Blue Lake, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Blue Lake permit information applies within Blue Lake city limits. Building permit appointments are handled through City Hall, and the Building Permits page identifies Daniel Dimick as Building Official.

Department

City of Blue Lake Building Department

Address

111 Greenwood Rd, Blue Lake, CA 95525-0458

Phone

707-668-5655

Email

cityclerk@bluelake.ca.gov

Website

https://bluelake.ca.gov/city-services/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is in Blue Lake city limits and determine whether any planning approval is required first. For grading, any required zoning or planning permit must be secured before a grading permit can be issued.
2. Complete the City of Blue Lake building permit application with project address or APN, owner and contractor information, project description, occupancy and construction type, square footage, valuation, and any trade-specific plumbing, mechanical, or electrical items.
3. Include contractor license or owner-builder declaration and workers' compensation information.
4. Contact City Hall at 707-668-5655 or cityclerk@bluelake.ca.gov to schedule a building appointment. Building Official hours are Wednesdays by appointment only, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
5. Submit the application and pay applicable fees.
6. Wait for permit issuance, then proceed with work and required inspections. The posted permit form states that, when properly validated, it is the permit.

Source: City of Blue Lake Building Department

General Requirements

Blue Lake Title 15 adopts California building standards and regulates building and construction in the city. The posted permit form is used for new construction, additions or alterations, repairs, moves, and demolitions, and Blue Lake also requires a separate grading permit for grading activities when required by Chapter 15.12.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Site or project information
• Owner and contractor information
• Description of work
• Project valuation
• Signed legal declarations
• Contractor license or owner-builder declaration
• Workers' compensation information
• Grading plan if applicable
• Erosion and sediment control plan if applicable
• Revegetation plan if applicable
• Haul or transportation plan if applicable

Permit validity

The permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.

Building code

Blue Lake Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 15.04 adopts the California Building Standards Code technical and administrative codes, as amended by the city. As of January 1, 2026, California's 2025 Title 24 building standards are effective statewide.

Owner-builder

The form includes an owner-builder declaration for owners doing the work themselves or exclusively contracting with licensed contractors, and references California Contractor's License Law exemptions.

Contractor requirements

The form requires a California state contractor license number and class, and includes a licensed contractor declaration stating the contractor is licensed under Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code and the license is in full force and effect.

Fees

Plan check fee

The posted form includes a separate Plan Check Fee field, but no public online amount schedule was identified.

Permit fee formula

The building permit form is valuation-driven for building work because it requires total valuation and includes building permit and plan check fee fields. The form also shows trade permit line items for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work, plus referral fees and state surcharges.

Payment note

The posted form has payment fields for cash and check number, indicating City Hall accepts at least cash and check payments for permit issuance.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Blue Lake Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 707-668-5655 (phone)
• cityclerk@bluelake.ca.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Wednesdays by appointment only, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Blue Lake Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 15.04 adopts the California Building Standards Code technical and administrative codes, as amended by the city. As of January 1, 2026, California's 2025 Title 24 building standards are effective statewide.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Municipal Code
• Title 15 Buildings and Construction
• City Contact Page
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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