On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for San Benito County
A complete permit application with plans/data required by the Building Official must be filed before any work may be done on any building. County code authorizes permits for work to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert, demolish, plumb, wire, install, or change work on or about a building.
Note: The county publishes a Work Exempt From Building Permits handout, but the linked exemption PDF was not text-accessible in this research session. The research also notes the county separately recognizes an agricultural building exemption from impact fees where county code section 21.01.111 requirements are met, including parcels larger than five acres and an existing or clearly supportable agricultural use. Even when a building permit is not required, zoning, floodplain, fire, septic, grading, encroachment, environmental health, and utility approvals may still apply. Confirm exact county exemption thresholds with the Building Division before proceeding.
- Completed building permit application
- Project plans
- Construction and Demolition Recycling Plan
- Project-specific supporting documents
- Structural calculations for new single-family dwellings
- Truss calculations for new single-family dwellings
- Energy compliance report for new single-family dwellings
- Soils/geotechnical report when applicable
- CALGreen/C and D compliance materials
- Architectural plans
- Structural plans
- Electrical plans
- Plumbing plans
- Mechanical plans
- Building code
- 2022 California Administrative Code, California Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, CALGreen, Energy Code, Historical Code, Existing Building Code, Referenced Standards Code, and California Fire Code, plus certain other referenced codes
- Permit validity
- The public county pages reviewed did not clearly post a general permit expiration rule. Applicants should confirm current validity and extension rules with the Building Division before filing.
- Owner-builder
- The county application includes an Owner-Builder Declaration stating owners may be legally and financially responsible for the project, may become employers if labor/material value reaches $500, and must verify contractor licensing and workers' compensation if they hire others. Before permit issuance, the owner-builder form must be completed and signed by the property owner, and the county requires ID, notarization, or other signature verification acceptable to the agency.
- Contractor requirements
- The county application states contractors are required by law to be licensed and bonded in California and to list their license numbers on permits and contracts. Licensed contractor and workers' compensation declarations are part of the permit application packet.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm project-specific requirements with County Planning/Building and any outside agencies the county identifies for the project type, such as Environmental Health, water/sanitation district, and fire district.
- 02 Register for an Accela Citizen Access account.
- 03 Complete the county building permit application. The county application says only licensed contractors, property owners, or authorized agents with written authorization may obtain permits.
- 04 Prepare the required electronic submittal package. County handouts for new single-family dwellings require, at minimum, the permit application, Construction and Demolition Recycling Plan, and electronic copies of plans and supporting documents such as structural calculations, truss calculations, energy compliance, and soils/geotechnical reports when applicable.
- 05 Submit online or electronically. The county online submittal page directs applicants to complete the application, gather project handouts and plans, then email the application and plans to county staff; the county notes a Dropbox link may be used if needed.
- 06 Pay permit fees by credit card by calling the main line during posted payment hours.
- 07 After plan review and issuance, post the permit on site and call for inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
Fee schedule
San Benito County building permit fees
The county online submittal page directs applicants to call (831) 637-5313 to pay permit fees by credit card Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; payments are unavailable from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Accela Citizen Access (online)
- (831) 637-1041 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Building Inspection Services office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Time windows
- AM and PM time slots.
Typical sequence: Obtain permit, post permit on site, complete the work for the requested inspection stage, ensure approved plans/specifications and a qualified person are on site, then call for inspection. Roofing and photovoltaic inspections require an OSHA-approved ladder secured to the building. Electrical inspections require accessible/open panels, junction boxes, and related components.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated San Benito County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated San Benito County, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated San Benito County, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated San Benito County, CA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated San Benito County, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with San Benito County Resource Management Agency, Building and Code Enforcement Division / Planning and Building Inspection Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.