West Sacramento, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City-specific permits for projects inside the City of West Sacramento. Planning rules should also be confirmed because not all projects are allowed in every zoning district.

Department

Building Division, Community Development Department, City of West Sacramento

Address

1110 West Capitol Avenue, 2nd Floor, West Sacramento, CA 95691

Phone

916-617-4645

Email

buildingpermits@cityofwestsacramento.org

Website

https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/community-development/building-division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project needs a permit using the city's required and exempt project lists.
2. Submit plans and the permit application through the ACA portal, by email to buildingpermits@cityofwestsacramento.org, or at the public counter with required documents.
3. Use the over-the-counter workflow in ACA for eligible permit types such as selected dry rot, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, minor remodel, and re-roof permits.
4. Complete the electronic permit application and upload the project submittal package.
5. Wait for plan check and permit approval, then pay required fees.
6. Schedule inspections and keep the permit and approved plans available on site.

Typical processing time: Plan check is around 10-15 business days, with temporary delays noted by staff at publication time.

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of West Sacramento

General Requirements

Permits are required for most new residential and commercial construction, additions and alterations, reroofing, moving or demolishing structures, occupancy changes, exterior work over thresholds, and plumbing, electrical, and mechanical alterations.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Project plans and submittal package
• Electronic submittal files by email or online, or files on USB or CD at the counter
• Itemized valuation and checklist documents for many project types

Building code

As of January 1, 2026, the city states that 2025 California Building Code updates are effective.

Owner-builder

A homeowner, the homeowner's agent, and California-licensed contractors can obtain permits.

Contractor requirements

The city recommends using a licensed contractor and links CSLB verification guidance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$215.90 for the residential up to 250 square foot base building permit bucket

Plan check fee

Often 65% of the building permit fee for many permit categories.

Permit fee formula

Mixed formulas apply. Residential new, addition, alteration, and repair permits use base plus incremental square-foot fees, while many other permit types use valuation-based or flat-fee tables.

Reinspection fee

$152 reinspection or additional inspection fee

Payment note

The city uses separate application and plan review fees and permit and inspection fees. Permit status and payment can be viewed and made through the Accela portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Single-story detached accessory buildings or structures with roof area of 120 square feet or less, subject to planning setbacks
• Retaining walls no more than 4 feet high
• Change of flooring, carpet, inlaid tile, or wood
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work

Important: These are example exempt categories only. Many projects still require permits depending on use, size, and location. If unsure, contact the Building Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ACA portal (online)
• 916-617-4691 (phone)
• bldginsp@cityofwestsacramento.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Call or cancel before 8:30 AM for same-day reschedule. Next-business-day inspection requests are not guaranteed.

Inspection hours

Office hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday; walk-in counter hours are 9:00 AM-11:00 AM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are requested after permit approval. Permit and plans must be on site, and the inspection team may require revisions before final approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: As of January 1, 2026, the city states that 2025 California Building Code updates are effective.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Documents and Checklists
• Yolo County Building Inspection Services
• Yolo County Permit Guidance
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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