete the City Building Permit Application. The form asks for owner, contractor, architect or engineer, permit type, work description, valuation, and project square footage.
3. 03
   Submit the completed application and a complete plan set by email to BuildingPermits@cityofchowchilla.org, or submit by regular mail or in person at City Hall.
4. 04
   Respond to any plan-check comments. The City notes that its contracted firm may perform plan review depending on the level of review required.
5. 05
   Pay permit and plan-check fees before permit issuance. Fees are set by the City Council Master Fee Schedule and may include permit, plan-check, planning review, state surcharges, and recovery fees.
6. 06
   Post the permit if issued and call the City to schedule inspections at required stages.
7. 07
   Complete final inspection and any corrections before occupancy or final sign-off.

Source: City of Chowchilla Community & Economic Development Department, Building Division ↗

The permit application states all fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated. The online Municipal Online Services site requires sign-in, but the City building page still directs permit application submittals by email, mail, or in person.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY 2025-26) before budgeting.

• (559) 665-8615 ext. 787 (phone)

Typical sequence: The City does not publish a universal sequence online. Based on the permit type and adopted California code framework, inspections commonly occur at foundation or slab, rough framing and rough MEP trade stages, and final inspection; pools, reroofs, solar, and tenant improvements follow their own trade-specific sequences. Confirm the required sequence with the assigned inspector.

Source: City of Chowchilla Community & Economic Development Department, Building Division ↗