City of Redding

New construction, remodeling, building systems work, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work beyond minor repair thresholds, and most non-trivial structural work generally require a building permit. Work may still require other approvals even if a building permit is not required.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet
• Exempt Fences under 7 feet and more than 10 feet from the public right-of-way
• Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways meeting the city's listed height and location conditions
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work
• Exempt Temporary stage scenery
• Exempt Above-ground prefabricated pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons
• Exempt Child-focused playground and swing equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Exempt Some window awnings below city size limits
• Exempt Non-fixed removable furnishings, racks, counters, and partitions under the city's stated height limits
• Exempt Limited electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas minor repair categories
• Exempt Emergency replacements reported by the next business day

Note: The city notes that exempt items may still require Planning, Fire, Public Works, state, or federal review.

Building code

2022 California Building Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Fire Code, and California Energy Code, including Title 24, with local adoption through the Redding Municipal Code and city handbooks.

Permit validity

Permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days or is abandoned. An expired permit must be renewed before work continues.

Owner-builder

The application allows owner, contractor, or authorized-agent submissions. Authorized-agent signatures require separate authorization documentation.

Contractor requirements

Large or complex permit packets call for licensed California design professional involvement for many engineered plans, including architects, engineers, or design-build California licensed contractors for certain work.

Source: City of Redding Development Services, Building Division ↗

1. 01
   Confirm whether the work requires a permit and whether additional Planning, Fire, or Health review is required.
2. 02
   For online-eligible permits, submit through the city portal and attach required documents and drawings.
3. 03
   For permits not eligible online, contact the Permit Center by phone or email to set up a review and meeting.
4. 04
   The city reviews plans against applicable codes and any linked agencies, including planning, fire, or public works where required.
5. 05
   Permit staff email approval or hold comments. Approved applicants pay permit fees, pick up the permit, and schedule inspections.
6. 06
   The permit card lists required inspections during construction, and certificate-of-occupancy closeout is requested after final approval where applicable.

Typical processing time: The city says fee-estimate requests are returned by email in about 3 business days, many routine permit inquiries receive a preliminary response by the next business day, and single-family certificates of occupancy are often issued the same day if documents are complete. Larger projects vary by scope.

Source: City of Redding Development Services, Building Division ↗

The city uses a written fee-estimate request form returned by email and states fee estimates are not computed at the counter. Permit Center staff handle payments at permit pickup for in-person or mailed submissions. Fee-estimate requests route to bldgfees@cityofredding.org.

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

• COR portal (online)
• 530-225-4030 (phone)

Inspection hours

Development Services office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Typical sequence: The city's published workflow is permit application, approval, issuance of the required inspection list on the permit card, scheduling by phase, correction items if needed, final inspection, and certificate-of-occupancy request where applicable.

Source: City of Redding Development Services, Building Division ↗