City of Santa Maria

Building permits are required for construction, grading, striping, signage, and construction or alteration activities unless specifically exempted.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings for tool, storage, or playhouse use that meet strict size, height, and location limits
• Exempt Wood, chain-link, and similar fence work up to 6 feet, with exceptions
• Exempt Retaining or garden walls up to 4 feet
• Exempt Limited work covered by CBC / CRC 105.2 style exemptions

Note: These are narrow technical exemptions. If work exceeds the listed thresholds for size, systems, setbacks, structure, location, or utility work, a permit is likely required.

Building code

California Building Code 2025 Edition and California Residential Code 2025 Edition, with local additions and amendments

Permit validity

Permit validity is 365 days, with extension requests allowed for additional 180-day periods.

Owner-builder

Owner-occupied single-family exceptions exist for certain trade work under narrow limits in City code.

Contractor requirements

Permits are generally issued only to parties with a valid state contractor license and a valid City business license, except for narrow owner-occupied single-family allowances.

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department ↗

1. 01
   Choose the correct permit type and start the application in eTRAKiT.
2. 02
   Submit plans and the required submittal set for plan review.
3. 03
   Pay permit, plan check, technology, inspection, and deposit fees before permit issuance as required.
4. 04
   Complete all required plan review routing, including Building, Fire, Planning, and Utilities where applicable.
5. 05
   Receive permit approval or permit card and schedule inspections through eTRAKiT.
6. 06
   Pay any reinspection, special inspection, or certificate of occupancy fees generated under the active fee schedule.

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department ↗

Permit, plan, scanning, technology, and inspection fees are paid through the City's current fee schedule and online systems.

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

• eTRAKiT (online)
• (805) 925-0951 ext. 2502 (phone)
• (805) 925-0951 ext. 2241 (phone)

Inspection hours

Building Division counter typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; phone during normal hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Work must be completed to the required plan and code level for each phase, with approved stamped plans and the inspection card on site and required access and tests ready.

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department ↗