Unincorporated Shasta County

If work is not listed in the county's Residential Work Exempt list, the county's permit path applies. New construction, remodeling, and similar building activity in the unincorporated area routes through county review.

• Exempt Small detached accessory structures 120 square feet or less and 12 feet ridge height or less
• Exempt Fences 7 feet or less
• Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less
• Exempt Interior finish work such as paint, tile, carpet, and cabinets
• Exempt Minor plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical repair categories listed by the county
• Exempt Small decks and certain playground, awning, and other minor work categories listed in the county exemption PDF

Note: Permit exemption does not waive code compliance. Emergency repair work still has notice requirements, typically requiring a permit application by the next business day. Work performed without required permits is subject to at least one additional penalty fee equal to the permit fee.

Building code

Shasta County references the 2025 California Building Standards Code, with a 2026 effective date for new applications.

Permit validity

The application fee is valid for 180 days, and an extension may be requested before expiration. An issued permit expires by limitation at 2 years, or if work has not started within 12 months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. The permit may be renewed with payment of the required renewal fee.

Owner-builder

The permittee must file a signed owner-builder statement and proof of exemption or contractor license status. Owner-built single-family residential permits are allowed only in defined owner-builder circumstances and are tied to state licensing rules.

Contractor requirements

Applicants must file a signed statement that they are licensed under California Contractors' State License Law or eligible for a legal exemption. The county notes penalties for false or misstated licensure status.

Source: Department of Resource Management / Building Division, Shasta County ↗

1. 01
   Contact permit staff first for project fit or process clarity.
2. 02
   Confirm required submittals and applicable clearances, including fire, planning, environmental health, public works, and water, sewer, septic, or well approvals when needed.
3. 03
   Submit a complete application and plans through Build Shasta online, in person, or by the county's self-serve kiosk where available.
4. 04
   The county performs a completeness check and routes accepted plans into the review and approval queue.
5. 05
   Watch for email updates if additional information is needed and when the permit is ready to issue.
6. 06
   Pay permit issuance fees online, pick up the printed permit, and schedule inspections before proceeding.

Typical processing time: Routine projects can take several days to weeks. Routine electrical and heating permits are described as taking several days. Development requiring a hearing can run about 6-10 weeks or longer depending on complexity.

Source: Department of Resource Management / Building Division, Shasta County ↗

The building office notes that county staff process cash up to 4:30 PM, and credit card and check are accepted until close of business.

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

• Build Shasta eTRAKiT (online)
• (530) 244-5068 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: The county's published sequence includes foundation, concrete slab or under-floor, under-floor insulation, roof sheathing or exterior shear wall, framing, septic or sewer, wall or ceiling insulation, masonry, lath or gypsum board, driveway or encroachment-related, final inspection, additional field inspections at inspector discretion, and reinspection when corrections remain.

Source: Department of Resource Management / Building Division, Shasta County ↗