Starting any build in Alameda County, California, usually means pulling a permit. In this guide, we’ll walk through Alameda County building permit requirements, fees, and the basic application process.
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What requires a building permit in Alameda County?
According to the Alameda County Building Department, most structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work requires a permit, especially if you're changing the use, footprint, or safety systems of a structure.
You’ll need a permit for:
- New buildings and additions (houses, ADUs, garages, major decks, rooms)
- Structural changes (moving/removing load-bearing walls, new beams, foundations, new openings)
- Conversions (garage/attic/basement to living space)
- Most window replacements (egress, safety glass, energy code)
- Kitchen/bath remodels that move walls, fixtures, plumbing, or electrical
- Roof replacement or repairs >~200 sq ft; siding replacement or repairs >~20 sq ft
- New pools/spas >24" deep and in-ground pool removals/backfill
- Most new or relocated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems (separate trade permits)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Alameda County?
Common exemptions include:
- Small one-story accessory structures (sheds, playhouses, etc.) with floor area <120 sq ft
- Fences up to about 7 ft high and retaining walls <4 ft that do not support a surcharge
- Very small roof repairs (<~200 sq ft) and small siding repairs (<~20 sq ft) on existing permitted work
- Cosmetic interior work only: paint, flooring, tile, cabinets/countertops in place, similar finishes
- Tiny, low decks (<200 sq ft, <30" above grade, not attached, not serving required exit)
- Shallow prefabricated pools <24" deep, play equipment (swings, playsets)
To get more information, refer to this Q&A page.
Note: Starting January 1, 2026, the 2025 California building codes replace the 2022 codes. All building permit applications submitted on or after this date must comply with the 2025 codes.
Alameda County building permit cost
Permit costs depend on project type, square footage, and valuation. Additional fees apply for plan review, inspections, and trade permits.
Residential building fees
Most building permit fees start with project valuation, which is the county’s estimated cost of construction. Alameda County uses a standardized valuation table based on occupancy type to calculate valuation.
Residential valuations:
Commercial valuations:
From there, the County calculates building permit fees based on valuation:
Extra building-related fees
- Plan review: 80% of building permit fee ($140 min)
- Permit processing: $20 per single permit, $30 per combo permit
- T24 energy review & inspection: 12.5% of building permit fee ($140 min)
- Stormwater fee: 4% of building permit fee
Alameda County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for new, replacement, or altered water, waste, or gas systems.
Electrical permits
Covers panel upgrades, new circuits, service connections, and specialty systems.
HVAC permits
Mechanical permits are required for installation or replacement of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
Special permits
Accessory work and exterior structures may require standalone permits.
These valuation rates feed into the Building Permit Fee Table in Schedule A.
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How to get a building permit in Alameda County
Step 1: Gather your plans and documents
Before you go visit the permitting portal, you should confirm:
- Your project is in unincorporated Alameda County (unincorporated communities like Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, etc.)
- Any required Planning/Zoning approvals are already in place. Building plan-review timelines assume Planning has signed off
Typical documents you'll need to prepare:
- Alameda County building permit application (County form)
- Site plan with property lines, setbacks, easements, driveways, and utility locations
- Construction drawings – architectural, structural, and MEP sheets; use the County’s project-specific checklists where available
- Energy forms (Title 24) and any required CALGreen checklists
- Construction & Demolition Debris Management Plan, if applicable
- Contractor license and insurance (or Owner-Builder forms)
- Project valuation (total construction cost) – this drives your building permit fees via the County’s Fee Schedule B and fee estimate spreadsheets
Tip: For ADUs/JADUs, use the County’s ADU Pre-Approval checklist and submittal forms; these can simplify review and design.
Step 2: Submit your application online
Most building permits for unincorporated Alameda County are submitted through the Alameda County Building Permit portal (sometimes referred to as the Virtual Permit Center):
- Go to the permit portal
- Create an account if you do not already have one
- Choose the correct record type:
- Simple Building Permits (no plan review, e.g. very small/specific scopes, when allowed)
- Building Permits Requiring Plan Review (most structural / architectural work)
- Planning, Grading, or other permit types as applicable
- Upload application forms, plans, calcs, and required supporting documents in PDF format
For certain permits not yet fully online, the County still uses the One-Stop Permit Center in Hayward (by appointment), mainly grading, watercourse, roadway-use, and some encroachment permits. Contact info:
- Address: 399 Elmhurst Street, Room 141, Hayward, CA 94544
- Phone: 510-670-5868
Step 3: Plan review and revisions
Once submitted:
- The Building Inspection Department routes your application for building plan review, and coordinates referrals to Planning, Fire, Environmental Health, and other agencies as needed
- Plan review is conducted electronically through the County’s online plan-review system; you’ll upload revised sheets and respond to comments through the portal
Typical plan-review timelines (after Planning approval), according to the County’s Timelines for Building Plan Review handout:
- Intake of application: ~5 business days (5–10 for larger multifamily/townhouse projects)
- First review round (approx.):
- ADUs/JADUs: ~20 business days
- Single-family new construction or additions/remodels: ~30 business days
- Commercial tenant improvements: ~20–30 business days
- Larger multifamily or mixed-use: ~40 business days
Step 4: Pay remaining fees and receive your permit
After your plans are approved, you'll have to pay the fees.
- Receive a fee invoice or see fees posted in the portal
- Pay online through the acpermit.acgov.org portal or as directed by the County
- Download your approved plans and permit card from the portal, or pick them up if the County requires in-person issuance for your record type
Step 5: Begin construction and schedule inspections
Once the permit is issued:
- Post the permit and any required inspection card on-site in a visible location
- Follow the inspection sequence listed in your permit (for example: footing/foundation, under-slab, framing, rough MEP, insulation, lath/sheetrock, final)
- Request inspections when each stage is ready. Alameda County allows several options:
- Request online through the portal, or
- Call (510) 670-5434 for inspection scheduling, or
- Email permitbid@acpwa.org with your permit number, address, contact info, and requested inspection type/date
Some permits require special inspections (e.g., structural concrete, masonry, welding, fireproofing) by an approved testing agency if noted on the approved plans or permit.
Alameda County permitting resources
- Alameda County Public Works Agency
- Address: 399 Elmhurst Street, Hayward, CA 94544
- Phone: (510) 670-5480
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Email: info@acpwa.org
- Alameda County Building Permit Search
- Fees:
- Fee estimate:
- Forms:
- 2025 California building standards codes
- Q&A page (permit excepts)
- ADU pre-approval checklist
- County’s timelines for building plan review
- 2025 California building codes
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