Applications and Permits

Applications and permit information is located in the Supporting Documents as PDF downloads.

In the future permits will be available online.

* Completing fillable forms: Please fill out the form and download it to your computer. Then print out a hard copy and sign it.

When is a Permit Required

A permit is required for projects such as new construction, additions, remodeling, and repairs to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems (see California Residential Code Section R105.1 for additional information). Examples include, but not limited to:

New homes and buildings
Room additions
Enclosures and carports
Decks and patio covers
Garage conversions
Landscape irrigation
Retaining walls over 4’-0”
Water heaters
Fences over 6’-0”
Fireplaces and fireplace inserts
Skylights
Structures over 120 SF footprint
Shower/tub enclosure replacements
Swimming pools and spas
Re-roofing
Ceiling fans

When a Permit Is Not Required

A permit is not required in some cases (see California Residential Code Section R105.2 for additional information). The following is a list of work exempt* from a building permit:

One-story detached accessory structures, provided the footprint is not greater than 120 square feet, provided no electrical, plumbing or mechanical.
Fences not over 6 feet high.³
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
Sidewalks and driveways.¹
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.²
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
Swings and other playground equipment.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.2 of the California Residential Code.

Footnotes
* Unless within a design review or preservation district (or a historic landmark).

¹ Permits and approval from other County departments may be required.
² Related work may require a building permit, such as relocating electrical fixtures to accommodate new cabinets or counters.
³All proposed fencing is subject to Planning Division approval and applicable standards set forth in local county ordinance. Questions related to fencing requirements can be directed to the Planning Division.