Santa Rosa, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Santa Rosa municipal jurisdiction only for in-city structures and work within city limits.

Department

City of Santa Rosa Building Division, Planning and Economic Development Department

Address

100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Phone

707-543-3200

Website

https://www.srcity.org/265/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit required documents and the permit application through the online portal or by in-person appointment.
2. Pay application processing and plan check fees at submission.
3. Receive review comments and resubmit revisions as needed.
4. Upon final plan approval, pay permit and remaining review fees.
5. Obtain the permit and request inspections at approved stages.

Typical processing time: City examples show plan check times such as 6-8 weeks for some residential additions and alterations and 5-6 weeks for some residential projects under 25 units.

Source: City of Santa Rosa Building Division, Planning and Economic Development Department

General Requirements

Required for building, alteration, change of occupancy, major repair, demolition, and most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work in the City of Santa Rosa.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Project plans and required technical documents
• Owner-builder notice and authorized agent forms when applicable
• Revision or transmittal form for revised plans
• Required specialty and utility-offset forms when applicable

Permit validity

Permit applications should be acted on within one year. A one-time 180-day extension may be requested. Permit may need to show work start within 365 days after issuance.

Building code

Permit review references the California Building Code and Santa Rosa local building and enforcement requirements as adopted by the city.

Owner-builder

Permits may be issued to owner-builders under city rules, with separate owner-builder declaration and notice requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractor-submitted work requires active contractor license and authorization. Workers compensation proof and city business license may be required at issuance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Minimum inspection fee $102; minimum plan review fee $126.

Plan check fee

Set by permit scope and occupancy, with additional review charges as complexity increases.

Permit fee formula

Mixed model with fixed base amounts and valuation- or area-based formulas depending on permit type and occupancy.

Reinspection fee

Reinspections are fee-based and can be charged per hour.

Penalty (no permit)

Failed work can generate enforcement penalties and delayed release.

Payment note

Fees are collected at submission, issuance, reinspection, and additional review milestones.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Santa Rosa Building Division, Planning and Economic Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit workflow (online)
• Text MENU to 833-692-5526 (text)
• 707-543-3006 (phone)

Inspection hours

City contact lines and counter windows commonly follow weekday hours of 8:00 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical flow is plan review, permit issuance, rough inspection milestones, final inspection, and then clearance or certificate of occupancy processing.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Permit review references the California Building Code and Santa Rosa local building and enforcement requirements as adopted by the city.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building permits
• Fees and permit inspections
• Fee schedule
• Plan check document
• Remote building inspections
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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