Merced, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The City of Merced Building Department handles building permits and inspections for projects within the incorporated City of Merced.

Department

City of Merced Inspection Services Division / Building Department

Address

678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340

Phone

(209) 385-4773

Email

inspectionservicesweb@cityofmerced.gov

Website

https://www.cityofmerced.gov/business-and-development/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create a City of Merced Civic Access account before applying. Contractors must have a City of Merced business license before applying for permits.
2. Start the permit in Civic Access, choose the correct permit application type, and enter the site address, work description, valuation, and square footage as applicable.
3. Add applicant and owner contact information, then upload required attachments for construction, planning, zoning, and engineering review.
4. Submit the application. City staff verifies whether the submittal is complete and may request additional documents.
5. Pay plan review and permit invoices when billed. Formal processing does not begin until required payment has been received.
6. Respond to correction comments and obtain permit issuance after approvals and fee payment.
7. Schedule inspections through Civic Access. Older issued permits may require staff assistance before online scheduling is available.

Source: City of Merced Inspection Services Division / Building Department

General Requirements

The city states the portal is used for all building permits handled by the Building Department, including plan upload, fee payment, permit issuance, and inspection scheduling. Tenant improvements require plans, review, permit issuance, and final inspection before occupancy. The Building Department page also lists over-the-counter permit types such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, insulation, re-roofing, stucco or siding, and window permits.

Required Documents

• Application
• Project address
• Description of work
• Valuation
• Owner and applicant contact information
• Uploaded attachments
• Construction documents
• Planning or zoning documents where required
• Engineering materials where required
• Project-specific checklists for commercial or industrial work, multifamily work, single-family additions, and tenant improvements

Building code

2025 California Building Codes for submittals on or after January 1, 2026, except submittals that have a master plan in place under the 2022 codes

Owner-builder

The reviewed city pages do not publish a separate owner-builder handout in accessible text. Owner applicants can apply through Civic Access, but city-specific owner-builder affidavit requirements should be confirmed with Inspection Services.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must have a Contractor's City of Merced Business License before applying for a permit. State-licensed contractors working on projects within the city must obtain a city business license before the related building permit is issued.

Fees

Plan check fee

Assessed when applicable. The city's online application guide says the city typically sends an invoice for plan review fees or building permit fees after staff review, and in some cases plan review will not begin until plan review fees are paid.

Permit fee formula

Varies by permit type and project; the reviewed city pages did not publish the building fee table in accessible text.

Payment note

Building permit and plan review fees payable to the city can be paid online. Online credit card transactions are subject to a 3.15% service fee or $2.00 minimum, whichever is greater. Third-party plan review, engineering facility, water deposits, and impact fees are paid by check in person or by mail as directed by staff.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Merced Inspection Services Division / Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Civic Access (online)
• (209) 385-4773 (phone)
• inspectionservicesweb@cityofmerced.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Building Department office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, excluding city holidays.

Typical inspection sequence: The reviewed city pages do not publish a city-specific inspection card sequence in accessible text. Inspections generally follow the approved scope and trade stages, and final inspection is required before occupancy for tenant improvement work.

The current building pages state the city no longer has an active IVR for calling in inspections for issued building permits under the new system.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Codes for submittals on or after January 1, 2026, except submittals that have a master plan in place under the 2022 codes
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning permitting FAQs
• Forms, handouts, and outside agency contacts
• Pay an invoice online
• Permits FAQ
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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