Applying for a Permit
Application Requirements
A building permit application requires:
- Description of the work
- Legal address of the project
- Owner's name and telephone number
- Applicant's name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address
- Contractor, architect's and/or engineer's name, license number, address and telephone number (if applicable)
- Valuation of the proposed work (including materials and labor)
- Plans (if required) - Two copies of plans, calculations, and 2005 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) compliance.
- If a historic landmark or within a preservation district, the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be already completed.
- If within a design review district, the Design Review Submittal Matrix must be already completed.
When the permit is ready to be issued, one of the following is required:
- The license number of the contractor to do the work.
- A completed Owner-Builder Declaration (PDF - 40 KB) form. This form must be completed when the owner of the property plans to do the work themselves, instead of hiring a licensed contractor to do it.
Ways to Apply
The City offers the following methods to apply for a permit.
- Permit Counter
- Counter staff can answer questions, review plans, and accept applications and payment. All types of permits are accepted at the counter.
- Fax
- Submit an application for a minor permit via fax.
- E-Permits
- Submit an application for a minor permit online.
What is a minor permit?
Minor permits are smaller building projects, including reroofing, siding, HVAC installations, water heaters, and other minor construction projects that do not require a plan review.
Multiple Permits
For those who plan to apply for multiple permits, the Credit Card Information Registration Form allows applicants to keep a credit card signature on file with the Development Services Department. Fees are then charged to the specified credit card until the one on file expires.
There is also the Facility Permit Program, a program that facilitates a rapid approval process for two basic levels of work within commercial and industrial facilities.