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Applications and Permits FAQs

1. How do I find out the status of my Design Review, Preservation or Building Permit application?
2. What is the fee to file for a building permit or to submit plans?
3. What is the turnaround time for the approval of a building permit?
4. What does it mean when a building permit application is "on hold"?
5. Where do I submit revisions to my building application?
6. What time is building construction allowed? Can work be done on weekends?
7. What is an excavation encroachment permit, and what are the minimum requirements?
8. When do I need a transportation permit?
9. What are driveway permits required for?

 

Application and Permit FAQs

1. How do I find out the status of my Design Review, Preservation or Building Permit application?

To determine the status of your planning review please e-mail planning@cityofsacramento.org. To determine the status of your building review please e-mail ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org. A City staff member should respond to your e-mail within 24 hours. You may also contact us by dialing 311 inside City limits or (916) 264-5011 outside City limits.

2. What is the fee to file for a building permit or to submit plans?

The permit fee depends on the project valuation. Depending on the project, you may be required to pay fees to the Fire Department, Planning Division, Development Engineering, as well as to the Building Division. When an application is submitted, the Counter Technician will verify and determine which agencies will review your application and help you obtain an estimate of your fees.

3. What is the turnaround time for the approval of a building permit?

The turnaround time for the approval of a building permit depends on the scope of the work. Permits for work not requiring plans are issued over-the-counter. Work requiring plans has to be routed to several Community Development Divisions and/or other City agencies (Fire, Utilities, and Transportation Departments) for review and approval. More...

4. What does it mean when a building permit application is "on hold"?

Usually an application is put on hold when additional information is required by the plan checker reviewing your application. Additional information may consist of calculations and/or revised drawings.

5. Where do I submit revisions to my building application?

To resubmit plans, please contact CDD and verify that all the disciplines have completed their reviews, and whether corrections are required. Then, obtain all correction lists and revise all plans. Residential applications require two copies of the revised plans. For commercial applications, submit one copy of the plans for each discpline that had changes (minimum two). Highlight or cloud any and all changes on every set of copies, even if that discipline has been approved. Resubmit with a response letter explaining all changes or lack there of. The plans should be resubmitted to the Permit Counter (300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor).

6. What time is building construction allowed? Can work be done on weekends?

Building construction can occur during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, or the Building Official, may permit work to be done before or after these hours in the case of urgent necessity and in the interest of public health and welfare for a period not to exceed three days. Application for this exemption may be made in conjunction with the application for the work permit or during progress of the work, PRIOR to start of after hours work.

7. What is an excavation encroachment permit, and what are the minimum requirements?

Excavation encroachment permits are permits that allow individuals to do minor construction work within the City right-of-way (i.e. small repairs of sidewalk, curb, or gutter, handicap ramp installation, or removal of driveways). More...

8. When do I need a transportation permit?

Transportation permits are required for travel within the City of Sacramento when a vehicle and/or vehicle load is larger than the following dimensions:

A standard temporary permit or annual blanket permit can be issued. Please contact the Development Enginnering Division of the Department of Transportation at 916-808-8300 for more information.

9. What are driveway permits required for?

Driveway Permits are required within the City of Sacramento when:

• A new driveway is being constructed in an area that has vertical curb
• A new driveway is being constructed in an area that has no curb
• An existing driveway is being removed and replaced
• A building permit is applied for and the existing driveway is not ADA-compliant
• A driveway is constructed within 10 feet of a property line
• A driveway is being built crossing over a parking strip/planting strip, between the gutter and sidewalk.

More FAQs...