Central California's agricultural hub is experiencing major growth, and Fresno's building activity reflects this expansion. Whether you're constructing new warehouses for the booming logistics industry, building homes in Fresno's growing neighborhoods, or working on commercial projects downtown, you'll need a building permit to get started legally.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your Fresno building permit approved quickly. You'll learn which projects need permits, how to submit applications, what fees to expect, and how to work with city inspectors.
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What requires a building permit in Fresno?
According to the City of Fresno Building Permit Center (reflecting California Building Code Chapter 1, Section 105.1), a building permit is required for any of the following actions:
- Constructing, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of any building or structure
- Erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated under code
What doesn’t require a permit?
The City of Fresno allows a number of exemptions, especially for small residential accessory projects.
- One-story detached accessory structures (e.g., tool sheds, playhouses) <120 sq ft, <12 ft high, >3 ft from property lines, properly anchored
- Fences not over 7 feet high (must comply with zoning setbacks and corner requirements)
- Retaining walls <4 feet in height (footing to top), unless supporting surcharge or hazardous liquid
- Platforms, walks, driveways <30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
- Painting, papering, tile work, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Prefabricated above-ground pools (Group R‑3 residential) <24 inches deep, <5,000 gallons
- Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural use (excluding service systems)
- Swings or playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwellings
- Window awnings (Group R‑3 and U occupancies) on exterior walls, <54 inches projection, without additional support
- Non-fixed/movable fixtures, racks, counters, partitions <5 ft 9 in high
- Decks not more than 200 sq ft, <30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving as exit
Who handles permitting in Fresno?
Permits are processed through the Building & Safety Division, part of the Planning & Development Department.
- 2600 Fresno Street, 3rd Floor, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 621-CITY (2489)
Use the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal to apply, track, pay, and schedule inspections. The City also offers same-day express permits for simple electrical, mechanical, and plumbing jobs.
Permit extensions
You can ask for a permit extension of up to 180 days if you have a good reason. You must make this request in writing before your permit expires. If your permit sits unused for one year or more, it becomes invalid, and you'll need to apply for new permits and pay full fees again.
Fresno building permit cost
Fresno permitting costs depend on the type of project and the additional services you apply for. Here are the most common fees:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Additional fees
Note: Certain applications in inner-city areas may qualify for a 50% reduction.
View the Fresno permit application fee schedule for more details.
Fresno trade permits
Electrical permits
Required for panels, wiring, HVAC electrical, and solar installations.
Plumbing permits
Covers full plumbing scope like fixtures, piping, and gas systems.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Permits for new or altered heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Miscellaneous
Projects involving roofing, decks, fencing, signage, and accessory structures require separate permits.
View the city’s Master Fee Schedule for more details.
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How to get a building permit in Fresno
Step 1: Identify permit type
Visit the Building Permit Center on the City of Fresno’s website to view permit categories such as residential, commercial, reroofing, additions, and trade-specific. After that, use the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online portal to choose your project type: new construction, remodel, ADU, trades, or signage.
Note: Use requirements for development applications for easier permit navigation.
Step 2: Collect documentation
Prepare required documentation including:
- Completed Fresno building permit form
- Site plans, building plans, structural details
- Energy compliance (Title 24) forms
- ADA/accessibility features (as required)
- Any planning documentation or checklists (e.g. zone clearance, sign review) if applicable to your project
Step 3: Submit application
Register for an account on Accela Citizen Access (ACA). Then submit your application online, upload all required documents, and pay the initial plan check and issuance fees to kick off your review.
Step 4: Review & correction
Your submission undergoes a completeness review. If missing items are found, you'll get an “Additional Info Required” status and need to resubmit the missing materials. Once complete, your application is routed for review.
Note: To check your permit status, use the Fresno building permit search page.
Projects are categorized into “levels” based on complexity:
- Level 1 (e.g. electrical panels, mechanical, single-family roof, signs):
- Completeness review in 2-3 business days; plan check in up to 3 business days
- Level 2-4 (more complex, e.g. commercial projects or high-rise):
- Longer review timelines; up to 21-28 business days
Step 5: Pay remaining fees & get permit
Once plans are approved, staff will invoice any remaining fees. After payment, approved stamped plans and your permit are made available for download via ACA.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Use ACA to schedule required inspections and track their status in real time. ACA provides access to status updates, invoices, and scheduling tools 24/7.
To find out more about the scheduling process, call (559) 621-8116.
Fresno permitting resources
- Building & Safety Division
- Address: 2600 Fresno Street, 3rd Floor, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 621‑CITY (2489)
- Fees:
- Fresno building permit form
- Building project levels
- Accela Citizen Access (ACA)
- Building Permit Center
- Applications, Forms & Fees
- Submittal requirements for development applications
- Fresno municipal code
- Zoning Comparison Map
- Recommended elements for complete building permit plan review
- Building services and reports
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