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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Woodland
Permits are required for new construction, demolition, additions changing conditioned area or volume, new roofs, furnace and AC work, water heaters, vinyl siding, new front doors, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and plumbing or electrical work beyond basic fixture repair.
- Exempt Retaining walls less than 3 feet high and 3 feet from property lines and structures
- Exempt Storage sheds less than 120 square feet
- Exempt Decks less than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Flat concrete work except driveways
- Exempt Residential window, roofing, or siding projects in some contexts listed by the city as no-permit examples
Note: Permit-exempt work may still be subject to zoning standards such as setbacks, lot coverage, and height, or to permits from other departments, utilities, encroachment, or fire review.
- Building permit application, contractor or owner-builder form
- Project valuation and project description
- Plans and record drawings
- Air quality or environmental forms where applicable
- PG&E release for demolition work
- JADU and housing deed restriction and recorder filing documents where applicable
- Owner-builder declarations and signatures
- Building code
- 2022 CBC, CPC, CMC, CEC, CRC, California Green Building Code, and California Existing Building Code, with local amendments.
- Permit validity
- 12 months from issuance, with a one-time extension of up to 180 days if requested before expiration.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are allowed, but the property owner assumes legal responsibility for compliance, supervision, and inspection correction if work fails inspection.
- Contractor requirements
- The city expects a California licensed contractor for many projects and recommends professional hiring; owner-builder use requires verification and documentation.
Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Woodland ↗
Application process
Typical processing: First-round plan check comments are about 15 days on average, subsequent submittals are often 5-10 days, and ADU or JADU permits must be approved or denied within 60 days.
- 01 Call the Building Division or visit 300 First Street to confirm permit type, scope, and required submittals.
- 02 Obtain the correct permit application packet, either contractor or owner-builder.
- 03 Complete the application and include required plans, approvals, and declarations.
- 04 Submit the package in person during office hours or by PDF email to cdd-building@cityofwoodland.gov.
- 05 Pay permit and plan review charges at submission or issuance as applicable.
- 06 Address plan check comments, complete final corrections, and obtain final inspection clearance.
Typical processing time: First-round plan check comments are about 15 days on average, subsequent submittals are often 5-10 days, and ADU or JADU permits must be approved or denied within 60 days.
Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Woodland ↗
Fee schedule
Woodland building permit fees
Plan check fees are paid at plan review submission and permit fees at issuance. The city links payments through its Pay My Bill system.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 530-661-5817 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests made before 3:30 PM the prior day typically schedule for the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Typical milestones include foundation and infrastructure checks before backfill, then concrete, piping, paving, electrical, and specialty inspections before work proceeds.
Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Woodland ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Woodland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Woodland, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Woodland, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Woodland, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Woodland, CA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Woodland, CA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Woodland, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Woodland before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.