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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tehama County
County guidance indicates new construction and additions generally require permits, and house projects should be treated as permit-required unless clarified by the Building Department.
- Exempt Limited agricultural-exempt building conditions are documented in the county AG Exemption policy when all criteria are met.
Note: The agricultural exemption is narrow and does not automatically waive all permits or inspections for every scope. Standard permits and inspections are still required for some systems and for certain electrical and plumbing work.
- Approved plot plan
- Complete set of building plans
- Energy calculations
- Truss calculations if applicable
- SFR modified soils test
- Structural calculations if applicable
- Solar plans and Manual J report
- Flood elevation certificate if applicable
- Building code
- 2025 California Building Code as referenced by the department, with adoption through the county ordinance cycle including Ordinance #2150.
- Permit validity
- 180 days.
- Owner-builder
- Tehama County requires owner-builder verification. The owner is the party of record if applying as owner-builder. County guidance also states that hiring workers outside the immediate family for labor and materials over $600 can trigger employer obligations such as taxes and workers' compensation.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be state licensed and bonded and must include license numbers on permit applications.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start the project with required planning or plot-plan review as needed, then apply online through the permit portal.
- 02 For house projects, prepare the approved plot plan, complete building plans, energy calculations, soils report, and any flood or structural documentation before submittal.
- 03 Provide all other required items to the Building Department before permit issuance.
- 04 Permit applications are valid for 180 days from issuance date unless reissued.
- 05 Contact the office if the work has special requirements such as fire, plumbing, electrical, slope, flood, or use-permit issues.
Fee schedule
Tehama County building permit fees
Fee amounts are controlled by county ordinance and fee pages and should be confirmed directly with the Building Department before filing.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- ViewPoint Cloud Permit Portal (online)
- (530) 527-7002 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request next-business-day inspection by 4:00 PM online or 4:30 PM by phone.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; lunch 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM; closed federal holidays
- Time windows
- Check daily inspection status by phone starting around 7:30 AM. Be onsite by 8:00 AM and have someone present.
Typical sequence: Request inspection with the permit number, inspection type, needed date, site address, and contact phone. Final inspection requires all prior required clearances and standard scope-specific sequencing.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Tehama County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Tehama County, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Tehama County, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Tehama County, CA? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Tehama County, CA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Tehama County, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with County of Tehama - Building and Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.