Santa Barbara, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies inside the incorporated City of Santa Barbara.

Department

Community Development / Building & Safety

Address

630 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone

(805) 564-5485

Email

CDBuildingCode@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Website

https://santabarbaraca.gov/services/construction-land-development/forms-applications/building-permit-forms-applications

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project scope and whether planning approval is also required.
2. Create or log in to Accela Citizen Access and submit the permit packet with plans, forms, and fees.
3. Wait for initial plan review and respond to correction comments if the City requests revisions.
4. Resubmit revised materials as needed.
5. Obtain permit issuance once the application is complete and approved.
6. Schedule inspections and complete final inspection for closeout.

Typical processing time: Initial review and correction cycles are generally 2-4 weeks; rechecks are about 5 days.

Source: Community Development / Building & Safety

General Requirements

Required for construction, remodeling, alteration, addition, demolition, and similar building work unless exempt.

Required Documents

• Complete plans in PDF
• Required City forms
• Accessibility materials where applicable
• APCD clearance for commercial work where applicable
• CALGreen documentation where applicable
• Flood, geotechnical, and utility clearance documents when required by project scope

Permit validity

Applications may expire after 6 months of inactivity. Work must begin within 180 days, and a milestone inspection must occur every 180 days to keep the permit active.

Building code

California Residential Code, International Residential Code, California Building Code, and Santa Barbara Municipal Code standards

Owner-builder

Owner-builder disclosure is required if the property owner acts as contractor.

Contractor requirements

Licensed design or professional involvement is required for larger or safety-sensitive projects such as some multifamily, taller, structural commercial, or tenant-improvement work.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in the Building Permit Fee Schedule and billed on initial review and revised work.

Permit fee formula

Class-based base fees plus plan-check and inspection components.

Reinspection fee

Recheck and reinspection-related charges may be assessed when revisions or corrections are needed.

Payment note

Payment is due before permit review or processing and can be made online through ACA or at the City office.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Limited minor electrical work and repair items described in the City's Work Exempt From Permit handout
• Limited interior scope items described in the City's Work Exempt From Permit handout

Important: Exemptions are narrow and permit-required status may still be determined case-by-case by the Chief Building Official.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Accela Citizen Access (online)
• (805) 564-5485 (phone)
• CDBuildingCode@SantaBarbaraCA.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Request by at least 5:00 PM on the day before the inspection.

Inspection hours

City workdays; permit office details are provided in the application guide, and City offices are closed every other Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical milestones include foundation, rough framing, insulation, drywall, and final inspections, with coordination for multi-department jobs when required.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California Residential Code, International Residential Code, California Building Code, and Santa Barbara Municipal Code standards
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Apply for Permit
• Work Exempt From Permit
• Approved Building Permit Application Sample
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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