Vacaville, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to property within Vacaville city limits. The city directs applicants to confirm jurisdiction before applying.

Department

City of Vacaville Building Division, Community Development Department

Address

650 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688

Phone

Building Division: (707) 449-5152; Building Inspection Line: (707) 317-1070

Website

https://www.cityofvacaville.gov/government/community-development/building/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is within Vacaville city limits using the city-provided verification step.
2. Create an online eTRAKiT account or request a contractor password from the Building Division.
3. Start a new permit application in eTRAKiT.
4. Prepare and upload required plans and supporting documents as outlined in the city's code and electronic submittal guidance.
5. Pay applicable fees at application submission.
6. Complete any required pre-review clarification with building staff.
7. Track plan review status and schedule inspections through the permit system.

Typical processing time: The city does not publish a single standard permit review timeline, but it advertises expedited Plan Check Express windows for eligible projects.

Source: City of Vacaville Building Division, Community Development Department

General Requirements

The city building code chapter applies to new construction, alterations, repairs, relocations, and reconstructions of buildings and structures in city limits.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Construction plans and specifications
• Owner authorization
• Engineer, structural, ESC, or PC plans when required by code

Permit validity

Permits become invalid if work does not start within 12 months of issuance. Extensions may be granted in up to 180-day increments, not exceeding two calendar years total.

Building code

2022 California Building Code, Residential Code, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Existing Building Code, and CALGreen as amended by the city

Owner-builder

The city form index includes an Owner-Builder Declaration Form.

Contractor requirements

Permits for regulated work are issued only to licensed contractors or persons exempt from California licensing requirements, and contractor or subcontractor applicants must also hold a current city business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$48 for valuations up to $500

Plan check fee

Charged at permit submittal. Additional review fees may apply for incomplete or changed applications and deferred submittals.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based sliding scales with stepwise valuation bands. Plan check fees also use percentage or fixed bands tied to the underlying permit fee.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees are published in the city fee workbook and may apply for failed readiness or rescheduling conditions.

Payment note

Online payment and card-based fee options are supported through eTRAKiT.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds or playhouses up to 120 square feet, subject to Title 14 setbacks and height limits
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to single-family occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above grade
• Roof covering repairs not exceeding 100 square feet within any 12-month period

Important: Exempt work may still be regulated by other code sections and may require planning or zoning review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• eTRAKiT (online)
• (707) 317-1070 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day requests are honored if submitted before 7:00 AM. Requests submitted by 3:00 PM the prior day are queued for the next business day when possible.

Inspection hours

Inspections are completed during business hours only, and city pages note no inspections after 3:30 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Approved plans and the permit card must be available on site for each inspection. Final inspection for residential single-family permits serves as the occupancy approval condition.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2022 California Building Code, Residential Code, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Existing Building Code, and CALGreen as amended by the city
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Division Forms and Fees
• Title 15 Building, Construction and Fire Code
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

Other cities in Solano County