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.
Simplify permitting in Fresno with PermitFlow. Learn how.
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
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
Fee type
Amount
Address Assignment – Parcel Map
$271.77
Address Assignment – Tract Map (<50 lots)
$577.54
Address Assignment – Tract Map (per each add’l <50 lots)
$226.89
Change of Address
$288.77
Annexation – Inhabited
$14,934.59
Annexation – Uninhabited
$11,088.41
Tentative Parcel Map (<4 lots)
$6,788.44
Tentative Parcel Map (>5 lots)
$9,051.26
Revised Parcel Map – Major
$1,810.26
Revised Parcel Map – Minor
$905.12
Single-Family Residential Lot Variance (<1 acre)
$4,525.64
Commercial fees
Fee type
Amount
Conditional Use Permit – Standard (new application)
$14,086.49
Development Permit – New Application
$12,830.71
Condominium Conversion – Base Fee
$27,153.78
Tentative Tract Map – Base Fee (per map)
$23,985.85
Tentative Tract Map – Lot Fee (per each 50 lots)
$9,051.26
Master Development Agreement
$34,621.69
Zone Clearance – Major
$2,262.82
Additional fees
Fee type
Amount
Director’s Determination
$1,819.96
Historic Preservation Application
$1,584.58
Tree Removal Permit
$226.89
Security Wire Permit
$565.40
Signs – Banner Review
$111.10
Signs – On-site Application
$316.67
Master Sign Program
$1,697.41
Temporary Use Permit – Minor/OTC
$226.89
Temporary Use Permit – Major
$339.73
Zoning Inquiry – Basic
$226.89
Zoning Inquiry – Specialized
$633.35
Environmental Document (Negative Declaration)
$7,241.01
Environmental Impact Report – Focused
$28,134.14
Note: Certain applications in inner-city areas may qualify for a 50% reduction.
Don’t let permitting slow you down LetPermitFlow automate everything from start to finish. Learn more.
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.
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.
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 permits can be a major headache — long forms, multiple approvals, and slow responses from city offices can stall even the best-planned projects. If you’re juggling multiple jobs or racing to meet deadlines, the last thing you need is to lose time chasing paperwork.
Simplify permitting with PermitFlow instead.
Our permit management platform automates the entire permitting process for you — preparing, submitting, and tracking every application in Fresno (and anywhere else you build).
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team knows Fresno’s rules and requirements inside out, so your applications get approved without costly mistakes.
All-in-one tracking: Manage every permit from one simple dashboard — no more digging through email chains.
Faster approvals: We get your permits right the first time, helping you cut delays and keep projects on schedule.
Don’t let paperwork slow down your build. Talk to us today and see how PermitFlow keeps permits moving so your projects stay on track.
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.
Simplify permitting in Fresno with PermitFlow. Learn how.
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
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
Fee type
Amount
Address Assignment – Parcel Map
$271.77
Address Assignment – Tract Map (<50 lots)
$577.54
Address Assignment – Tract Map (per each add’l <50 lots)
$226.89
Change of Address
$288.77
Annexation – Inhabited
$14,934.59
Annexation – Uninhabited
$11,088.41
Tentative Parcel Map (<4 lots)
$6,788.44
Tentative Parcel Map (>5 lots)
$9,051.26
Revised Parcel Map – Major
$1,810.26
Revised Parcel Map – Minor
$905.12
Single-Family Residential Lot Variance (<1 acre)
$4,525.64
Commercial fees
Fee type
Amount
Conditional Use Permit – Standard (new application)
$14,086.49
Development Permit – New Application
$12,830.71
Condominium Conversion – Base Fee
$27,153.78
Tentative Tract Map – Base Fee (per map)
$23,985.85
Tentative Tract Map – Lot Fee (per each 50 lots)
$9,051.26
Master Development Agreement
$34,621.69
Zone Clearance – Major
$2,262.82
Additional fees
Fee type
Amount
Director’s Determination
$1,819.96
Historic Preservation Application
$1,584.58
Tree Removal Permit
$226.89
Security Wire Permit
$565.40
Signs – Banner Review
$111.10
Signs – On-site Application
$316.67
Master Sign Program
$1,697.41
Temporary Use Permit – Minor/OTC
$226.89
Temporary Use Permit – Major
$339.73
Zoning Inquiry – Basic
$226.89
Zoning Inquiry – Specialized
$633.35
Environmental Document (Negative Declaration)
$7,241.01
Environmental Impact Report – Focused
$28,134.14
Note: Certain applications in inner-city areas may qualify for a 50% reduction.
Don’t let permitting slow you down LetPermitFlow automate everything from start to finish. Learn more.
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.
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.
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 permits can be a major headache — long forms, multiple approvals, and slow responses from city offices can stall even the best-planned projects. If you’re juggling multiple jobs or racing to meet deadlines, the last thing you need is to lose time chasing paperwork.
Simplify permitting with PermitFlow instead.
Our permit management platform automates the entire permitting process for you — preparing, submitting, and tracking every application in Fresno (and anywhere else you build).
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
Local expertise: Our team knows Fresno’s rules and requirements inside out, so your applications get approved without costly mistakes.
All-in-one tracking: Manage every permit from one simple dashboard — no more digging through email chains.
Faster approvals: We get your permits right the first time, helping you cut delays and keep projects on schedule.
Don’t let paperwork slow down your build. Talk to us today and see how PermitFlow keeps permits moving so your projects stay on track.
