California

California home permit planning notes

Expect strong local variation, energy-code documentation, seismic requirements, wildfire zones, coastal review, and city-level plan checks.

What to verify locally

Local guides in California

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Residential Permit Guide

Los Angeles residential projects often begin with zoning research, plans, plan check, permit issuance, and inspections through LADBS.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Deck Permit Guide

Los Angeles lists decks among residential projects that may use counter plan check when they fit the city process.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Fence Permit Guide

Los Angeles fence projects can involve LADBS plan check, property-owner fence specifications, and zoning or right-of-way issues.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Residential Solar Permit Guide

Los Angeles publishes homeowner solar forms, submittal requirements, standard plans, and inspection guides through LADBS.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles EV Charger Permit Guide

Los Angeles EV charger work is handled as electrical permitting and may require load calculation review.

San Diego, California

San Diego Residential Solar Permit Guide

San Diego publishes a residential rooftop solar PV permit path and information bulletin for solar installations.

San Diego, California

San Diego EV Charger Permit Guide

San Diego publishes an EV charging systems bulletin that describes permits, submittals, and inspections.

San Diego, California

San Diego Residential Permit Guide

San Diego Development Services publishes permit, approval, inspection, and homeowner resources for residential work.

San Jose, California

San Jose EV Charger Permit Guide

San Jose publishes residential EV charging rules for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco Building Permit Guide

San Francisco residential permits can use over-the-counter review, in-house review, site permits, electronic plan review, or online contractor permits depending on project complexity.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco Exterior, Deck, and Fence Permit Guide

San Francisco over-the-counter exterior permits cover windows, doors, reroofing, siding, deck and stair repairs, decks, roof decks, and fences that meet listed conditions.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco Solar, Electrical, and Reroofing Permit Guide

San Francisco has dedicated permit paths for solar PV systems, electrical work, and online reroofing permits for registered licensed contractors.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco ADU Building Permit Guide

San Francisco ADU projects require building permits and can involve multiple units, seismic work, variances, certificates of appropriateness, and higher-cost review.

Oakland, California

Oakland Homeowner Project Permit Guide

Oakland homeowner project permits cover single-family homes, ADUs, additions, foundations, seismic retrofits, grading, decks, fences, driveways, solar, retaining walls, pools, stairs, demolition, and more.

Oakland, California

Oakland Deck and Fence Permit Guide

Oakland requires building permits for deck projects and zoning or building review for fences depending on height, yard location, material, and design review rules.

Oakland, California

Oakland Solar, Driveway, and ADU Permit Guide

Oakland solar, driveway, curb, sidewalk, and ADU projects use separate permit paths with Online Permit Center, SolarAPP+, zoning, DOT, Planning, and building review steps.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento Building Permit Guide

Sacramento building permits cover new construction, additions, remodeling, decks, patio covers, garage conversions, retaining walls, windows, water heaters, sheds, pools, reroofing, siding, fences, and trade systems.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento Fence, Shed, Deck, and Permit Exemption Guide

Sacramento lists permit exemptions for some small detached structures, fences, retaining walls, sidewalks, driveways, shallow pools, awnings, and low detached decks, but zoning and preservation rules can still apply.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento Minor Permits and Residential Inspection Guide

Sacramento online minor permits include water heaters, HVAC, reroofing, electrical minor work, and virtual inspection rules for some residential web permit types.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Los Angeles, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Los Angeles, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Los Angeles, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Los Angeles, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Los Angeles, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Diego, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in San Diego, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in San Diego, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in San Diego, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Diego, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Diego, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in San Diego, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in San Diego, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in San Diego, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in San Diego, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in San Diego, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in San Diego, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Jose, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in San Jose, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in San Jose, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in San Jose, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Jose, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Jose, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in San Jose, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in San Jose, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in San Jose, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in San Jose, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in San Jose, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

San Jose, California

San Jose, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in San Jose, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Francisco, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in San Francisco, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in San Francisco, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in San Francisco, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Francisco, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in San Francisco, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in San Francisco, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in San Francisco, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in San Francisco, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in San Francisco, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in San Francisco, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in San Francisco, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Oakland, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Oakland, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Oakland, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Oakland, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Oakland, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Oakland, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Oakland, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Oakland, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Oakland, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Oakland, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Oakland, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Oakland, California

Oakland, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Oakland, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Sacramento, California, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Sacramento, California, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Sacramento, California, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Sacramento, California, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Sacramento, California, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Sacramento, California, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Sacramento, California, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Sacramento, California, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Sacramento, California, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Sacramento, California, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Sacramento, California, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Sacramento, California, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Projects to check first

ProjectWhy it matters
Shed PermitUsually required once the shed exceeds a local size threshold, has a permanent foundation, includes utilities, or violates zoning setbacks.
Fence PermitOften required for tall fences, front-yard fences, corner lots, pool barriers, retaining-wall combinations, and historic districts.
Deck PermitAlmost always required for attached decks, elevated decks, structural repairs, and decks with stairs or guards.
EV Charger PermitUsually required for Level 2 hardwired chargers, panel upgrades, new circuits, and garage wiring changes.
Solar PermitAlmost always required. Solar normally needs building/electrical permits and separate utility interconnection approval.
Bathroom Remodel PermitOften required when plumbing, electrical, framing, ventilation, or waterproofing systems are changed.
HVAC Replacement PermitUsually required for furnace, condenser, heat pump, major duct, gas line, and equipment-location changes.
Basement Finishing PermitUsually required when unfinished space becomes habitable, especially with bedrooms, bathrooms, or new walls.

Best first call

Start with the city building department if the property is inside city limits. If not, call the county building or planning office and ask which authority has jurisdiction for zoning, building, and trade inspections.