On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Citrus Heights
A permit is required before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes, or changes occupancy of a building or structure, or installs, alters, or replaces regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
Construction of a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use when it does not exceed 120 square feet
Replacement of a non-masonry fence in the same location
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height under the general exemption page, with a more restrictive handout noting residential exemption for masonry walls retaining less than 36 inches of earth and wood walls retaining less than 24 inches
Change of flooring, carpet, inlaid tile, or wood flooring
Painting, papering, and similar finish work
Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
Appliance replacement where the appliance is plug-in only and no new wiring is added
Roof repairs smaller than 10% of the roof area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less
Toilet replacement
- Exempt Construction of a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use when it does not exceed 120 square feet
- Exempt Replacement of a non-masonry fence in the same location
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height under the general exemption page, with a more restrictive handout noting residential exemption for masonry walls retaining less than 36 inches of earth and wood walls retaining less than 24 inches
- Exempt Change of flooring, carpet, inlaid tile, or wood flooring
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Appliance replacement where the appliance is plug-in only and no new wiring is added
- Exempt Roof repairs smaller than 10% of the roof area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less
- Exempt Toilet replacement
Note: Even exempt work may still be subject to zoning, setback, and other approval requirements. The City notes its exemption lists are not all-inclusive, and ordinary repairs lose exemption if they involve structural cuts, egress changes, or plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work affecting health or safety.
Required documents
- Online PDF attachments
- Scaled plot plan
- Plans, calculations, and supporting documents depending on scope
- Trade-specific checklists or handout materials when applicable
- Building code
- City materials conflict. Older FAQ materials reference the 2022 California Building Codes, while the Municipal Code page lists Ordinance No. 2025-006 adopting the 2025 California code set.
- Permit validity
- Current City pages state permits expire if work is not started within 12 months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. The City also publishes a permit renewal page stating building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits expire 2 years after issuance with separate extension and renewal rules.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may obtain permits, but owner-builder permits require the City Notice to Property Owner / Owner-Builder disclosures. The City will not issue the permit until the owner signs and returns the owner-builder form, and signature verification is required.
- Contractor requirements
- Permits may be obtained by homeowners, their agents, and contractors licensed by the State of California. Contractors must have a valid Citrus Heights business license before a building permit will be issued.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Portal account approval may take a few hours. Routine permit processing usually takes a few hours after submission, and average first plan review comments are about 10 days depending on project complexity.
- 01 Confirm zoning and setback requirements with the Planning Division before preparing the project.
- 02 Create a Citizen Access Portal account and wait for account approval.
- 03 Prepare the application package and upload PDF files through the portal, including a scaled plot plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, easements or rights-of-way, drainage flow, and nearby oak trees where applicable.
- 04 Submit the application online for City review.
- 05 Pay plan check fees at submittal and permit fees at issuance. Credit card payment is available online, and check, cash, or debit card payments can be made in person at City Hall.
- 06 After approval, print the permit, perform the work, and request required inspections through the portal or the inspection request line.
- 07 Respond to plan review comments if issued and complete final inspection after work is finished.
Typical processing time: Portal account approval may take a few hours. Routine permit processing usually takes a few hours after submission, and average first plan review comments are about 10 days depending on project complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 11, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$204 for valuation-based building permits with project valuation from $1 to $500. Flat-fee trade permits can be lower depending on permit type.
02
Plan check fee
65% of the building permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Some permits are flat-rate, while new construction and remodel work uses valuation-based building permit fees. The City also adds a 6% General Plan Update Fee to valuation-based permit fees and a 4% Technology Fee to flat and valuation-based fees.
04
Reinspection fee
$176. Inspections outside normal business hours are $176 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee for work without permit is double the permit fee. Additional plan review caused by plan changes or revisions is $172.
Plan check fees are due when plans are submitted and permit fees are due at issuance. Credit card payment is available online through the permit portal. Check, cash, or debit card payments may be made in person at City Hall.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 11, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizen Access Portal (online)
- (916) 727-4750 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests received by 4:00 p.m. on a business day can be scheduled for the next business day. Requests after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the second business day or a later requested date.
- Inspection hours
- The inspection request voicemail accepts requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Time windows
- Applicants may request AM or PM inspections.
Typical sequence: Required inspections depend on scope. Published examples include trade or rough inspections as applicable, then a final inspection after all permitted work is complete. For reroofs, the City specifically lists a roof-deck inspection followed by a final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Citrus Heights permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
A permit is required before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes, or changes occupancy of a building or structure, or installs, alters, or replaces regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Citrus Heights, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $204 for valuation-based building permits with project valuation from $1 to $500. Flat-fee trade permits can be lower depending on permit type.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Some permits are flat-rate, while new construction and remodel work uses valuation-based building permit fees. The City also adds a 6% General Plan Update Fee to valuation-based permit fees and a 4% Technology Fee to flat and valuation-based fees.. Plan check fee: 65% of the building permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Citrus Heights, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and setback requirements with the Planning Division before preparing the project. 2. Create a Citizen Access Portal account and wait for account approval. 3. Prepare the application package and upload PDF files through the portal, including a scaled plot plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, easements or rights-of-way, drainage flow, and nearby oak trees where applicable. 4. Submit the application online for City review. 5. Pay plan check fees at submittal and permit fees at issuance. Credit card payment is available online, and check, cash, or debit card payments can be made in person at City Hall. 6. After approval, print the permit, perform the work, and request required inspections through the portal or the inspection request line. 7. Respond to plan review comments if issued and complete final inspection after work is finished.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Citrus Heights, CA typically run Portal account approval may take a few hours. Routine permit processing usually takes a few hours after submission, and average first plan review comments are about 10 days depending on project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Citrus Heights, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Construction of a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use when it does not exceed 120 square feet; Replacement of a non-masonry fence in the same location; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height under the general exemption page, with a more restrictive handout noting residential exemption for masonry walls retaining less than 36 inches of earth and wood walls retaining less than 24 inches; Change of flooring, carpet, inlaid tile, or wood flooring; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Appliance replacement where the appliance is plug-in only and no new wiring is added; Roof repairs smaller than 10% of the roof area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less; Toilet replacement. Note: Even exempt work may still be subject to zoning, setback, and other approval requirements. The City notes its exemption lists are not all-inclusive, and ordinary repairs lose exemption if they involve structural cuts, egress changes, or plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work affecting health or safety. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Citrus Heights, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Citrus Heights, CA via: Citizen Access Portal, (916) 727-4750. Requests received by 4:00 p.m. on a business day can be scheduled for the next business day. Requests after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the second business day or a later requested date..
last verified April 2026
source City of Citrus Heights Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/sacramento/citrus-heights
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Citrus Heights Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.