Before Beginning the Project
Whether you are considering building a new structure or doing simple home maintenance, please keep the following in mind:
Plan for Safety
- Make a detailed catalog of the planned work. Is it just a simple replacement of some electrical equipment within a wall? Or the replacement of the entire wall? All proposed work must be included in the permit or extra fees may be applied.
- Contact Development Services (by either the Help Line at 916-808-5656 or at the Permit Counter and confirm what types of permits are required to do the work planned.
- Work with a design or contractor who knows the California State Codes and will include all safety requirements into the project design.
- Contact Development Services well before the project begins so that the plans and permits are ready in time.
Build for Safety
- Choose a contractor who is licensed with the California State License Board (CSLB) and will do the project according to the safety requirements in the approved plans. (Please use the CSLB's "Check a License" tool to confirm that a contractor's license is valid.)
- Use building products that are safe, durable, and comply with the California State Codes.
Inspect for Safety
- Ensure that all permitted work has all inspections done. Work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved by the inspector. The contractor may schedule the inspections, but ultimately the homeowner is responsible for permitted work to be properly inspected. The project must remain safe and be completed in a timely manner.