City of Colton

Colton's permit handout says permits are required for new buildings; additions; alterations or repairs to buildings, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; retaining walls over 4 feet; pools and spas over 24 inches deep; patio covers; demolition; window change-outs; water heaters; re-roofs; HVAC change-outs; and similar regulated work.

• Exempt Cosmetic work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work, unless accessibility upgrades are triggered
• Exempt Minor roof repairs totaling less than 25 percent of the roof area in any 12-month period
• Exempt Replacement or installation of certain plumbing fixtures such as washers and faucets where no relocation or reconfiguration requires a permit
• Exempt Repair of electrical fixtures or appliances on existing approved branch circuits, and replacement of switches, receptacles, fixtures, or ballasts in kind
• Exempt Septic tank or cesspool cleaning without structural repair or replacement

Note: Colton's handout says the exempt-work list is not all-inclusive, and exempt work still must comply with applicable code requirements. Accessibility, zoning, fire, utility, or other departmental approvals may still apply depending on the project.

Building code

Effective January 1, 2026, Colton states the 2025 California Building Standards Code applies to new permit applications. Older city handouts still reference the 2022 code cycle, so use the current Development Services notice for new applications filed on or after January 1, 2026.

Permit validity

City handouts state plan check applications expire if no permit is obtained within 180 days unless extended in writing; issued permits generally expire if work does not start within 180 days, or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must personally assume responsibility for the work, use the property as their residence for at least 12 months, and cannot evade contractor licensing requirements. Colton provides an owner-builder handout and packet.

Contractor requirements

The applicant must be the property owner or a California licensed contractor with workers' compensation coverage as required; City forms ask for CSLB license number/class and City business license information. Colton's contractor/owner-builder subcontractor form states all subcontractors must hold a current City of Colton business license.

1. 01
   Confirm zoning and any other City approvals that apply before submitting; Colton notes many permits require Planning or other department approval first.
2. 02
   Create an eTRAKiT public or contractor account. Contractor log-in is required for contractor submissions; owner-builders/public users need a registered account to schedule inspections and view detailed records.
3. 03
   Submit the permit application through eTRAKiT or at the Development Services counter. Colton states uploads of plans, studies, and reports through the portal are required for City online applications.
4. 04
   Upload the required plans and supporting documents. Colton's submittal handouts state incomplete applications may be returned for correction.
5. 05
   City staff routes the application for plan review and issues an invoice after fees are reviewed.
6. 06
   Pay fees, receive permit issuance, and keep the approved plans and permit card available for inspections.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections online or by phone and obtain final sign-off before occupancy/use.
8. 08
   Processing time estimate: no single citywide turnaround is posted; Colton states permit processing time depends on permit type.

Source: City of Colton Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗

eTRAKiT lists a 3.0% fee for credit/debit/APM non-utility payments and $0.50 per ACH/eCheck transaction. Maximum amount per non-utility payment is $300,000, and multiple payments may be made.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Building inspections may be scheduled in eTRAKiT (online)
• (909) 370-5131 (phone)
• (909) 370-6190 (phone)

Inspection hours

Development Services public counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public Works states standard inspections are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; overtime fees apply outside those hours.

Typical sequence: Colton's inspection handout states inspections are required at various stages and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance; work must remain exposed until approved. The exact sequence depends on project type and approved plans.

Source: City of Colton Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗