Crescent City, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Handles building permits for properties within Crescent City city limits.

Department

City of Crescent City Building Department / Building Inspection Division

Address

377 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531

Phone

(707) 464-9506

Website

https://www.crescentcity.org/departments/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is within Crescent City limits and check with the Building Department whether the scope requires both building and planning review.
2. Prepare the application package, including proof of ownership, a current assessor parcel map, 4 copies of a plot plan, 4 complete plan sets, Title 24 documentation where applicable, and other required worksheets/forms.
3. Submit through the MyGov portal or obtain and file the city building permit application through the Building Department at 377 J Street.
4. City staff route the submittal for review, including Building, Fire, Public Works, and Public Utilities; additional clearances may also be required from Planning, Del Norte County Health, the school district, and Fire depending on project type.
5. After approval, pay remaining fees. No construction may begin until the permit is issued.
6. Complete inspections during construction. The city notes permit validity is extended with each inspection.

Source: City of Crescent City Building Department / Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

Crescent City applies the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted by the State and modified by the city. Applicants are directed to contact the Building Department to determine permit needs for most projects. The city FAQ specifically states that fences require a permit, demolition requires a permit, and signs require a sign permit plus an electrical permit if new or modified electrical work is involved.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Proof of ownership
• Recorded grant deed
• Current assessor parcel map
• 4 copies of a plot plan
• 4 complete sets of construction plans
• Title 24 calculations/forms where applicable
• Other required worksheets/forms
• Property-owner authorization letter for some commercial projects
• Notarized agent/employee authorization when representing a contractor

Permit validity

The permit is valid for one year. Extensions may be requested after one year, and automatic extensions are given with each inspection.

Building code

California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted by the State of California and modified by the City of Crescent City, including the 2022 California Existing Building Code.

Owner-builder

Only licensed contractors, property owners acting as owner-builders, and authorized agents may be issued building permits.

Contractor requirements

The permit form requires contractor state license information and workers' compensation certification. A California licensed electrical contractor is required for all commercial construction, including owner-builders and tenant improvements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40 standard building permit issuance fee

Plan check fee

65% of building permit cost; plan check updates are actual cost with a $50 minimum.

Permit fee formula

Mixed schedule. Many building fees are based on project valuation or per-square-foot valuation schedules; other permit types use flat issuance plus line-item fees.

Reinspection fee

$45

Penalty (no permit)

Violation penalties equal to 2x the permit fees for work without a permit, in addition to required permit fees.

Payment note

Remaining fees are due after plan approval and before permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet that do not contain plumbing, electrical, or mechanical equipment
• Concrete patios, unless they include footings for a future patio cover or are located in the city right-of-way
• Driveways do not require a building permit, but an encroachment permit and plans are required for the approach/skirt

Important: Planning review may still be required for setbacks, zoning, coastal-zone issues, and right-of-way conditions. The city FAQ reviewed does not publish a full exemption list, so California code exemptions may still apply beyond these examples.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (707) 464-9506 (phone)
• MyGov Public Portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays

Typical inspection sequence: The city does not publish a full standard inspection sequence on the reviewed pages. It states inspections occur during construction and that automatic permit extensions are given with each inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted by the State of California and modified by the City of Crescent City, including the 2022 California Existing Building Code.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building FAQ
• City Contacts
• Building Permit Application
• Municipal Code
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement