On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Woodside
generally for new/altered/improved construction, repair, move, demolition, or occupancy changes.
Detached accessory structures of 120 sq ft or less may avoid a building permit if no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical equipment is proposed, but still require a Planning Permit.
- Exempt Detached accessory structures of 120 sq ft or less may avoid a building permit if no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical equipment is proposed, but still require a Planning Permit.
Required documents
- Building permit application, complete scope, plans, valuation, and scope-appropriate supporting docs (e.g., fire-safe checklist, structural/engineering data, soils reports, owner/contractor info, and department-specific documents).
- Building code
- California Building Code and Woodside Municipal Code.
- Permit validity
- New work must have an inspection within one year of scheduling; no permit activity for one year requires a new permit (permit fees non-refundable after 365 days if issued). Inactivity/refund details are in the fee schedule.
- Owner-builder
- Town provides an Owner-Builder declaration path; it warns owner-builders they may be held liable if they submit a permit as owner without proper licensed oversight and that contractor license/bonding requirements generally apply.
- Contractor requirements
- Finalization is tied to license confirmation; no person may transact business without a Town business license, and finalization requires all licenses confirmed for subcontractors (Town Municipal Code reference via town page).
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm permit need early if uncertain (Town requires a permit for erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of buildings/structures and electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems).
- 02 Contact Planning at 650-851-6796 to confirm whether discretionary review is required.
- 03 Prepare application, scope, plans, valuation, and required supporting documents.
- 04 Email application package (PDF) to the Building Department (projectmanagers@woodsideca.gov) unless the project is one of the eTRAKiT-only permit types.
- 05 Pay applicable fees/deposits at submission.
- 06 Complete plan check review cycle (including any revisions requested), then permit issuance.
- 07 Schedule and complete inspections in sequence before final sign-off.
- 08 Processing-time estimate: not published for permit issuance in the Town pages; only inspection scheduling is explicit (72 hours advance notice, afternoons only).
- 09 Source URL: https://www.woodsideca.gov/157/Building and https://www.woodsideca.gov/473/Apply-for-Permits-Online
§ 04
Fee schedule
Woodside building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$155 (Permit Processing Fee / Minimum Permit Fee)
02
Plan check fee
see above (plan review percentage + hourly follow-on for additional review/revisions).
03
Permit fee formula
mixed model: - Building permit fee uses valuation-based and flat components (varies by permit type). - Plan check is charged as a percentage of building permit fee: 20% counter review, 85% residential, 100% commercial. - Additional plan review, engineering, planning review and revisions billed hourly; first three plan reviews included in base fee note.
04
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee $155 (after first re-inspection); Missed inspection $155.
- Fees are due when submitting the permit application (cash/check is explicitly noted for in-person submittals). - Fees must be paid before review/permit processing of many permit types. - Permit extensions/reactivations/reissuance and special deposit-based fees also apply as listed in the fee schedule.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- eTRAKiT (via Woodside CSQR portal) (online)
- 650-851-6796 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- call 650-851-6796 or email for Building; schedule 72 hours in advance; afternoons only (1:00–4:30 PM).
- Time windows
- Building inspections generally limited to afternoon windows; Town says it conducts first-come, first-serve and only a limited number per day.
Typical sequence: plan check approvals -> Building final inspection after other required departments clear their finals (Planning, Geology, Public Works, Woodside Fire, Health, etc. as applicable).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Woodside permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Woodside, CA? ▸
generally for new/altered/improved construction, repair, move, demolition, or occupancy changes.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Woodside, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Woodside, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $155 (Permit Processing Fee / Minimum Permit Fee). Fees are calculated as: mixed model: - Building permit fee uses valuation-based and flat components (varies by permit type). - Plan check is charged as a percentage of building permit fee: 20% counter review, 85% residential, 100% commercial. - Additional plan review, engineering, planning review and revisions billed hourly; first three plan reviews included in base fee note.. Plan check fee: see above (plan review percentage + hourly follow-on for additional review/revisions)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Woodside, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Woodside, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm permit need early if uncertain (Town requires a permit for erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of buildings/structures and electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems). 2. Contact Planning at 650-851-6796 to confirm whether discretionary review is required. 3. Prepare application, scope, plans, valuation, and required supporting documents. 4. Email application package (PDF) to the Building Department (projectmanagers@woodsideca.gov) unless the project is one of the eTRAKiT-only permit types. 5. Pay applicable fees/deposits at submission. 6. Complete plan check review cycle (including any revisions requested), then permit issuance. 7. Schedule and complete inspections in sequence before final sign-off. 8. Processing-time estimate: not published for permit issuance in the Town pages; only inspection scheduling is explicit (72 hours advance notice, afternoons only). 9. Source URL: https://www.woodsideca.gov/157/Building and https://www.woodsideca.gov/473/Apply-for-Permits-Online
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Woodside, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Woodside, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures of 120 sq ft or less may avoid a building permit if no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical equipment is proposed, but still require a Planning Permit.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Woodside, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Woodside, CA via: eTRAKiT (via Woodside CSQR portal), 650-851-6796. call 650-851-6796 or email for Building; schedule 72 hours in advance; afternoons only (1:00–4:30 PM)..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/california/san-mateo/woodside
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Woodside Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.