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1. When do I need a permit?

Almost all projects require permits. These include, but are not limited to, new structures, demolitions, additions, alterations, interior/exterior remodels, running new electrical, water or gas lines, repairs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, decks, carports, garages, docks, pools, foundation repairs, ADUs, and Junior ADUs, solar, energy storage systems, and backup generators. 

Work not requiring a building permit

• Read Construction Work NOT requiring a Building Permit (PDF)
• See Section 106.2 of the California Building Code for further exemptions. 

Exemption from the permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of any County code or ordinance. 
Please call us if you have any questions 925-655-2700.

2. Who can pull a permit?

The 2019 California Building Code allows for the following individuals to pull permits. This will be the permit APPLICANT

• State Licensed Contractor in good standing with the California State Contractor’s License Board (CSLB)
• Owner-Builder (including a Trust or Corporation) - This may require proof of ownership
  • Requires submission of the Owner Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form (PDF) 
  • May require proof of ownership and 
• Authorized Agent (including Designers or Architect) on behalf of an Owner-Builder or licensed contractor

For more detailed information, please see our Who can Obtain a Building Permit (PDF). 

Important Information for Applicants:

• The APPLICANT is whomever applies for the permit, whether it is the design professional, licensed contractor, property owner or property owner's agent. 
• The APPLICANT will be the point of contact for the life of the permit and will be the only permit contact to receive all email notifications. Our ePermits Center is unable to email all parties related to the permit.
• The APPLICANT is responsible in notifying the parties related to the permit of any updates, plan reviewer requests, etc. 
• If the APPLICANT does not receive or see any email updates, check the Applicant's email spam or junk folder.
• Although we allow design professionals to apply online, we cannot issue the permit or plans to the design professional per California Health and Safety Code sections 19825 & 19826. The design professional applicant will be required to identify the contractor or property owner to whom the permit will be issued to. One of the two forms below is required to be completed, signed and submitted by the contractor or property owner before the permit can be issued.
  • Contractor Permit Declaration form
  • Property Owner-Builder Acknowledgement form 

3. When do I need plans?

Almost all projects require plans. These include, but are not limited to, new structures, demolitions, additions, alterations, interior/exterior remodels, running new electrical, water or gas lines, repairs, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, decks, carports, garages, docks, pools, foundation repairs, ADUs, and Junior ADUs, solar, energy storage systems, and backup generators. 

Important note: The Building Department conducts plan review and cannot give advice on how to create your plan. We recommend contacting licensed professionals when applicable. 

4. What should my plans show? How should they be formatted?

What should my plans show? 

Most projects will require Architectural, Structural, Electrical, and often Mechanical and Plumbing plans. Many details and calculations are also required, often these include structural and Title 24 energy calculations. Your design professional is the best resource to help you have a complete submittal.  

• When is a Licensed Professional Required to Prepare Plans Guide (PDF)
• Example of a Site Plan (PDF)
• Residential Plan Submittal Requirements Checklist (PDF)
• Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements Checklist (PDF)
• All plans must show the property address, scope and current code cycle. 

What size do my plans need to be? 

• Plans must be submitted in the same size they were drawn in to preserve scale,and should be of sufficient size and clarity for the project. 
• We will not accept plans in 8.5" x 11" (letter) size.
• Minimum plan size is 11" x 17"; this may work for simple, small projects such as bathroom remodels or window changeouts. For legibility, however, most projects require larger plans such as 18" x 24" or 24" x 36". The size of your project determines the required plan size. 

What format do my plans need to be in? 

• All plans must be submitted electronically through the ePermits Center
• Plans must be an unsecured PDF file to allow for county comments, stamps and approvals. Secured files will be rejected. 
• PDF Portfolio files or ZIP files of multiple PDF files are not accepted and will be rejected.
• Plans shall not be images, such as .jpgs, .gifs, .tiff, .bmp, etc. or AutoCAD (or similar) format. PDF files of images are also not acceptable – images made into PDFs do not scale property to meet size requirements. 
• Please read Requirements for Preparing Electronic Plans Submittals (PDF) for further guidance.

5. Do my plans require Planning approval?

Planning approval is required for the following: 

• Construct a new building or structure, 
• Changing the use on the site
• Changing the size, height, and dimensions, or other exterior changes to an existing building or structure. 
• Design review for special areas (Kensington, Historic Districts, etc.)
• Adding an ADU or a Jr ADU requires planning approval. 
• Business License secured for projects in the City of Clayton and City of Hercules.

The Planning Agency depends on where your property is located. 

Unincorporated County Planning Approval

• Planning Approval provided through the ePermits Center system. 
• View Planning Webpage
• Phone: 925-655-2700
• Make a Planning Appointment

City Planning Approvals

The County provides building permits for the following cities, but each city provides planning approval. Please contact the City's Planning department below for more information. 

You will be required to upload the approved city planning application and approved plans in PDF format when you apply for a building permit on the ePermits Center.

• City of Clayton 
  • City of Clayton Planning Department Website
  • Phone: 925-673-7300
• City of Hercules
  • City of Hercules Planning Department Website
  • Phone: 510-799-8248
• City of Lafayette
  • City of Lafayette Planning Department Website
  • Phone: 925-284-1976
• City of Orinda
  • City of Orinda Planning Department Website
  • Phone: 925-253-4210
• Town of Moraga
  • Town of Moraga Planning Department Website
  • Phone: 925-888-7050

6. Who else needs to approve my plans?

You may need your plans to be reviewed and approved by planning, sanitation agency, fire, or public works prior to submitting your building permit application.

Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure you have approvals from all required agencies prior to submitting to the Building Department.

Approval Requirements

• Planning Approvals
• Sanitation Approvals
• Fire Department Approvals
• Public Works Approvals

7. Do I need Sanitation District or septic tank approval for my plans?

Sanitation District Approval for Sewer Service

• You will be required to provide sanitary district approved plans at final inspection for newly constructed buildings and detached structures with plumbing. 

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Approval for Septic Tanks

• EHS approved plans will be required at application submittal. 

What are the Sanitary District Requirements?  

• Sanitary District staff will review the project plans to ensure there will be no adverse impacts on the sanitary sewer system and no encroachment into a sanitary sewer easement.
• Please see our Sanitary Districts (PDF) page to determine your district and specific requirements. 
• We urge applicants to contact the appropriate district prior to beginning construction. It is the applicant's responsibility to receive sanitary approval.

The following projects require Sanitary or Environmental Health review:

• New residences, ADU’s and commercial buildings.
• Any project that includes excavation work for a foundation or pier, or which upon completion would prevent access to sanitary sewer facilities for routine maintenance and repairs. Examples include new structures, demolitions, additions, pools, decks, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, retaining walls, cabanas, ground mount solar systems, pergolas/trellises/pavilions/gazebos, and carports
• Residential additions/remodels with new fixtures requiring new drains or new fixtures that will increase the rate of flow into an existing plumbing system served by a sewer or septic system. 
• All commercial tenant improvement projects will require sanitary approval whether or not plumbing is a part of the project.
• New or modifications to public pools or spas.
• Properties with septic systems which are not served by a public sewer need EHS approval.
• Additions on properties that contain a septic system must be reviewed by Contra Costa Environmental Health.

8. When do I need Fire Department Approval?

Fire department approval will be required if your project is for new residential buildings, new commercial buildings or any residential/commercial change of use. 

In some cases, remodeling or adding an addition to an existing structure may also require fire department approval. 

Contact your local Fire Department for their specific requirements and plan approval. 

9. Does Public Works need to approve my plans?

If your project is in the Unincorporated County and work is being done in the public right of way, contact CCC Public Works at 925-313-2000 for encroachment permit or other permit requirements.