If you're planning a remodel, new construction, or trade work in Contra Costa County, California, you’ll probably need to pull a permit.
This guide walks through Contra Costa County building permit requirements, including what requires a permit, how to apply, typical fees, and best practices to keep your project moving.
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What requires a building permit in Contra Costa County?
Under the county’s “All About Building Permits” guidance, you’ll need a permit for work such as:
- New buildings/structures
- Additions & alterations
- Window replacement
- Re-roofing
- PV solar
- Pools/spas/hot tubs
- Signs
- Replacement of piping
- Installing/replacing water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners
- Kitchen/bath remodels
- Demolition (partial or full)
- Any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work (trade permits), even when the related building work is exempt
What doesn't require a permit in Contra Costa County?
- One-story detached accessory structures <120 sq ft (e.g., small sheds). If you add power/water/mechanical, trade permits are still required
- Fences <7 ft (masonry/concrete walls are not fences and do require Contra Costa County permits)
- Retaining walls <3 ft (measured footing top to wall top) with shallow back-slope (no surcharge), per CRC criteria
- Water tanks on grade <5,000 gal with height-to-width ratio <2:1
- Sidewalks/driveways not more than 30 in. above grade, not over a basement/story, and not part of an accessible route
- Finish work like painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets/countertops, and similar
- Small, above-ground residential pools: <24 in. water depth and <5,000 gal, entirely above grade
- Decks (R-3/U) <200 sq ft, <30 in. above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Contra Costa County building permit cost
Permit fees are based primarily on the project valuation or square footage, as outlined in the county’s land development fee schedule. Below are estimated ranges for common projects.
Residential permit fees
How long do building permits remain valid in Contra Costa County?
A building permit may expire if work stops or inspections are not requested within 12 months. Always monitor your permit status via the ePermit system.
A building permit application is generally deemed abandoned if the applicant doesn’t respond to reviewer comments within 180 days.
Contra Costa County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Major plumbing work (new systems, rerouting, replacing major stacks) typically requires a plumbing permit in Contra Costa County.
Electrical permits
Electrical service upgrades, panel changes, rewiring, and EV charger systems usually require an electrical permit.
Mechanical permits
Installation or replacement of major HVAC systems, ductwork changes, or mechanical equipment usually needs a permit.
For more information on trade permits, see the land development fee schedule page.
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How to get a building permit in Contra Costa County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
To get started, make sure you have the essentials ready.
- Pick the right checklist: Open Building or Grading Permit Overview → then Common Building Permits to grab the project-specific checklist
- Core PDFs: Site/plot plan, complete plans (floor/roof/elevations/sections), Title-24 energy docs, CALGreen, and structural calcs if required
- Outside sign-offs (as applicable): Planning clearance, Sanitary/Environmental Health (sewer/septic/well), Public Works (encroachment, floodplain, C.3 stormwater), Fire
- Who’s applying: Licensed contractor or owner-builder/authorized agent; include license/owner-builder forms
- Valuation & format: Provide project valuation (contract or ICC BVD). Export scaled, legible PDFs per County e-plan standards
Step 2: Submit your Contra Costa County building permit application via the portal
Everything runs through the County’s ePermits Center (Accela Citizen Access).
To access it, create an account/login and start the correct record, then upload all required PDFs from the checklists you used in Step 1. You’ll receive a tracking number immediately. If you need a refresher, the County’s submittal guides cover how to apply, how to prepare electronic plan files, and what to expect after you submit.
Step 3: Plan review & approvals
After intake, you’ll typically follow this sequence:
- Initial completeness review verifies your files are upload-ready; the County cites about 4–5 business days for this step. If anything’s missing, you’ll get an email with resubmittal instructions
- Plan review routing includes Building and, as your scope/location requires, Planning, Public Works (encroachment/floodplain), your local Fire District, Environmental Health, and the Sanitary District. You’ll receive consolidated comments and a link for revisions
- Respond to comments through the portal. Upload revised sheets and responses exactly where directed so reviewers can close cycles efficiently
Step 4: Pay final fees & receive your permit
When all reviews are approved, the County invoices the balance. Pay online in the Contra Costa County building permit portal (by credit card/e-check), then download the permit card and approved plans. You must print and post the card and have full-size approved plans at the job site.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
Once work starts, use the same portal to manage every inspection tied to your permit.
Schedule inspections in ePermits (or via the automated line 925-646-4108) and review the Daily Inspection Time Frames page for day-of windows.
Contra Costa County permitting resources
- County Administration Building
- Address: 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553
- Phone: 925-655-2700 (TTY: Call 711)
- Planning staff: apcplanning@dcd.cccounty.us
- Building permit staff: permits@dcd.cccounty.us
- Technical support: acaadmin@dcd.cccounty.us
- ePermits
- Contra Costa County Building Permit Search Page
- Schedule an appointment
- Land development fee schedule
- Residential plan submittal requirements
- Commercial plan submittal requirements
- Home improvement permits
- Accessory dwelling units
- Demolition permits
- Building permit application submittal overview
- Common building permits
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