On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Monte Sereno
A permit is generally required any time a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished within the City of Monte Sereno.
Single-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses not exceeding 120 square feet
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, and similar finish work
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall if they project no more than 54 inches
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the exit door
Swings and other playground equipment
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter/width ratio does not exceed 2:1
Re-roof repair up to 10% of roof area (reroofing any structure or repairs exceeding 10% require a permit)
- Exempt Single-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall if they project no more than 54 inches
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the exit door
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter/width ratio does not exceed 2:1
- Exempt Re-roof repair up to 10% of roof area (reroofing any structure or repairs exceeding 10% require a permit)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other City approvals. Projects must still comply with setbacks, lot coverage, zoning, and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Project plans
- Structural calculations
- Title 24 energy calculations
- Hydrology calculations (if applicable)
- Geotechnical report (if applicable)
- Geotechnical conformance review letter (if applicable)
- Completed C3 stormwater data form (if applicable)
- Building code
- California State Building Code with minimal local amendments
- Permit validity
- Permits are generally valid for 180 days after approval, can be extended another 180 days if an inspection shows significant progress, and may expire if no inspection is called within 180 days or more than 180 days elapse between inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Any business or contractor doing business in the City must have a valid City business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan check review; about 2 weeks for resubmittals.
- 01 Determine whether your project requires Planning Department approval before submitting for a building permit.
- 02 For minor permits not requiring plans, apply online or in person through the ePermits portal.
- 03 For permits requiring plan check, submit online with electronic plan/document files via file-share link, a completed Building Permit Application, and a plan check deposit fee.
- 04 Include all applicable documents: project plans, structural calculations, Title 24 energy calculations, hydrology calculations, geotechnical report, geotechnical conformance review letter, and completed C3 stormwater data form.
- 05 City staff reviews the submittal for code compliance and completeness.
- 06 Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents.
- 07 Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan check review; about 2 weeks for resubmittals.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 18, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$28.15 (valuation $1-$500)
02
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee; structural plan review 65% of plan review fee; energy conservation plan review 5% of plan review fee; green building code plan review 5% of plan review fee
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based: $82.96 for first $2,000 plus $16.77 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; $771.20 for first $50,000 plus $8.39 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $1,190.50 for first $100,000 plus $6.71 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000
04
Trade permit fee
$190.48 minimum for electrical/plumbing/mechanical; solar permit $190.48; demolition permit $190.48
05
Reinspection fee
$127 per inspection for excess inspection, re-inspection, or missed inspection
06
Penalty (no permit)
1x base fees in addition to the normal fee for work commenced without a permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 18, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ePermits Inspection Portal (online)
- (408) 354-2805 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (excluding City holidays)
Typical sequence: Final inspection is required after completion. Owners should make sure the City has completed final inspection and signed the permit before final payment to the contractor.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Monte Sereno permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
A permit is generally required any time a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished within the City of Monte Sereno.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Monte Sereno, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $28.15 (valuation $1-$500). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $82.96 for first $2,000 plus $16.77 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; $771.20 for first $50,000 plus $8.39 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $1,190.50 for first $100,000 plus $6.71 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee; structural plan review 65% of plan review fee; energy conservation plan review 5% of plan review fee; green building code plan review 5% of plan review fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Monte Sereno, CA, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether your project requires Planning Department approval before submitting for a building permit. 2. For minor permits not requiring plans, apply online or in person through the ePermits portal. 3. For permits requiring plan check, submit online with electronic plan/document files via file-share link, a completed Building Permit Application, and a plan check deposit fee. 4. Include all applicable documents: project plans, structural calculations, Title 24 energy calculations, hydrology calculations, geotechnical report, geotechnical conformance review letter, and completed C3 stormwater data form. 5. City staff reviews the submittal for code compliance and completeness. 6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents. 7. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Monte Sereno, CA typically run Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan check review; about 2 weeks for resubmittals.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Monte Sereno, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Single-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses not exceeding 120 square feet; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall if they project no more than 54 inches; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the exit door; Swings and other playground equipment; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter/width ratio does not exceed 2:1; Re-roof repair up to 10% of roof area (reroofing any structure or repairs exceeding 10% require a permit). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other City approvals. Projects must still comply with setbacks, lot coverage, zoning, and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Monte Sereno, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Monte Sereno, CA via: ePermits Inspection Portal, (408) 354-2805.
last verified April 2026
source City of Monte Sereno Building Department ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/monte-sereno
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Monte Sereno Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.