Healdsburg, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City permits apply within Healdsburg municipal limits; some project types also require review by other agencies.

Department

Planning and Building Department, City of Healdsburg (Building Division)

Address

401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Phone

707-431-3348; 707-431-3346

Email

building@healdsburg.gov

Website

https://www.cityofhealdsburg.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Choose online or in-person submission.
2. Confirm permit type and submit plans and the permit application.
3. Pay plan review fees at submittal when required.
4. Respond to completeness or correction comments.
5. Receive the permit and approved plan set after approval.
6. Request required inspections and close the permit with final approval.

Typical processing time: The city does not publish one fixed SLA; some complete over-the-counter permit types may be issued the same day.

Source: Planning and Building Department, City of Healdsburg (Building Division)

General Requirements

A permit is required before construction, alteration, addition, or demolition for most construction activity unless specifically exempt by code.

Required Documents

• Complete plan submittal package
• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Structural details
• Title block and title page information
• Typical minimum plan sets of five copies

Permit validity

Applications are abandoned after 180 days if not pursued unless extended once up to 180 days. Issued permits expire if work is not commenced within 1 year or is suspended or abandoned for 1 year; one extension up to 90 days may be granted.

Building code

City materials state adoption of the 2025 California Construction Codes under Title 24 with local ordinances.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must sign disclosure materials and provide ID or notarization.

Contractor requirements

Contractors are required by California law to be licensed and bonded.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$168.97

Plan check fee

65% of the building permit base rate.

Permit fee formula

Sliding valuation-based building permit table by project value.

Reinspection fee

$248.63 building reinspection fee.

Penalty (no permit)

Non-compliance reinspection fees and late fees are listed in the city master fee schedule.

Payment note

The city portal can estimate fees, pay invoices, and provide payment history.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small detached accessory structures
• Fences
• Retaining walls
• Decks
• Painting, papering, and finish work
• Minor repairs and limited electrical, plumbing, and mechanical replacements listed in the city handout

Important: Other city or county permits and reviews may still apply. If work is not explicitly listed as exempt, the city says to assume a permit is required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Civic Access portal (online)
• 707-431-3346 (phone)

Inspection hours

Phone support: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Time windows

Building inspections are generally 8:30 AM-noon or 1:00 PM-3:00 PM, Monday-Friday except city holidays.

Typical inspection sequence: Request inspections for each construction phase; final approval requires final inspection approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City materials state adoption of the 2025 California Construction Codes under Title 24 with local ordinances.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Online Building Services
• Building Division resources
• Residential plan submittal requirements
• Non-residential plan submittal requirements
• Master fee schedule
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

Other cities in Sonoma County