Lodi, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

This permit guide applies to projects within the City of Lodi municipal limits.

Department

City of Lodi, Building Division (Community Development Department)

Address

221 W Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240

Phone

209-333-6714

Email

comdev@lodi.gov

Website

https://www.lodi.gov/173/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the construction permit application packet with applicant, owner, scope, and contractor or owner-builder information.
2. Prepare required plan documents and supporting materials.
3. Submit the package in person or electronically where supported.
4. Pay plan review fees online after submittal; review does not begin until fees are paid.
5. Respond to staff comments and resubmit revised plans as a complete package when required.
6. After approvals, pay issuance fees and print approved plans for the jobsite before scheduling inspections.

Typical processing time: Residential master-plan submittals note a minimum of 10 business days for first review and 5 business days for subsequent reviews, subject to complexity.

Source: City of Lodi, Building Division (Community Development Department)

General Requirements

Permits are required for construction, alteration, repair, and similar work that is not specifically exempt by code.

Required Documents

• Completed construction permit application
• Project plans and supporting reports or calculations as required
• Contractor license declaration or owner-builder declaration
• Workers' compensation and lending agency declarations where applicable
• Signed and stamped plans by a qualified professional where required

Permit validity

The fee table includes permit extension and reinstatement fees when permits are not finalized within two years. Refund guidance also notes expired applications or permits over 180 days are generally not refundable.

Building code

California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, including the 2025 California Building Code cycle effective January 1, 2026

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete the owner-builder declaration and acknowledgment language provided by the city.

Contractor requirements

Applications allow either a California licensed contractor or a qualifying owner-builder. Non-exempt projects typically require plans prepared and sealed by a licensed California engineer or architect unless an exception applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$126.00 for valuation from $1 to $500

Plan check fee

60% of the building permit fee, with additional formula-linked supplemental fees where applicable.

Permit fee formula

Main permit fees are valuation-based on a sliding scale, with percentage and flat fees depending on permit type.

Reinspection fee

$178 each for typical reinspection; inspections without a listed fee are $178 per hour, and outside business hours are $267 per hour with a 3-hour minimum.

Penalty (no permit)

Permit extension and reinstatement fees apply as percentages of the permit fee depending on project status.

Payment note

Plan review fees are collected online after submittal completion, and some fees are collected again at permit issuance. Citizens may pay through the portal, with additional city payment methods available.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small accessory structures, accessory buildings, and patio covers meeting the city's strict size and location limits
• Certain minor fixtures and systems under explicit thresholds
• Limited residential and commercial exemption items listed in the city's exempt-work handouts

Important: The city states a permit is required whenever work is not explicitly exempt, and separate agencies may still require permits for encroachment, utilities, zoning, or related approvals.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eTRAKiT (online)
• 209-333-6716 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests need 24-hour advance notice and must be received before 3:00 PM on the prior working day when scheduled by phone.

Time windows

eTRAKiT is available 24/7 for online access.

Typical inspection sequence: The city references foundation, framing, drywall, and final milestones in its permit and reinstatement guidance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, including the 2025 California Building Code cycle effective January 1, 2026
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Construction Commenced Without Permits
• Who May Prepare Plans
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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