Newman, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Newman municipal permits.

Department

Building Department, City of Newman

Address

938 Fresno Street, Newman, CA 95360

Phone

209-862-3725 (option 8)

Email

buildingdepartment@cityofnewman.gov

Website

https://cityofnewman.gov/departments/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the correct application from Building Department E-Docs for the project type.
2. Complete the form legibly and accurately, including contact information and permit details.
3. Submit the permit application in person at City Hall or by email, using the address listed on the application header.
4. City staff issues an invoice after a complete package is received for over-the-counter projects; plan check projects go through review.
5. If plan check is required, review is typically around 10 days, depending on workload and project type.
6. Pay the invoice by card or check; phone payments are not accepted.
7. Schedule inspections and proceed through the required inspection sequence.

Typical processing time: Plan checks usually take about 10 days.

Source: Building Department, City of Newman

General Requirements

Examples include patio covers, new rear sheds over 120 square feet, swimming pools, house additions, reroofing, HVAC new or replacement work, water heaters, water softeners, plumbing beyond minor repairs or clearing stoppages, and all electrical projects except receptacle or fixture replacement.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Supporting project details and permits applicable to the project
• Contractor name and license information
• Signed contractor declaration when applicable
• Owner-builder declaration if the owner is acting as builder
• ESCP for soil-disturbance projects
• Planning Department approval for ADUs before permit submission

Permit validity

Permits expire 12 months from issue date.

Building code

California Building Code - 2025 Edition of Title 24 Part 2 Volume 1 and 2, with city additions and amendments.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder permits are allowed, but require the owner-builder declaration and acknowledgment.

Contractor requirements

Building permit application includes licensed contractor declaration and workers' compensation statements. Contractors are expected to be licensed and bonded per California law.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$118

Plan check fee

65% of permit fee unless specified otherwise for a project type. Expedited plan check is doubled.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based and square-footage tables for most building types, often shown as a base charge plus permit processing and inspection components.

Reinspection fee

$145 per hour cost recovery for reinspection or investigation

Penalty (no permit)

Additional plan review is also listed at $145 per hour.

Payment note

No phone payments accepted; payment is by in-person card or check, and checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 787, Newman, CA 95360.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Window and door retrofit work when no framing is needed and no paper is exposed
• Receptacle or fixture replacement in electrical work
• Minor plumbing repairs and clearing stoppages
• Sheds under 120 square feet generally require a zoning permit, not a building permit

Important: The city list is non-exhaustive and subject to change. If uncertain, call the Building Department before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 209-862-3725 option 8 (phone)
• buildingdepartment@cityofnewman.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections can be scheduled at least 1 day to no more than 1 week out.

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Time windows

8:00 AM-12:00 PM or 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence includes foundation, shear or roof nailing, frame inspection, plumbing and mechanical at time of inspection, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gypsum or lath, T-bar ceiling, insulation, and miscellaneous inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: California Building Code - 2025 Edition of Title 24 Part 2 Volume 1 and 2, with city additions and amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Community Development Department
• Building Department FAQs
• City code section 48510923
• City code section 48510924
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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