You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-20.
Santa Rosa building permits
VerifiedSanta Rosa, California — as published 2026-09-20.
Verified 2026-09-20 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
VerifiedSanta Rosa publishes a fourteen-row table of minimum plan check turnaround times broken down by project class - the most detailed review timetable in this corpus - and runs inspections through an automated voice line that can end in a video call rather than a site visit.
Verified 2026-09-20 · Source
Requirements
- THE TRIGGER IS QUOTED FROM THE CODE: any owner or authorised agent intending "to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system... shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit."
- THE EXEMPTIONS ARE THE STATE'S, NOT THE CITY'S: "A Building Permit is required unless it is expressly exempted by the California Building Code. The list of exemptions can be found in Chapter 1, Section 105 Permits, of the California Building Code."
- WHO MAY HOLD ONE: "Only properly licensed contractors or owner-builders may obtain building permits."
- ONE APPLICATION CAN COVER THE TRADES, BUT NOT THE BUILDINGS: "A single building permit application may be filed for all work on a project, including building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. A separate permit will be created for each separate building on a given property, unless a staff member has considered the project and determined that a single permit is appropriate."
- ENTITLEMENTS COME FIRST: "Entitlements must be approved unless concurrent review is pre-arranged and approved by the Chief Building Official."
- REVISIONS MUST BE CLOUDED: "All revisions (issued permit records) must have a completed Project Revision and/or Transmittal Form and all revisions must be clouded on the plan set. All resubmittals (permit records not yet approved) must have a formal response to comments."
- A BUSINESS LICENCE IS A CONDITION OF ISSUANCE: "Contractors working in the city limits are required to have an active City of Santa Rosa Business License."
Required documents
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Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Based on the value of the project. | "All plan check and permit fees (except mobile home set-up and alterations) are based on the value of the project." The city defines the base: "The project total is the value of all the construction… Show full citationHide"All plan check and permit fees (except mobile home set-up and alterations) are based on the value of the project." The city defines the base: "The project total is the value of all the construction that the permit is issued for. This includes all finish work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems, any other permanent work or permanent equipment, normal site preparation and paving. It does not include the cost of the land." |
| When fees fall due | In two stages, plus a third before issuance. | At application: "an application processing fee and a plan review fee", plus a planning fee if further approvals are needed. Show full citationHideAt application: "an application processing fee and a plan review fee", plus a planning fee if further approvals are needed. At issuance: "a Building Permit fee and Development fees", with park fees on residential projects and a possible Public Art in-lieu fee on commercial ones. And before permits are obtained, "you must pay any required sewer and water hookup fees and encroachment permit fees" and "school impact fees to the affected school district." |
| Fee schedule revision dates | Twice a year, on fixed dates. | "The City has an adopted fee schedule which is subject to revisions on January 1 and July 1 of each year." A quote taken from the schedule is therefore good until the next 1 January or 1 July, whichever comes first. |
| Losing the plan check fee | Forfeited if the permit is never collected. | "You must pick up your permit within one year from the date you applied for it. You may submit a written request for a one time extension of up to 180 days. If this period ends without your picking up your permit, you will lose your plan check fee and need to reapply." |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-20.
Fee schedules
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Santa Rosa building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.