Getting ready for construction or renovation work in Solano County, California? Whether you're tackling a commercial build, residential upgrade, or trade project, permits are probably required before you can start. Understanding Solano County's permit process keeps you compliant and helps prevent expensive delays.
This guide explains Solano County's permitting system, application requirements, and trade permit rules, giving you what you need to keep your project on track.
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What requires a building permit in Solano County?
Structural work, changes to utilities, or major renovations nearly always require a Solano County building permit.
Expect to pull a permit for:
- New buildings, additions, alterations, or demolition unless listed as exempt below
- Anything not on the exemption list in the County’s “When is a Building Permit Required?” page (the County applies CBC §105.2 for exemptions)
- Utility work to otherwise-exempt items (e.g., adding electrical/plumbing/mechanical to a small shed or water tank) triggers permits
What doesn't require a permit in Solano County?
There are several minor projects that don't require a building permit. These include:
- One-story detached accessory structures (sheds/playhouses) <120 sq ft with no utilities
- Fences <6 ft high
- Retaining walls <4 ft (measured footing bottom to wall top) and not supporting a surcharge and not impounding regulated liquids
- Water tanks on grade <5,000 gal with height-to-width ratio <2:1 (but any piping/electrical to/from the tank needs permits)
- Sidewalks/driveways <30 in above adjacent grade, not over a story/basement, and not part of an accessible route
- Finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, similar
- Temporary stage sets/scenery (film/theater)
- Small above-ground residential pools: <24 in deep, <5,000 gal, entirely above grade
- Shade-cloth structures for nursery/ag uses (no service systems)
- Playground equipment accessory to 1- and 2-family dwellings
- Window awnings on Group R-3 or U occupancies that project <54 in and don’t need extra support
- Nonfixed/movable fixtures (cases, racks, counters, partitions) <5 ft 9 in high; note commercial/industrial counters require permits
To learn more about projects exempt from building permits, visit the “When is a building permit required?” page.
Solano County building permit cost
Solano County building permit fees vary depending on project value and type of construction. The county maintains a fee schedule and cost recovery structure.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Get additional information on building permit fees by visiting the fee schedule.
Solano County trade permits
Electrical permits
Electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, EV charger installs, or new electrical system work must be permitted.
Mechanical permits
Mechanical work including HVAC system installs, ductwork modifications, or major replacement requires a mechanical permit.
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How to get a building permit in Solano County
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Start by reviewing the County’s official requirements.
- Check requirements & grab the right checklist: Review Building Permit Steps and open the Submittal Checklists for your scope (residential/commercial)
- Format your plan set: Solano County requires electronic submittal; plans must be signed by the preparer and sealed/signed by the architect/engineer of record when applicable. Include the project address, parcel (APN), project data, and scope on the title sheet
- Be ready to pay plan-review fees at submittal: The County reviews after you submit and pay).
Tip: Request a fee estimate by emailing building@solanocounty.gov
Step 2: Submit your application via the portal
Use the Solano County Permit Portal to handle everything digitally. Register and apply online, then upload drawings and documents and pay the initial (plan review) fees. You’ll receive a record number and can track your permit’s status in the portal.
Step 3: Plan review and approval
Once intake accepts your package, Solano County routes it for review. All comments and resubmittals are handled in the portal.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive a permit
After approvals, you’ll be invoiced for the final permit fees. Pay online in Accela and then download/print your permit card. Post it at the job site before starting work.
Step 5: Schedule inspections and begin construction
Inspections are tied to your permit record. Schedule inspections via the inspection line (707) 784-4750. Requests before 3:00 pm are scheduled for the next business day; after 3:00 pm are scheduled two business days later. Monitor results/corrections in the portal and call for final when ready.
Solano County permitting resources
- Solano County Building & Safety Services
- Address: 675 Texas St., Suite 5500, Fairfield, CA 94533
- Phone: 707-784-6765
- Email: building@solanocounty.gov
- Working hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1pm)
- Solano County permit portal
- Fee schedule
- Building permit steps
- Submittal checklists
- Inspections
- General permitting requirements
- Cost / Recommended fee schedule
- Forms, fees, permits, other docs
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Permitting in Solano County can be a maze. Cities like Vallejo, Fairfield, and Vacaville each run their own systems, complete with unique forms, timelines, and approval processes. Add county-level requirements on top, and tracking every permit can quickly drain time your team could spend building.
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Why construction teams choose PermitFlow
- Local expertise: Our team understands Solano County’s codes and workflows across both city and county offices, so your permits move forward without setbacks.
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