California Building Permit Guide
Find permit costs, timelines, and requirements for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Get accurate information from official sources.
California Cities
Select your city to find specific permit requirements, costs, and application processes.
Los Angeles
LA County & City permits, ADU requirements, LADBS guidelines
View permitsSan Francisco
SF building permits, DBI processes, historic preservation
View permitsSan Diego
San Diego permits, DSD processes, coastal requirements
View permitsSan Jose
San Jose permits, PBCE processes, development standards
View permitsPermit Types
Learn about different permit types and their specific requirements.
ADU Permits
Accessory Dwelling Unit permits and requirements
Building Permits
General construction and building permits
Solar Permits
Solar panel installation permits
Renovation Permits
Home renovation and remodel permits
Why Building Permits Matter
Understanding permit requirements protects your investment and ensures your project meets California safety standards.
Safety Compliance
Permits ensure your construction meets California Building Code requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and electrical systems. Inspections catch potential hazards before they become dangerous.
Property Value Protection
Unpermitted work can reduce property value by 10-20% and complicate sales. Buyers and lenders require permit documentation, and title insurance may exclude unpermitted structures.
Legal Protection
California cities can issue stop-work orders and fines up to $500 per day for unpermitted construction. Insurance claims may be denied for work done without proper permits.
How This Guide Helps You
We compile official permit information from California building departments so you can plan your project with confidence.
Accurate Fee Information
Our permit fee data comes directly from official city fee schedules and is updated regularly. Know what to budget before you start your project, including base permit fees, plan check fees, and impact fees for your specific city.
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Permit timelines vary significantly between California cities. We provide city-specific processing times based on current department workloads, helping you plan construction schedules accurately.
Step-by-Step Requirements
Each permit type has specific documentation requirements. Our guides detail exactly what plans, forms, and supporting documents you need for a complete application that avoids rejection delays.
Direct Department Contacts
Find the right phone numbers, addresses, and online portals for each city building department. We include direct links to official permit applications and scheduling systems.
Popular California Permit Projects
These are the most common residential permits pulled in California cities.
ADU & Garage Conversions
California leads the nation in ADU construction with over 20,000 permits issued annually. Costs range from $150,000-$400,000 for new construction, with permits typically $3,000-$15,000.
Timeline: 60-90 days for permit approval
Solar Panel Installation
Mandatory for new construction under Title 24, solar permits are now streamlined statewide. Most residential systems qualify for over-the-counter or same-day approval.
Timeline: 1-5 days for permit approval
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels
Remodels involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes require permits. Typical permit costs run $500-$2,000 depending on project scope and city.
Timeline: 2-6 weeks for permit approval
Room Additions
Adding square footage triggers building permits, plan check, and often school impact fees. Additions also require Title 24 energy compliance documentation.
Timeline: 4-12 weeks for permit approval
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Upgrading from 100A to 200A service is common for older homes adding EVs, ADUs, or modern appliances. Permits typically cost $150-$400.
Timeline: Same-day to 1 week for approval
Deck & Patio Construction
Decks over 30 inches high or attached to the house require permits. Covered patios may trigger additional zoning review for lot coverage limits.
Timeline: 1-4 weeks for permit approval
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