Monte Sereno, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Monte Sereno.

Department

City of Monte Sereno Building Department

Address

18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Monte Sereno, CA 95030

Phone

(408) 354-7635

Email

buildingdepartment@cityofmontesereno.org

Website

https://www.montesereno.org/2152/Building-and-Planning-Departments

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your project requires Planning Department approval before submitting for a building permit.
2. For minor permits not requiring plans, apply online or in person through the ePermits portal.
3. For permits requiring plan check, submit online with electronic plan/document files via file-share link, a completed Building Permit Application, and a plan check deposit fee.
4. Include all applicable documents: project plans, structural calculations, Title 24 energy calculations, hydrology calculations, geotechnical report, geotechnical conformance review letter, and completed C3 stormwater data form.
5. City staff reviews the submittal for code compliance and completeness.
6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents.
7. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.

Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan check review; about 2 weeks for resubmittals.

Source: City of Monte Sereno Building Department

General Requirements

A permit is generally required any time a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished within the City of Monte Sereno.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Project plans
• Structural calculations
• Title 24 energy calculations
• Hydrology calculations (if applicable)
• Geotechnical report (if applicable)
• Geotechnical conformance review letter (if applicable)
• Completed C3 stormwater data form (if applicable)

Permit validity

Permits are generally valid for 180 days after approval, can be extended another 180 days if an inspection shows significant progress, and may expire if no inspection is called within 180 days or more than 180 days elapse between inspections.

Building code

California State Building Code with minimal local amendments

Contractor requirements

Any business or contractor doing business in the City must have a valid City business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$28.15 (valuation $1-$500)

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee; structural plan review 65% of plan review fee; energy conservation plan review 5% of plan review fee; green building code plan review 5% of plan review fee

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based: $82.96 for first $2,000 plus $16.77 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; $771.20 for first $50,000 plus $8.39 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $1,190.50 for first $100,000 plus $6.71 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000

Trade permit fee

$190.48 minimum for electrical/plumbing/mechanical; solar permit $190.48; demolition permit $190.48

Reinspection fee

$127 per inspection for excess inspection, re-inspection, or missed inspection

Penalty (no permit)

1x base fees in addition to the normal fee for work commenced without a permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 18, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Single-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses not exceeding 120 square feet
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall if they project no more than 54 inches
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the exit door
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter/width ratio does not exceed 2:1
• Re-roof repair up to 10% of roof area (reroofing any structure or repairs exceeding 10% require a permit)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other City approvals. Projects must still comply with setbacks, lot coverage, zoning, and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ePermits Inspection Portal (online)
• (408) 354-2805 (phone)

Inspection hours

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (excluding City holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection is required after completion. Owners should make sure the City has completed final inspection and signed the permit before final payment to the contractor.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California State Building Code with minimal local amendments
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Building Permit Submittal Requirements
• Projects Requiring a Site Development Permit
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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