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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Windsor
The town advises calling the Building Inspection Division to determine whether a permit is required.
- Exempt Side and rear yard fencing generally up to 6 feet
- Exempt Fencing between a house and the street up to 3 feet
Note: Fence exemptions are location-specific and can change by site. Zoning exceptions are separate from building permit exemptions, and right-of-way work usually still needs an encroachment permit.
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Property owner authorization when the applicant is not the owner
- Contractor license details, including business license and state license where applicable
- Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide affidavit, special inspection form, erosion plan, and construction waste management plan as triggered by the project
- Building code
- California Building Standards Code Title 24 and the Windsor Municipal Code.
- Permit validity
- Expired permit renewals are charged at 80% of the Building Permit Table, and a one-year permit extension is available for $220 per application.
- Owner-builder
- Owners must submit a signed owner-builder declaration when claiming exemption from contractor licensing.
- Contractor requirements
- Applicants must either be licensed contractors or provide a lawful exemption basis.
Application process
Typical processing: Residential plan check 15 working days; non-residential plan check 20 working days.
- 01 Call or email the Building Division to confirm permit requirements and request account access if needed.
- 02 Start the permit submission in eTRAKiT.
- 03 Complete the Building Permit Application and submit project, owner, contractor, valuation, and work-description details.
- 04 Attach supporting forms based on project scope.
- 05 Pay required fees based on the current master fee schedule.
- 06 Request inspections through eTRAKiT as work progresses.
Typical processing time: Residential plan check 15 working days; non-residential plan check 20 working days.
Fee schedule
Effective FY 2025-26
The fee schedule includes site review, permit, and inspection line items, and town pages link online payment options.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY 2025-26) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- eTRAKiT inspection scheduling (online)
- SelecTXT 877-813-1904 (text)
- (707) 522-8346 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Time windows
- Construction is allowed weekdays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence includes pre-construction or site inspection, form and footing, foundation, framing and MEP stages, intermediate and rough inspections, hold-downs, final, and occupancy-related inspections.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Windsor permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Windsor, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Windsor, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Windsor, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Windsor, CA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Windsor, CA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Windsor, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Windsor Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.