Plan Review & Approvals
Whether the project is a homeowner converting a garage or a developer constructing a high rise, Development Services reviews projects for safety. Project plans are reviewed for compliance with applicable Federal, State and City codes, laws, and ordinances. This ensures value and safety for all projects. This includes checking zoning for restrictions on use, property line setbacks and height requirements.
Plans must be clear and drawn to scale in order to show code compliance. They may be prepared by the owner (residential only), architect, engineer, draftsperson or designer. A licensed California architect or engineer may be required to prepare plans for unusual structural designs.
| Type of Project | Plans Required? |
Permit Required? |
E-Permit Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Permit | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Water heater replacement | No * | Yes | Yes |
| HVAC | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Reroof | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Ceiling fan | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical panel changeout | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Siding | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Sewer/water replacements | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Whole house rewire | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Replumbing | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Gas line replacement | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical circuits | No * | Yes | Yes |
| SMUD/PG&E safety inspection | No * | Yes | Yes |
| Window changeout | No * | Yes | Yes |
| (A permit is required if the property is: 1. within a design review and/or historic district, 2. if the size of the window changes, or 3. a commercial project. If it is a like-for-like window replacement on a residential property, a permit is not required.) | |||
| Room Addition | Yes | Yes | |
| Remodel (Structural only) | Yes | Yes | |
| Single Family Residence | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool | Yes | Yes | |
| Shed/building | Yes | Yes | |
| (over 120 sq. ft.) | |||
| Deck/patio cover | Yes | Yes | |
| (attached & over 120 sq. ft.) | |||
| Detached garages | Yes | Yes | |
| * Please note: Minor permits do not require a plan review for residential projects, but do for commercial ones. |
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When Plans Are Required
Not all permit applications require plans. The table gives a basic outline of what is required for most permits, and whether the E-Permit application is available. (Please note: the E-Permit application process is currently available only for registered licensed contractors.)
Design Review
Design Review is required prior to issuance of a building permit for any new structure or exterior alteration of an existing building located within a Design Review district. There are 13 Design Review Districts in the City of Sacramento.
Historic Preservation
If your property is a designated landmark, or a property within a designated historic district, all exterior work including re-roof and window replacement requires a preservation review. The Sacramento City Council adopted the Historic Preservation ordinance in 1975. The City's program is carried out by City Preservation staff and the Preservation Commission.
Checking Your Property
To check if your property is in a Design Review District or a designated historic landmark, please use the property search tool. City staff at the DSD Help Line and Permit Counter are also available to answer questions.