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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cotati
Any work requiring a city or county building permit to construct, alter, improve, demolish, or repair a structure generally requires a permit unless listed as exempt by the city.
- Exempt Detached one-story accessory buildings up to 120 square feet, subject to height limits
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet and fences up to 7 feet
- Exempt Limited decks, walks, and drives not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Minor finish work and limited minor replacements
- Exempt Emergency mechanical, electrical, or plumbing repair work when allowed
Note: Permit exemptions do not replace other code, HOA, or departmental requirements. Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required.
- Completed Building Permit Application form
- Property, applicant, and contractor information
- Project valuation and fee estimate
- Plans and supporting documents
- Any applicable checklists and green-building documents linked from the Building page
- Building code
- Cotati adopts California Title 24 codes by reference, including the 2025 California Building Code and related codes, with local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Applications can expire if not pursued in good faith or if no permit is obtained within 365 days. Issued permits become invalid if work is not started within 365 days or is suspended or abandoned for 365 days.
- Owner-builder
- An owner may file a 7031.5 exemption statement; owners who take responsibility for the work or hire unlicensed labor assume owner-builder responsibilities.
- Contractor requirements
- If a contractor is involved, they must be licensed. Owner-builder permits are allowed only where exemptions apply under the Contractors State License Law.
Source: City of Cotati Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 2-3 business days for over-the-counter permits and up to 30 days for larger or new-build projects.
- 01 Complete the permit application or submit through Cloudpermit.
- 02 Email supporting documents to permits@cotaticity.gov or upload them in Cloudpermit.
- 03 City staff reviews the submission.
- 04 After approval, permits are issued by email with a fee notice.
- 05 Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit or by contacting staff.
Typical processing time: Up to 2-3 business days for over-the-counter permits and up to 30 days for larger or new-build projects.
Source: City of Cotati Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗
Fee schedule
Effective October 16, 2025
After permit review, payment can be made online, by phone, or in person at Community Development; permit fees are collected at issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 16, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Cloudpermit inspection request workflow (online)
- 707-665-3636 (phone)
- 707-665-3632 (phone)
- permits@cotaticity.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Thursday 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
- Time windows
- Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Thursday 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: After permit issuance, schedule required inspections through Cloudpermit or the office.
Source: City of Cotati Community Development Department (Building Division) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cotati permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cotati, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cotati, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cotati, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cotati, CA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cotati, CA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cotati, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Cotati Community Development Department (Building Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.