Sacramento, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within incorporated City of Sacramento limits. Projects in unincorporated areas are not handled by the City.

Department

City of Sacramento Community Development Department, Building Division / Permit Services

Address

Public Counter, 300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95811

Phone

(916) 808-5318

Email

ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org

Website

https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/building/permit-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and whether it is a minor permit or a plan-check project.
2. Prepare the application package. For plan-check projects, the City Electronic Plan Check guidance calls for APP, PLANS, and SUPP files with the building permit application, plans, Title 24 documents, structural calculations, and other project-specific supporting documents as needed.
3. Submit online through the Public Permit Portal. Certain contractor-only minor permits can be pulled online, while plan-review projects go through Electronic Plan Check. Limited in-person help is available at the public counter.
4. Pay intake and permit-related fees when invoiced. The City notes projects submitted remotely must pay before the project becomes an active plan check activity.
5. Respond to correction comments and resubmit complete revised sets if plan review comments are issued.
6. After approvals and fee clearance, obtain permit issuance, keep the permit and approved plans on site, and call for inspections before work is covered.

Typical processing time: The City publishes plan review timelines by project type and valuation, but the reviewed pages do not state one universal turnaround. Inspection requests made before 6:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following work day.

Source: City of Sacramento Community Development Department, Building Division / Permit Services

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, remodeling, and repairs to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, including room additions, decks and patio covers, garage conversions, retaining walls, windows, water and sewer services, signs, water heaters, pools and spas, reroofing, siding, and ceiling fans.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Construction plans
• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Roof and landscaping plans where applicable
• Title 24 energy documents
• Structural calculations
• Fire sprinkler calculations and cut sheets where applicable
• Soils or geotechnical reports where applicable
• Drainage questionnaires
• Other project-specific supporting documents

Permit validity

Sacramento City Code Section 15.08.140 states a permit expires if work is not commenced within 12 months from issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. One written extension of up to 180 days may be granted.

Building code

As of January 1, 2026, new plan review and permit applications must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and applicable City code amendments.

Owner-builder

Permits may be issued to property owners, but owners must sign an owner-builder verification stating they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from workers compensation insurance requirements unless they provide a certificate of insurance.

Contractor requirements

Permits may be issued to licensed contractors, who must provide a Certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance. Authorized agents may apply if they complete the required form.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75 for residential permits on valuation up to $999 under the posted residential fee schedule. Some specific minor permits are flat-rated, such as one-trade minor permits at $105 and HVAC or reroof permits at $175.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review is generally 42% of the building permit fee under the posted residential schedule. The same schedule shows a $32 residential plan review fee at the lowest valuation bracket. Plan revision review is $214 per hour.

Permit fee formula

Primarily valuation-based for standard permits. The residential schedule uses stepped valuation brackets, then per-dollar formulas above stated thresholds. Specific minor permits may be flat-rated.

Trade permit fee

One-trade minor permits are $105. HVAC and reroof permits are $175.

Reinspection fee

$107 minimum. Emergency inspection and overtime inspection are each $642 minimum.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance is subject to a penalty fee.

Payment note

Fees can be paid electronically through the Public Permit Portal. For estimates, applicants submit worksheets by email and pay the processing fee once invoiced. A technology surcharge of 8% of permit and plan review fee applies under the posted residential schedule.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures not greater than 120 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if not greater than 5,000 gallons and meeting the 2-to-1 proportion limit
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings meeting the City listed projection and support limits
• Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door

Important: Exempt work still must comply with zoning, planning, and other applicable regulations, and some items such as fences remain subject to Planning Division standards.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Accela Public Permit Portal (online)
• (916) 808-7622 (phone)
• Inspection Status Page (online)

Scheduling deadline

Requests made before 6:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following work day. Later requests and weekend or holiday requests are scheduled two working days later.

Inspection hours

Requests can be made 24/7 by phone or online.

Time windows

On the day of inspection, the inspector contacts the customer by phone to set a time.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required before any work is covered or concealed. Sequence depends on scope, but typically progresses through applicable rough, foundation, framing, and trade inspections to final. Approved plans and permit documents must be on site.

Additional Resources

• Building code: As of January 1, 2026, new plan review and permit applications must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and applicable City code amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Public Hours and Contact
• Building Division Contacts
• Required Permits and Exempt Work
• Submittal Requirements
• Plan Review
• Building Codes
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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