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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for San Bruno
California Section 105 type work including constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy, or electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing work subject to the building code.
Note: Exemptions are narrow and still cannot be used for work that affects structural, safety, life-safety, egress, or code-compliance conditions; city inspectors still review permit need case by case.
- permit application (with applicant/property/contractor/license data), stamped and signed plans, plot plan, foundation and floor plans, and additional discipline-specific drawings as noted in San Bruno�s submittal guide.
- Building code
- City applies the California Building Code and related state codes through its municipal building chapter (notably 2022 CBC adoption with city amendments and most-restrictive-code policy).
- Permit validity
- Valuation-based life of permit table: not over $50k = 6 months; $50,001-$500k = 12 months; $500,001-$1,000,000 = 18 months; $1,000,001-$3,000,000 = 24 months; over $3,000,000 = 36 months. One 6-month extension may be granted before expiration; permits may become null-and-void after deadline without approval.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder acknowledgment/verification is required when permit is in owner name; city requires confirmation of owner-builder capacity/eligibility and verification before permit issuance. Owner-builder limitations and liability exposures are detailed in the city�s owner-builder packet.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor must list CA license class and license number on the application; contractors/certain applicants must declare license status and workers-comp compliance (B&P Code-based).
Application process
Typical processing: Not explicitly published as a standard review-time benchmark on the permit pages.
- 01 Create a MGO Connect account (required to apply).
- 02 Submit the building permit application in MGO Connect and upload required plans/specifications.
- 03 Pay plan review and other applicable fees when triggered in MGO portal.
- 04 Obtain permit decision and permit issuance.
- 05 Track tasks and request inspections through the same portal or by phone for legacy permits.
Typical processing time: Not explicitly published as a standard review-time benchmark on the permit pages.
Source: City of San Bruno Building Division (Community & Economic Development Department) ↗
Fee schedule
San Bruno building permit fees
City permits/plan review and related fees are paid in MGO Connect; the fee schedule also notes possible agency coordination charges and card/payment transaction surcharges.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- MGO Connect (MyGovernmentOnline) (online)
- 650-616-7076 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- scheduling requires at least 24 hours in advance; legacy windows listed as 8:00 am�12:00 pm and 1:00 pm�4:00 pm; next-day inspection cutoff is 3:00 pm.
- Time windows
- scheduling requires at least 24 hours in advance; legacy windows listed as 8:00 am�12:00 pm and 1:00 pm�4:00 pm; next-day inspection cutoff is 3:00 pm.
Typical sequence: request inspection type/date/window in MGO; field inspector confirms day-of; final inspections may include planning-related inspection when project includes ARC/Planning Commission/design-feature review.
Frequently asked
Common questions about San Bruno permits
01 Do I need a building permit in San Bruno, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in San Bruno, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in San Bruno, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in San Bruno, CA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in San Bruno, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of San Bruno Building Division (Community & Economic Development Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.