On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Del Rey Oaks
The city states a building permit is required before proceeding with construction or remodeling work so plans can be checked for zoning, land use, and construction compliance. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for covered specialty work unless exempt under the applicable California code. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit
Del Rey Oaks does not publish a single consolidated general building-permit exemption list on its building permit page; instead, its specialty permit pages give examples of exempt work and refer back to the California Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes.
Electrical examples the city says do not require an electrical permit: like-for-like replacement of broken outlets, light fixtures, and switches; replacement of approved fuses and defective breakers; replacing light bulbs/fluorescent tubes; replacing an existing garbage disposal or dishwasher, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less; replacing an existing doorbell. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit
Plumbing examples the city says do not require a plumbing permit: repairing leaks where the work does not involve replacement or rearrangement of pipes, valves, or fixtures; clearing stoppages; stopping leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit
Mechanical examples the city says do not require a mechanical permit: replacing a minor part that does not change listed equipment or make it unsafe; installing portable air conditioners, portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, room air cleaners, whole-house window fans; changing furnace filters. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit
- Exempt Del Rey Oaks does not publish a single consolidated general building-permit exemption list on its building permit page; instead, its specialty permit pages give examples of exempt work and refer back to the California Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes.
- Exempt Electrical examples the city says do not require an electrical permit: like-for-like replacement of broken outlets, light fixtures, and switches; replacement of approved fuses and defective breakers; replacing light bulbs/fluorescent tubes; replacing an existing garbage disposal or dishwasher, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less; replacing an existing doorbell. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit
- Exempt Plumbing examples the city says do not require a plumbing permit: repairing leaks where the work does not involve replacement or rearrangement of pipes, valves, or fixtures; clearing stoppages; stopping leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit
- Exempt Mechanical examples the city says do not require a mechanical permit: replacing a minor part that does not change listed equipment or make it unsafe; installing portable air conditioners, portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, room air cleaners, whole-house window fans; changing furnace filters. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit
Note: Exemptions are narrow and trade-specific. Del Rey Oaks directs applicants to contact City Hall if they are unsure whether a permit is required, and separate planning, encroachment, or other approvals may still apply. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit
Required documents
- For building permit review, the city lists project address, square footage of new work, foundation plan, detail sheet, owner and contractor contact information, and 2 sets of energy calculations when adding floor area. Architectural review materials may also be required. Contractors must also provide state license, workers' compensation certificate, and current city business license before issuance.
- Building code
- Del Rey Oaks enforces the California Building Standards Code with local amendments through its municipal code and contracted Monterey building services. Publicly indexed city ordinance material online shows adoption of California building, residential, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, historic building, and existing building codes with local amendments. Because the indexed ordinance available online is an older adoption package, applicants should confirm the current edition in force with City Hall for project-specific reliance. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/1391
- Permit validity
- A publicly posted adoption ordinance shows permits expiring if no required inspection approval is obtained within one year, with written extension procedures; the current fee schedule also lists permit extension, reactivation, and reissuance fees. Because the indexed ordinance available online appears older, applicants should confirm the current expiration rule with City Hall for a live project. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/1391 ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
- Owner-builder
- No Del Rey Oaks-specific owner-builder summary was clearly posted on the city permit pages reviewed.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must provide their state license number, workers' compensation insurance certificate, and current City of Del Rey Oaks business license before permit issuance. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plans are normally returned in about 7 to 15 days, depending on project size. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 01 Contact City Hall/City Clerk first to determine whether the project needs Architectural Review, plan check, or other approvals before permit issuance. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 02 If Architectural Review is required, submit the required land use materials to the City Clerk's Office, including an environmental effects assessment, site plan, floor plan, plot plan, and landscape plan. Planning Commission approval is required. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 03 If plan check is required, submit 3 plan sets with project address, square footage, foundation plan, detail sheet, owner/contractor information, and energy calculations where floor area is added. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 04 Provide any additional outside approvals the city identifies as necessary. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 05 Before permit issuance, contractors must provide a California state license number, workers' compensation certificate, and current Del Rey Oaks business license. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
- 06 Pay permit and related fees, then schedule required inspections with at least 24 hours' notice. Final inspection is required for all permits. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
Typical processing time: Plans are normally returned in about 7 to 15 days, depending on project size. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
§ 04
Fee schedule
Del Rey Oaks building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$170 base building permit fee for valuation from $1 to $2,000 under the current building fee table, plus additional processing and other applicable surcharges. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
02
Plan check fee
Building plan review fee is 75% of the building permit fee when applicable; expedited plan check is 1.5x the standard plan check fee. Additional planning and public works review fees may apply depending on project type. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
03
Permit fee formula
General building permits are valuation-based. Current base permit table starts at $170 for $1-$2,000 valuation and scales upward by valuation bracket; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspection fees for permits not otherwise listed are each calculated as 10% of the base permit fee. Determination of valuation is based on the higher of applicant-estimated value or ICC/R.S. Means-based valuation. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee after the first reinspection is $170 each missed inspection fee is $170 after-hours inspection is $204 per hour with a 4-hour minimum.
05
Penalty (no permit)
investigation fee for work without permits is equal to the permit fee in addition to standard permit fees
Current fee schedule includes a $71 permit processing fee, 5% general plan maintenance fee, 5% technology fee on plan review and permit fees, applicable state surcharges, and a 3% credit card transaction processing fee. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Building permit information page (online)
- (831) 920-1815 (phone)
- (831) 394-8511 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly stated on the building permit page.
Typical sequence: The city does not publish a full sequence on the page reviewed; at minimum, one required inspection must be obtained to keep the permit active under the city's posted local amendment materials, and final inspection is required for all permits. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/1391
Reinspection fee applies after the first reinspection; current fee is $170 each. Missed inspection fee is also $170. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Del Rey Oaks permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
The city states a building permit is required before proceeding with construction or remodeling work so plans can be checked for zoning, land use, and construction compliance. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for covered specialty work unless exempt under the applicable California code. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit
02 How much does a building permit cost in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Del Rey Oaks, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $170 base building permit fee for valuation from $1 to $2,000 under the current building fee table, plus additional processing and other applicable surcharges. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686. Fees are calculated as: General building permits are valuation-based. Current base permit table starts at $170 for $1-$2,000 valuation and scales upward by valuation bracket; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspection fees for permits not otherwise listed are each calculated as 10% of the base permit fee. Determination of valuation is based on the higher of applicant-estimated value or ICC/R.S. Means-based valuation. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686. Plan check fee: Building plan review fee is 75% of the building permit fee when applicable; expedited plan check is 1.5x the standard plan check fee. Additional planning and public works review fees may apply depending on project type. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/media/10686.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Del Rey Oaks, CA, follow these steps: 1. Contact City Hall/City Clerk first to determine whether the project needs Architectural Review, plan check, or other approvals before permit issuance. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit 2. If Architectural Review is required, submit the required land use materials to the City Clerk's Office, including an environmental effects assessment, site plan, floor plan, plot plan, and landscape plan. Planning Commission approval is required. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit 3. If plan check is required, submit 3 plan sets with project address, square footage, foundation plan, detail sheet, owner/contractor information, and energy calculations where floor area is added. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit 4. Provide any additional outside approvals the city identifies as necessary. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit 5. Before permit issuance, contractors must provide a California state license number, workers' compensation certificate, and current Del Rey Oaks business license. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit 6. Pay permit and related fees, then schedule required inspections with at least 24 hours' notice. Final inspection is required for all permits. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Del Rey Oaks, CA typically run Plans are normally returned in about 7 to 15 days, depending on project size. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Del Rey Oaks, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Del Rey Oaks does not publish a single consolidated general building-permit exemption list on its building permit page; instead, its specialty permit pages give examples of exempt work and refer back to the California Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes.; Electrical examples the city says do not require an electrical permit: like-for-like replacement of broken outlets, light fixtures, and switches; replacement of approved fuses and defective breakers; replacing light bulbs/fluorescent tubes; replacing an existing garbage disposal or dishwasher, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less; replacing an existing doorbell. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit; Plumbing examples the city says do not require a plumbing permit: repairing leaks where the work does not involve replacement or rearrangement of pipes, valves, or fixtures; clearing stoppages; stopping leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit; Mechanical examples the city says do not require a mechanical permit: replacing a minor part that does not change listed equipment or make it unsafe; installing portable air conditioners, portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, room air cleaners, whole-house window fans; changing furnace filters. Source: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit. Note: Exemptions are narrow and trade-specific. Del Rey Oaks directs applicants to contact City Hall if they are unsure whether a permit is required, and separate planning, encroachment, or other approvals may still apply. Sources: https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/building-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/electrical-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/plumbing-permit ; https://www.delreyoaks.org/cityhall/page/mechanical-permit When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Del Rey Oaks, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Del Rey Oaks, CA via: Building permit information page, (831) 920-1815, (831) 394-8511.
last verified April 2026
source City of Del Rey Oaks Building Department / City Clerk counter; the city contracts with the City of Monterey to provide building services, plan check, and inspections ↗
entry id permits/california/monterey/del-rey-oaks
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Del Rey Oaks Building Department / City Clerk counter; the city contracts with the City of Monterey to provide building services, plan check, and inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.