Applications and Permits FAQs
- How do I find out the status of my Design Review, Preservation or Building Permit application?
- What is the fee to file for a building permit or to submit plans?
- What is the turnaround time for the approval of a building permit?
- What does it mean when a building permit application is "on hold"?
- Where do I submit revisions to my building application?
- What time is building construction allowed? Can work be done on weekends?
- For what do I need a revocable permit?
- What is an excavation encroachment permit, and what are the minimum requirements?
- When do I need a transportation permit?
- What are driveway permits required for?
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 will respond to your e-mail within 24 hours. You may also contact the City Operator. City of Sacramento residents should call 311. Non-city residents should call (916) 264-5011.
What is the fee to file for a building permit or to submit plans?
The permit fee depends on the project valuation. You need to contact the Building Division at ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org to request a permit fee estimate. Depending on the project, you may be required to pay fees to the Fire Department, Planning, Development Engineering, as well as to the Building Division plan check fee for submittal of plans for review. When an application is submitted, the Counter Technician will verify and determines which agencies will review your application. At this time, you may ask the Counter Technician for an estimate and they will assist you by contacting the appropriate division for an estimate.
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 such as minor repairs, electrical service changes, plumbing repipe or sewer and water line replacement, HVAC and water heater change outs, installing kitchen cabinets, replacing drywall, re-roofing, etc. are issued over-the-counter. Work requiring plans such as structural additions have to be routed to several Development Services Divisions and/or other City agencies (Fire, Utilities, and Transportation departments) for review and approval. When you submit your application, you will be notified of the Division or Departments that will be required to review your plans.
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. To find out the specifics, please contact the Building or Planning Division.
Where do I submit revisions to my building application?
To resubmit plans, please contact DSD and verify that all the disciplines have finished their reviews, and whether corrections are required. Then, obtain all correction lists and revise all plans. Residential applications require two copies of the plans. For commercial applications, submit one copy of the plans for each discpline that had changes. (If only one discipline, two copies are required.) 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 may be resubmitted to the Permit Counter (300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor). (Please see the Residential Addition Take-In Sheet and the Submittal Requirements for New Commerical Buildings and Additions for more information.)
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.
For what do I need a revocable permit?
A revocable permit is required whenever someone wants to place a privately owned and maintained object within the City right-of-way or on City owned property (i.e. on bike racks, awnings, or monument signs).
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).
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:
- Width 8'6"
- Height 14'
- Length (single unit) 40'
- Length (combination unit) 65'
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.