Gilroy, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Gilroy.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020

Phone

(408) 846-0451

Website

https://www.cityofgilroy.org/986/GO-Permit

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create or log into a GO Permit account.
2. Submit the application online through GO Permit. Gilroy accepts Building, Planning, Engineering Encroachment, and Fire permits through the portal.
3. Upload electronic plans in PDF format through GO Permit or provide at the public counter on a USB drive. Plans must be one bookmarked PDF.
4. The portal workflow runs through Location, Type, Contacts, More Info, Attachments, Signature, Review, and Submit.
5. All reviewing disciplines review the project for code compliance.
6. When all disciplines approve, the City calculates final fees and emails the project contact.
7. Pay fees. The approved PDF plan set is released for download and must be kept available at the job site during construction.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction in the City of Gilroy under the California Building Standards Code with local amendments.

Required Documents

• One unsecured, flattened PDF document bookmarked by discipline
• Signed professional stamps where required
• Structural calculations
• Truss calculations
• Energy compliance documents
• Geotechnical reports (if applicable)
• Waste management forms (if applicable)
• Special inspection forms (if applicable)
• CalGreen forms
• Asbestos approval documentation for demolition (if applicable)

Building code

2025 California Building Codes with local amendments (Ordinance 2025-06, effective January 1, 2026)

Fees

Plan check fee

75% of building permit fee; expedited first-round plan check at 150% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Project-specific under the City of Gilroy Comprehensive User Fee Schedule

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees apply per fee schedule

Payment note

Credit card payments: 2.95% service fee; e-check: flat $1.50 fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Retaining walls or planter boxes not over 4 feet high that do not support surcharge or another structure
• Wood or chain-link fences not over 6 feet high
• Decks and platforms less than 30 inches above grade and not attached to a structure
• Certain low exterior stairs
• Above-grade pools up to 5,000 gallons
• One-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds or playhouses up to 120 square feet with no plumbing, heating, or electricity
• Interior or exterior painting
• Installing draperies or blinds
• Installing carpet or resilient floor covering
• Some removable store fixtures and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches
• Uncovered concrete patios
• Changing fixtures and utility outlets such as lighting and light switches

Important: Some minor work may be done without a building permit, though other approvals may still apply. When in doubt, call the Building Division to confirm permit needs.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• GO Permit portal (online)
• (408) 846-0235 (phone)
• inspect@cityofgilroy.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

The City is generally 72 hours out for appointments.

Typical inspection sequence: All work requiring a permit must remain accessible and exposed until approved by the inspector. The permit and a City-approved plan set stamped 'JOB COPY' must be on site for each inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Codes with local amendments (Ordinance 2025-06, effective January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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