How to Guides

Resources for Common Permitting Types

List of All Checklists and Guides

The following Guides have been developed to assist applicants navigate the entitlement process.

How to Apply for a Certificate of Compliance (PDF)
How to Apply for a Home Occupation Permit (PDF)
How to Draw a Site Plan (PDF)
How to Calculate a Small Lot (PDF)
Water Efficient Landscaping Requirements (PDF)

Building Permit Checklists

CalGreen Residential & Non Residential Mandatory Measures Information
Commercial Generator Checklist (PDF)
Residential Generator Checklist (PDF)
Solar PV System Checklist (PDF)
Soil Investigation Report Questionnaire for Residential Additions (PDF)

DCD How to Videos

How to check your Application/Permit Status (YouTube Video)
How to look up Zoning Information for Unincorporated Contra Costa County (YouTube Video)
How to Verify and Resize Your Drawing (YouTube Video)

Building and Planning Permit Information
How to Contact Sanitary District (PDF) 
How to Pay for School Development Fees (PDF)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) / In-law Units
All About Building Permits (PDF)
Business License for Contractors-Where are they required (PDF)
Backup Generator (PDF)
CalGreen Recycling Information
Codes for Manufactured Housing (PDF)
Current Building Codes, Ordinances, and Technical Guidelines for Building Design (PDF)
Demolition Permits (PDF)
Fire Sprinklers - Do I need them for an Addition (PDF)
Gas Shut Off Valve Requirements (PDF)
Green Building Information
Guide for Variances (PDF)
Living With Creeks Referral Guidance (PDF)
Owner Builder Form (PDF)
Plumbing Fixture Certificate (PDF)
Power Pole Permits (PDF) 
Residential Air Conditioning (PDF)
Residential Bathroom Remodel (PDF)
Residential Electrical Panel (PDF)
Residential Furnace (PDF)
Residential Garage Conversion (PDF)
Residential Gas Piping (PDF)
Residential Gray Water - Clothes Washer System (PDF)
Residential Grounding and Bonding (PDF)
Residential Kitchen Remodel (PDF)
Residential Pool and Spa Installation (PDF)
Residential Pool and Spa Removal (PDF)
Residential Pool and Spa Safety Act (PDF)
Residential Re-Roof Requirements (PDF)
Residential Skylights (PDF)
Residential Smoke-Carbon Monoxide Alarm (PDF)
Residential Water Heaters (PDF)
Residential Water-Sewer Pipes (PDF)
Residential Window Replacement (PDF)
Retaining Walls (PDF)
Special Inspection Requirements (PDF) / Recognized Special Inspection and Testing Agencies List (PDF)
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (PDF)
Tiny Homes (PDF)
Title 24 Mandatory Minimums for One and two-family dwellings (PDF)
Trellises, Arbors, & Pergolas Accessory to a Residence (PDF)
Urban Farm Animal Summary (PDF)
When is a Drainage Plan Required (PDF)
When is a Grading Permit Required (PDF) 
When is a Licensed Professional Required (PDF)
Who can obtain a Building Permit (PDF)
Wood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces (PDF)
Work Exempt from Permits (PDF)  **NOTE** Please call (925) 655-2700 for clarification of cabinet remodel/addition