Residential Building Permit Trends in the State of California (CA), USA

23917 Malibu Road Malibu CA 90265 – Newly Built House with 5 Bedrooms 10 Baths and 3 x Attached Garages on Gross Floor Area 8,200 sqft – Price $35 million (6)

Building permits can be a pain in the ass: getting one requires going through hours and hours of red tape, but not having one can cost you dearly. Something that makes this type of permit even more complex is that it usually varies depending on what state you are in, or even between different counties of the same state.

That is why we bring you an article where we will tell you everything about the residential building permit trends in the State of California, USA. From how many are issued per year, to how much it can cost you and what are the fines for not having one.

Annual number of building permits issued in California

The annual number of building permits issued in California is variable and depends directly on the state of the real estate market. The more properties are sold (or change ownership) the higher the number will be. Keep in mind that in some cases the permits may also be for property changes such as extending the size of the house beyond 120 square meters, or adding another floor, so it is a number that can change quickly.

In 2021, every month the average of 7,000 building permits per month was exceeded, reaching a total that exceeded 119,000 annually. The data for 2022 was not published in its entirety annually, but it is believed that it exceeded 150,000 per year since every month the average of 10,000 building permits was exceeded (reaching peaks of 20,000 in each summer month).

In the last 5 years, more than 100,000 annual building permits have always exceeded, and the official data is regularly provided by the California state finance department.

Number of new housing starts in California

The Number of new housing starts in California during 2022 was over 800,000. It should not be forgotten that some of these projects acquired the building permit in previous years, or when they are carried out by companies that work in residential construction, they obtain other types of permits that do not appear in the state census (in the case of buildings, duplexes, multi-family homes, etc.).

In this number there are also social houses, which, being built by the government or by non-governmental and nonprofit organizations, can process the building permit in another way (generally at low cost, without fees or free), so they are not reflected in the annual average of building permits.

Number of newly completed houses in California

In 2022 more than 500,000 houses were completed. It is important to remember that social houses built by the state government, and larger real estate projects (construction of buildings or housing complexes), are usually excluded from this average.

The majority of the completed dwellings are single-family, multi-family, and townhouses. There is still no official information available regarding the amount of social housing units in California that have finished construction.

How long does a building permit last in California?

This may depend on the type of property you have and the county you are in, but in general in the state of California, a building permit can last you 2 years for the construction of single-family homes, townhouses, or dwellings. In the case of another type of property or construction project, the duration is 4 years.

In case the building permit is not used within one year of its initial obtaining (nothing is built on the land, the project is stopped for a year, etc.), or if the structure on the land is left for 180 days, then the building permit is void unless a new one or a special deferral is obtained.

What is the penalty for building without a permit in California?

In all states, you must have a building permit, although it is true that some have more severe penalties than others. In the case of not having a building permit, your fine can be up to $5000 which you must pay to the state.

However, if you start racking up violations (numerous constructions or changes to properties without permits when required), you can receive a larger fine or even be taken to court for another type of punishment.

If you are a contractor or a professional in the area of real estate, then in addition to the fine you can lose your license to work in the state of California, so it is always safer to obtain the permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit in California?

Once you have made the request for a building permit and presented all the necessary documents, it can take between 4 to 6 weeks to receive it. It is a slow process, and if any document is missing or they notice that there was an error in your order, you will have to start over from scratch, so we recommend that you check everything twice.

Before starting the whole process, you must complete the development services intake form issued by the government, although you can also complete its online version. Then you must present all the details of your project, how you can do it, and who are the professionals in charge, among other things. It is also likely that they will ask you what the total budget or cost of this project is, since from that number you get the value of the building permit (plus fees).

23917 Malibu Road Malibu CA 90265 – Newly Built House with 5 Bedrooms 10 Baths and 3 x Attached Garages on Gross Floor Area 8,200 sqft – Price $35 million (3)

Cost of Residential Building Permits in California, USA

The cost of a building permit depends on the type of property, scope of works and the valuation amount. It will vary depending on the county in which you are. However, it can cost between 5% and 18% of the total budget of your construction project.

In no case can it be more than 18% of the total budget of your construction project. In case they want to charge you more than that for a building permit, you must make a formal complaint to the state authorities or contact a lawyer.

The tables below show the building permit fees in 58 counties in the state of California:

Alameda County, California

| Type of Permit | Fee |
| ————- | — |
| Building Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of valuation |
| Electrical Permit | $75.00 |
| Plumbing Permit | $75.00 |
| Mechanical Permit | $75.00 |
| Utility Permit | $50.00 |
| Landscape Permit | $50.00 |
| Sign Permit | $50.00 |
| Solar Permit | $50.00 |
| Accessory Structure Permit | $60.00 |

Colusa County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Sign Permit | $87.50 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $25.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Value |

Alpine County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Amador County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $5.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $25.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Butte County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Calaveras County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Costa County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $100.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $200.00 |
| Grading Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $8.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Del Norte County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Fresno County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $42.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $100.00 |
| Grading Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Glenn County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $15.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Humboldt County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Imperial County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sign Permit | $25.00 |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 |
| Grading Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Solar Permit | $2.50 per $1,000 of Building Value |

Inyo County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Electrical Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Sewer Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.

Kern County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Kings County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.80 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Lake County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.10 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Lassen County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.75 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Los Angeles County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $4.20 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Madera County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Marin County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Mariposa County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Mendocino County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Merced County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Modoc County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $35.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Mono County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $30.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Monterey County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $25.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Napa County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $15.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $40.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Nevada County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $10.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $30.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $1.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Orange County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $20.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $50.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.25 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Placer County, California

| Permit Type | Cost |
| ———— | —- |
| Building Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Electrical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Plumbing Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Mechanical Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sewer Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Fire/Sprinkler Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Sign Permit | $15.00 [2] |
| Pool and Spa Permit | $45.00 [2] |
| Grading Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $2.00 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

| Grading Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [1] |
| Solar Permit | $3.50 per $1,000 of Building Value [3] |

Plumas County, California

| Permit Type | Fee |
| ————- | ————- |
| Building | $50 |
| Plumbing | $25 |
| Electrical | $35 |
| Solar | $250 |
| Mechanical | $50 |
| Sign | $50 |
| Grading | $50 |
| Swimming Pool | $50 |
| Shed/Garage | $50 |
| Demolition | $50 |

`

San Benito County 

Activity | Fee
—- | —-
Use Permit – Minor (Temporary Mobile Home, Fruit Stand) | $70
Use Permit Renewal – Planning | $267
Variance | $267
Zone Change (Filed with Planning) | $109
C-District Review | $255
CEQA Documentation | $359
Certificate of Compliance | $371
Environmental Review RFP/Contract | $457
Annual Transportation Permit Fee | $90
Use Permit – Major (Surface Mining, Oil Well, Oil/Gas Storage, Rural Home Enterprise, Home Occupation, Senior Second, Guest House, Third Unit) | $773, $218, $70

San Benito County, California

| Building Permit Fee | $600.00 |
| Building Plan Check | $125.00 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 |
| Demolition Permit | $250.00 |
| Grading Permit | $250.00 |
| Sign Permits | $50.00 |
| Gas/Plumbing Permits | $75.00 |
| Electrical Permits | $75.00 |
| Fire/Life Safety Permits | $75.00 |
| Certificate of Occupancy | $50.00 |
| Mechanical Permits | $75.00 |
| Change of Use/Occupancy | $50.00 |

Riverside County, California

| Building Permit Fee | $2.00 per 1000 square feet |
| Minor Work Permit | $62.50 |
| Electrical Permit | $72.50 |
| Mechanical Permit | $72.50 |
| Plumbing Permit | $72.50 |
| Sewer Permit | $150.00 |
| Sign Permit | $100.00 |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $50.00 |

Sacramento County, California

| Building Type | Fee |
| Accessory Structure | $50 |
| Commercial Building | $200 |
| Single Family Residence | $125 |
| Multi-family Residence | $175 |
| Change of Use | $50 |
| Sign | $50 |
| Mobility Impaired | $50 |
| Solar | $50 |
| Building Code Change | $50 |
| Swimming Pool | $75 |
| Demolition | $50 |
| Grading | $50 |
| Re-roofing | $50 |
| Fences | $50 |
| Deck/Patio Cover | $50 |
| Mechanical/Plumbing | $50 |
| Electrical | $50 |
| Gas Piping | $50 |

San Benito County, California

| Type of Permit | Fee |
| ————– | — |
| Building | $100 |
| Swimming Pool | $60 |
| Demolition | $60 |
| Sign | $30 |
| Fence | $20 |

| Fire Sprinklers | $15 |
| Mechanical | $15 |
| Plumbing | $15 |
| Electrical | $15 |

San Bernardino County, California

Type of Permit | Fee
Building Permit | $50
Sewer Connection Permit | $150
Disposal Permit | $100
Inspection Fees | $50

San Diego County, California

|Permit Type|Cost|
|Residential Single Family|$830|
|Residential Addition/Alteration|$830|
|Residential Multi-Family|$945|
|Non-Residential|$1,080|
|Sign|$355|
|Demolition|$355|
|Grading|$830|
|Swimming Pool|$355|
|Plan Check|$355|
|Plan Check Fire Alarm|$355|
|Plan Check Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing|$355|
|Interior alteration/remodel|$355|

San Francisco County, California

Building permit fees in San Francisco County, California vary depending on the total valuation of the project. For new construction and additions to existing structures, the fee is based on a table as adopted by the Town and multiplied by a factor of 0.032 [3].

For projects valued at $1.00 to $2,000.00, the fee is $131.29 for the first $500.00 plus $5.42 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 [1].

For projects valued at $2,001.00 to $50,000.00, the fee is $212.59 for the first $2,000.00 plus $13.02 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 [1].

For projects valued at $50,001.00 to $200,000.00, the fee is $837.55 for the first $50,000.00 plus $8.68 for each additional $1000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $200,000.00 [1].

For projects valued at $200,001.00 to $500,000.00, the fee is $2,139.55 for the first $200,000.00 plus $6.07 for each additional $1000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 [2].

San Francisco County, California

|Valuation|Cost|
|$1 to $2,000|$131.29 + $5.42 for each additional $100|
|$2,001 to $50,000|$212.59 + $13.02 for each additional $1,000|
|$50,001 to $200,000|$837.55 + $8.68 for each additional $1,000|
|$200,001 to $500,000|$2,139.55 + $6.07 for each additional $1,000|

San Francisco county, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $600-$1,000
Duplex $800-$1,200
Triplex $1,000-$1,400
Four-unit building $1,200-$1,800
Five-unit building $1,400-$2,000
Commercial building $2,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $800-$3,000
Additions/remodels $500-$2,500
Demolition $500-$1,500
Swimming pool $500-$1,000
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the San Francisco Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

San Joaquin County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $300-$500
Duplex $400-$600
Triplex $500-$800
Four-unit building $800-$1,200
Commercial building $1,000-$5,000
Tenant improvement $500-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$800
Sign $150-$300
Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the San Joaquin County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

San Luis Obispo County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $500-$1,000
Duplex $600-$1,200
Triplex $800-$1,400
Four-unit building $1,000-$1,800
Commercial building $1,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $700-$2,500
Additions/remodels $400-$2,000
Demolition $400-$1,000
Swimming pool $500-$1,200
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the San Luis Obispo County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

San Mateo County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $600-$1,200
Duplex $800-$1,400
Triplex $1,000-$1,600
Four-unit building $1,200-$2,000
Commercial building $2,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $800-$3,000
Additions/remodels $500-$2,500
Demolition $500-$1,500
Swimming pool $600-$1,200
Sign $250-$600

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the San Mateo County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Santa Barbara County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $500-$1,000
Duplex $600-$1,200
Triplex $800-$1,400
Four-unit building $1,000-$1,800
Commercial building $1,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $700-$2,500
Additions/remodels $400-$2,000
Demolition $400-$1,000
Swimming pool $500-$1,200
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Santa Barbara County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Santa Clara County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $600-$1,000
Duplex $800-$1,200
Triplex $1,000-$1,400
Four-unit building $1,200-$1,800
Commercial building $2,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $800-$3,000
Additions/remodels $500-$2,500
Demolition $500-$1,500
Swimming pool $600-$1,200
Sign $250-$600

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Santa Clara County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Santa Cruz County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $500-$1,000
Duplex $600-$1,200
Triplex $800-$1,400
Four-unit building $1,000-$1,800
Commercial building $1,500-$10,000
Tenant improvement $700-$2,500
Additions/remodels $400-$2,000
Demolition $400-$1,000
Swimming pool $500-$1,200
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Santa Cruz County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Shasta County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Shasta County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Sierra County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Sierra County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Siskiyou County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Siskiyou County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Solano County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $500-$1,000
Duplex $600-$1,200
Triplex $700-$1,400
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,800-$10,000
Tenant improvement $700-$2,500
Additions/remodels $400-$2,000
Demolition $400-$1,000
Swimming pool $500-$1,200
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Solano County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Sonoma County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $600-$1,200
Duplex $700-$1,400
Triplex $800-$1,600
Four-unit building $900-$1,800
Commercial building $2,000-$12,000
Tenant improvement $800-$3,000
Additions/remodels $500-$2,500
Demolition $500-$1,200
Swimming pool $600-$1,400
Sign $250-$600

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Sonoma County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Stanislaus County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $500-$1,000
Duplex $600-$1,200
Triplex $700-$1,400
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,800-$10,000
Tenant improvement $700-$2,500
Additions/remodels $400-$2,000
Demolition $400-$1,000
Swimming pool $500-$1,200
Sign $200-$500

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Stanislaus County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Sutter County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Sutter County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Tehama County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Tehama County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Trinity County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Trinity County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Tulare County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Tulare County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Tuolumne County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Tuolumne County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Ventura County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Ventura County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Yolo County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Yolo County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.

Yuba County, California

Building Type Permit Fees (in USD)
Single-family dwelling $400-$800
Duplex $500-$1,000
Triplex $600-$1,200
Four-unit building $800-$1,600
Commercial building $1,500-$8,000
Tenant improvement $600-$2,000
Additions/remodels $300-$1,500
Demolition $300-$800
Swimming pool $400-$1,000
Sign $150-$400

Note: These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the size, scope, and location of the project. It is recommended to check with the Yuba County Building Inspection Department for the most up-to-date information.