Are you planning to start construction in Sacramento, California? If so, it’s important to get the right permit for your project. Permits aren’t always easy to obtain, and they can take weeks to get approved even with all your information submitted correctly.
Whether you're a developer, contractor, or builder, you need to understand what it takes to get the right building permit. This guide will walk you through how to obtain a Sacramento building permit, navigate the requirements, and get your project started without any issues.
Simplify permitting in Sacramento with PermitFlow. Learn how.
How to obtain a Sacramento building permit
A building permit is basically written approval from the city that your project is fully planned out and meets all the appropriate building codes. You’ll need to submit paperwork to the Sacramento Community Development Department and indicate that your project has undergone review from professional contractors. After that, the City will need time to review documents, ask questions, and grant approval.
What do you need a permit for in Sacramento?
Most construction projects in Sacramento require a building permit, though smaller projects may not. By reviewing projects to ensure they meet code, the City helps to ensure that construction is safe and functional for current and future residents.
Common projects that might require a permit can include:
- New building construction
- Room additions
- Garage conversions
- Kitchen or bathroom remodels
- Roof replacements
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
- Deck or patio construction
- Fence installation (over 7 feet tall)
- Swimming pool installation
What doesn't require a Sacramento building permit?
Not all projects need a permit. Some residential projects don’t require a permit before work can get started.
Here are some examples of work that may not require a permit:
- Painting (interior or exterior)
- Installing new flooring
- Replacing kitchen cabinets (without changing plumbing or electrical)
- Minor repairs and maintenance
- Building a fence under 7 feet tall
- Installing new countertops
- Replacing a toilet or sink (without moving plumbing)
Unless you’re absolutely sure your project doesn’t need a permit, get in touch with the BPI for information. They are available to help and can answer most common questions.
How long does it take to get a construction permit in Sacramento?
Permit approval timelines vary depending on the size and scope of each project. Large commercial projects take longer to approve than simple residential projects, so expect to add a few days or weeks to your project timeline.
Along with this list from the City of Sacramento’s website, here's a general idea of what to expect:
- Simple projects (like replacing a water heater): 1-5 business days
- Residential remodels or additions: 1-2 weeks
- New home construction: 2-4 weeks
- Large commercial projects: 4-6 weeks or more
Keep in mind, approval times can be shorter or longer depending on the department’s current workload. Missing information will also cause delays, so double check for completeness before submitting your application.
Expedited plan review
For an additional fee, you can request to have the City of Sacramento expedite your permit review. This is especially helpful for large projects where longer timelines can result in higher costs.
Use this form to request expedited plan review, then submit it during business hours to EZPermit@cityofsacramento.org to get started.
Sacramento building permit requirements
Building permits exist to keep buildings safe and up to code. In order to successfully obtain a Sacramento building permit, you’ll need to furnish proof that your project falls within the City’s requirements.
This can include documents such as building plans (for construction projects), contractor information, and possible approval from environmental and zoning inspectors.
Your Sacramento building permit form may require:
- Project plans of what you're building
- Site plans showing where you plan to build on the property
- Structural calculations that account for changes in a building's structure
- Title 24 energy calculations for projects that affect energy use
- Contractor's license information
- Proof of property ownership
You can find more detailed information about Sacramento’s plan preparation requirements here. Exact requirements can change project to project, and you may need more detailed plans or extra forms.
How much does a building permit cost in Sacramento?
Each permit varies in cost depending on the size and scope of the project, though the City of Sacramento provides this list as a starting point.
Sacramento residential building permit fees
City worksheet examples for new residential construction.
Sacramento commercial building permit fees
City commercial fee schedule / formulas.
Additional fees
Applying for your permit in Sacramento
The first step to getting your permit is locating the right forms to fill out.
For minor permits that can be reviewed online, you will need to create an account on Sacramento’s Citizen Portal. Here, you can find the permit applications you need, as well as obtain assistance from staff.
You can also visit the permitting department in person for help tailored exactly to your needs. The Public Counter where you’ll find assistance is located at 300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor in Sacramento, CA 95811.
Contacting the permitting department
Appointments with the Public Counter are available Tuesday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can get started scheduling your appointment by clicking here.
You can also reach the permit services staff by phone at (916) 808-5318.
How do I keep track of my building permit status?
Sacramento’s permitting services are accessible through this online portal. If you have your permit number handy, you can use this portal to track progress as well as respond to any requests for more information.
Permit inspections in Sacramento
Sacramento requires inspections at specific milestones. You are legally required to leave work exposed until a city inspector signs off on that phase.
Common required inspections include:
- Underground/foundation: Footings, slab-on-grade, and underground electrical/plumbing conduits
- Rough-ins: This includes framing, rough electrical, top-out plumbing, and HVAC ducts
- Energy/Efficiency: Insulation and window flashing must be verified to meet strict Title 24 energy standards
- Special safety: Exterior lath/stucco scratch coat, fire-rated assemblies, and drywall nailing
- Final inspections: Once all systems are functional, you must pass Final Structural, Final Electrical, and Final Plumbing
How to schedule a permit inspection
Sacramento uses the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) platform. To get a next-day inspection, you must submit your request by 5:00 PM the previous business day.
Ways to request a permit inspection:
- Option A: Citizen Portal (Online)
- Log in to the Sacramento Citizen Portal
- Navigate to Record Info > Inspections and select "Schedule or Request an Inspection"
- Option B: SelecTXT (Mobile)
- Text "SCHEDULE" to 855-280-5383
- Follow the interactive prompts to enter your permit number and 3-digit inspection code
- Option C: Automated phone (IVR)
- Call (916) 875-5296 and follow the voice prompts
Inspection day logistics
- Time windows: You can request AM appointments (7:30 AM – 12:00 PM) or PM appointments (12:00 PM – 3:30 PM), but these are not guaranteed
- Daily schedule access: On the morning of your inspection, you can view the Today's Inspections list to see your inspector's name and approximate route order
- Site readiness: You must have the City-approved stamped plans, the Permit Card, and a safe ladder on-site if attic or roof access is required on-site
Closing out your permit
- Residential projects: Your signed Inspection Job Card serves as your official Certificate of Occupancy once the "Final" is signed off
- Commercial projects: A formal Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required. This verifies that the structure meets all current 2025 California codes
How PermitFlow simplifies permitting
Sacramento’s permit process takes coordination. Application requirements, plan reviews, department approvals, and inspections all need to stay on track—and one missed detail can create delays that impact your schedule.
PermitFlow simplifies the process.
Our AI-powered platform can prepare your applications, submit them to the right departments, and track progress through approval. You get clear visibility and automatic updates without chasing emails, calling offices, or managing permits manually.
Construction teams choose PermitFlow because we provide:
- Local expertise: We understand Sacramento permitting requirements, review workflows, and inspection processes so submissions are accurate from day one
- Centralized visibility: Track every Sacramento permit in one dashboard with real-time updates
- Cleaner submissions: Complete, accurate applications help reduce corrections and keep approvals moving
- Nationwide coverage: Manage Sacramento projects alongside work in other cities on one platform
Don’t let permitting delays slow your project down. Get a demo to see how PermitFlow keeps construction moving.
