Red Bluff, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to projects within Red Bluff city limits. Some projects may also require coordination with outside review agencies.

Department

City of Red Bluff Building Division / Community Development Department

Address

555 Washington Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080

Phone

(530) 527-2605 ext 3058; ext 3059; inspection line ext 3069

Email

blindauer@cityofredbluff.org , mdean@cityofredbluff.org , zdixon@cityofredbluff.org , ewestlake@cityofredbluff.org , ckingsley@cityofredbluff.org

Website

https://www.cityofredbluff.org/departments/community_development/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit a permit application at the Community Development Department, Building Division counter at 555 Washington Street.
2. Bring required plans or sets and all required fees with the application.
3. Applicants can obtain a building fee estimate by visiting the Building Division or by calling the building desk.
4. City plan review routes the package through Building, Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Police as applicable.
5. Resolve planning entitlements first when required.
6. Resubmit plans as needed after comments. Permit issuance occurs once all required departmental reviews and comments are cleared.
7. Schedule and pass required inspections at grading, foundation, framing, interior and exterior finish, and other applicable stages before final clearance or certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks for base permit processing; 1-2 months or more with land-use entitlement conditions; 2-3 months or more depending on discretionary approvals.

Source: City of Red Bluff Building Division / Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permit applications handled by the Building Division are required for covered construction work, with planning and division coordination serving as a prerequisite for many uses.

Required Documents

• Completed preliminary permit application
• Cost breakdown or permit valuation
• Required plan sets
• Additional city fees and clearance payments where applicable
• School fee proof before permit issuance
• Contractor license information or owner-builder declaration

Building code

City application materials reference valuation under the 2022 California Building Code, and city ordinance materials also reference adopted California fire and building code documents.

Owner-builder

The city application includes an owner-builder declaration referencing California Business and Professions Code section 7031.5 and requires either license proof or a valid exemption basis.

Contractor requirements

The application requires a contractor declaration and license status. Applicants must either be properly licensed contractors or qualify for a statutory exemption.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$56 for project valuation from $1 to $500

Plan check fee

Included in building permit fees, with 60% of the building permit fee required as the plan-check submittal deposit at application.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based tiered sliding scale plus separate activity fees.

Reinspection fee

$180 for building reinspection; plan re-check is $112 per hour

Penalty (no permit)

Work without required permit is charged $112 per hour per violation per day plus 3x standard permit fees. Work categorized by the city as not requiring a permit but subject to code enforcement is charged $112 per hour per violation per day.

Payment note

The city requires 60% of the building permit fee as the plan-check submittal deposit at application.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Red Bluff Building Division / Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (530) 527-2605 ext 3069 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour advance notice is required.

Typical inspection sequence: Published process materials identify inspection stages that may include grading, foundations, framing, interior and exterior finish work, landscaping, and final inspection or certificate of occupancy clearance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City application materials reference valuation under the 2022 California Building Code, and city ordinance materials also reference adopted California fire and building code documents.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permit Application
• Building Department Process Details
• Schedule of Fees and Charges
• Red Bluff Zoning Code
• City Code Library
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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