Campbell, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Campbell.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Inspection Division

Address

70 N. First St., Campbell, CA 95008

Phone

(408) 866-2130

Email

building@campbellca.gov

Website

https://www.campbellca.gov/1458/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Identify the correct permit group and download the city's checklist or application guide.
2. Prepare digital submittal files to the city's formatting requirements.
3. Create an MGO account and upload all required application materials.
4. City staff reviews completeness and routes plan review to Building, Planning, Land Development Engineering, and Santa Clara County Fire.
5. Pay invoiced plan-check and application fees. Applications are not considered submitted until materials are confirmed and fees are paid.
6. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required.
7. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.

Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks for first plan check; 2-4 weeks for resubmittals. Some minor permits may be over-the-counter or 1-2 weeks.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Campbell.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Project scope information
• Applicant/owner acknowledgements
• Itemized response letter for any resubmittals

Permit validity

Application expires if permit is not obtained within 180 days of submittal. Issued permit expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days.

Building code

2022 California Building Code series and CalGreen

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must sign and submit required disclosure forms.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid CSLB license, bond, and a current City of Campbell business license throughout construction.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$232

Plan check fee

33% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

2.00% of valuation up to first $500,000; 1.66% for the next $500,000; 1.00% above $1,000,000

Trade permit fee

$232 base fee per trade

Reinspection fee

$232 per hour; must be paid before further inspections

Penalty (no permit)

2x permit fee for building without a permit or stop work order

Payment note

3.36% surcharge for credit card; 1% for ACH. No surcharge for cash or check paid at Finance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures under 120 sq ft without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities (still subject to zoning standards)
• Fences under 7 ft in height (fences 7 ft or taller require a permit; all electric gates require a permit)
• Walls under 3 ft in height

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspection Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MGO portal (online)
• (866) 957-3764 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests submitted before midnight are guaranteed for the next business day.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Time windows

AM window: 8:00 AM-12:30 PM; PM window: 12:30 PM-5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, underfloor MEP, slab, shear/roof nailing, rough trades, frame, insulation, lath/sheetrock, finals (trades/Planning/Public Works/Fire/energy), final building inspection.

Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at the city's discretion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2022 California Building Code series and CalGreen
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Building Sequence of Inspections
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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