Solano County, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the unincorporated area of Solano County. If the property is inside a city, the city building or planning office applies instead.

Department

Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division)

Address

675 Texas St., Suite 5500, Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone

(707) 784-6765

Email

building@solanocounty.gov

Website

https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/resource-management/building-safety-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project scope and requirements with Building & Safety staff by phone or email if needed.
2. Register online and submit the permit application and drawings electronically.
3. Pay plan review fees when submitting for review.
4. County staff review the application for code compliance and prepare the permit once approved.
5. Pay permit issuance and final fees and receive the permit.
6. Start construction and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Not posted as a fixed standard on public pages.

Source: Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division)

General Requirements

Most construction projects require a permit unless specifically exempted under the County's posted building permit exemption categories.

Required Documents

• Electronic plans
• Signed plans, and architect or engineer seal when applicable
• Project sheet identifying address, parcel number, project data, and scope
• Separate permit application for each separate structure

Permit validity

Most listed occupancies are valid for 24 months from issuance. Residential plans and permits are generally valid for 24 months, with 180-day document retention after final inspection or expiration.

Building code

2025 California Building Code family, including CRC, CMC, CEC, CPC, CFC, California Energy Code, CalGreen, and WUI Code

Owner-builder

A permit may be issued to the property owner, a certified agent, or a licensed contractor.

Contractor requirements

Contractor license and workers compensation verification are required when a contractor is filing.

Fees

Plan check fee

Due at time of submittal.

Permit fee formula

Fees vary by project type and include plan check, permit, inspections, and related permits.

Payment note

Request a fee estimate by email. Permit fees are paid before issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small detached one-story accessory utility structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities
• Fences up to 6 feet high
• Retaining walls under 4 feet unless surcharge or life-safety conditions apply
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below where part of an accessible route
• Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code shape ratio limits
• Prefabricated pools accessory to single-family use that are up to 24 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above ground
• Temporary stage sets and scenery
• Shade structures for nursery or agricultural use
• Swing and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Non-fixed movable fixtures, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches
• Window awnings projecting up to 54 inches from the exterior wall when code limits are met

Important: Permit requirements can change based on use, location, and attached conditions. Emergency repairs affecting safety still require permit submission within one business day, and electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required even when structural work is exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (707) 784-4750 (phone)
• ACA daily inspection schedule (online)

Scheduling deadline

Calls before 3:00 PM usually schedule for the next business day; calls after 3:00 PM usually schedule two business days later.

Inspection hours

Inspection request line available 24/7

Typical inspection sequence: Schedule inspections after permit issuance when each work stage is ready. Do not cover work until the inspector has seen it. Final inspection occurs after work is complete and ready for occupancy per code and permit conditions.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Code family, including CRC, CMC, CEC, CPC, CFC, California Energy Code, CalGreen, and WUI Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• General Permit Steps
• General Permitting Requirements
• Submittal Checklists
• ADU Guide
• Unincorporated Area Boundary Check
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Solano County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

Most construction projects require a permit unless specifically exempted under the County's posted building permit exemption categories.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

Fees are calculated as: Fees vary by project type and include plan check, permit, inspections, and related permits.. Plan check fee: Due at time of submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

1. Confirm project scope and requirements with Building & Safety staff by phone or email if needed. 2. Register online and submit the permit application and drawings electronically. 3. Pay plan review fees when submitting for review. 4. County staff review the application for code compliance and prepare the permit once approved. 5. Pay permit issuance and final fees and receive the permit. 6. Start construction and schedule required inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

Typical processing time is Not posted as a fixed standard on public pages..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: Small detached one-story accessory utility structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities; Fences up to 6 feet high; Retaining walls under 4 feet unless surcharge or life-safety conditions apply; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below where part of an accessible route; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code shape ratio limits; Prefabricated pools accessory to single-family use that are up to 24 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above ground; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Shade structures for nursery or agricultural use; Swing and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Non-fixed movable fixtures, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches; Window awnings projecting up to 54 inches from the exterior wall when code limits are met. Note: Permit requirements can change based on use, location, and attached conditions. Emergency repairs affecting safety still require permit submission within one business day, and electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required even when structural work is exempt.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Solano County, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (707) 784-4750, ACA daily inspection schedule. Calls before 3:00 PM usually schedule for the next business day; calls after 3:00 PM usually schedule two business days later..