Citrus Heights, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building permits are issued by the City of Citrus Heights for work within city limits in Sacramento County. Planning or zoning review may also apply, and some projects require separate Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District review.

Department

City of Citrus Heights Building & Safety Division

Address

6360 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Phone

(916) 727-4760

Email

building@citrusheights.net

Website

https://www.citrusheights.net/134/Building-Safety-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and setback requirements with the Planning Division before preparing the project.
2. Create a Citizen Access Portal account and wait for account approval.
3. Prepare the application package and upload PDF files through the portal, including a scaled plot plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, easements or rights-of-way, drainage flow, and nearby oak trees where applicable.
4. Submit the application online for City review.
5. Pay plan check fees at submittal and permit fees at issuance. Credit card payment is available online, and check, cash, or debit card payments can be made in person at City Hall.
6. After approval, print the permit, perform the work, and request required inspections through the portal or the inspection request line.
7. Respond to plan review comments if issued and complete final inspection after work is finished.

Typical processing time: Portal account approval may take a few hours. Routine permit processing usually takes a few hours after submission, and average first plan review comments are about 10 days depending on project complexity.

Source: City of Citrus Heights Building & Safety Division

General Requirements

A permit is required before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes, or changes occupancy of a building or structure, or installs, alters, or replaces regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Online PDF attachments
• Scaled plot plan
• Plans, calculations, and supporting documents depending on scope
• Trade-specific checklists or handout materials when applicable

Permit validity

Current City pages state permits expire if work is not started within 12 months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. The City also publishes a permit renewal page stating building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits expire 2 years after issuance with separate extension and renewal rules.

Building code

City materials conflict. Older FAQ materials reference the 2022 California Building Codes, while the Municipal Code page lists Ordinance No. 2025-006 adopting the 2025 California code set.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may obtain permits, but owner-builder permits require the City Notice to Property Owner / Owner-Builder disclosures. The City will not issue the permit until the owner signs and returns the owner-builder form, and signature verification is required.

Contractor requirements

Permits may be obtained by homeowners, their agents, and contractors licensed by the State of California. Contractors must have a valid Citrus Heights business license before a building permit will be issued.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$204 for valuation-based building permits with project valuation from $1 to $500. Flat-fee trade permits can be lower depending on permit type.

Plan check fee

65% of the building permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Some permits are flat-rate, while new construction and remodel work uses valuation-based building permit fees. The City also adds a 6% General Plan Update Fee to valuation-based permit fees and a 4% Technology Fee to flat and valuation-based fees.

Reinspection fee

$176. Inspections outside normal business hours are $176 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.

Penalty (no permit)

Investigation fee for work without permit is double the permit fee. Additional plan review caused by plan changes or revisions is $172.

Payment note

Plan check fees are due when plans are submitted and permit fees are due at issuance. Credit card payment is available online through the permit portal. Check, cash, or debit card payments may be made in person at City Hall.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 11, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Construction of a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use when it does not exceed 120 square feet
• Replacement of a non-masonry fence in the same location
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height under the general exemption page, with a more restrictive handout noting residential exemption for masonry walls retaining less than 36 inches of earth and wood walls retaining less than 24 inches
• Change of flooring, carpet, inlaid tile, or wood flooring
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Appliance replacement where the appliance is plug-in only and no new wiring is added
• Roof repairs smaller than 10% of the roof area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less
• Toilet replacement

Important: Even exempt work may still be subject to zoning, setback, and other approval requirements. The City notes its exemption lists are not all-inclusive, and ordinary repairs lose exemption if they involve structural cuts, egress changes, or plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work affecting health or safety.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Citizen Access Portal (online)
• (916) 727-4750 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests received by 4:00 p.m. on a business day can be scheduled for the next business day. Requests after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the second business day or a later requested date.

Inspection hours

The inspection request voicemail accepts requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Time windows

Applicants may request AM or PM inspections.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections depend on scope. Published examples include trade or rough inspections as applicable, then a final inspection after all permitted work is complete. For reroofs, the City specifically lists a roof-deck inspection followed by a final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City materials conflict. Older FAQ materials reference the 2022 California Building Codes, while the Municipal Code page lists Ordinance No. 2025-006 adopting the 2025 California code set.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permit Requirements and Exemptions
• Building Permit Handouts
• Inspections
• Municipal Code
• Planning Division
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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