Building Permits in California

We cover 188 cities in California. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

188 Cities Covered

19,955 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in California

Building permit requirements in California are enforced at the local level — each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in California follow the 2022 IRC, though 51 cities are still on the 2022 CBC edition.

We cover 188 cities in California with 19,955 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data — not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Common Permit Exemptions in California

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in California. Keep in mind — "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Fence / Gate: Exempt in 360 of our 188 covered cities

Window / Door: Exempt in 287 of our 188 covered cities

Retaining Wall: Exempt in 189 of our 188 covered cities

Kitchen Remodel: Exempt in 189 of our 188 covered cities

Tree Removal: Exempt in 188 of our 188 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in California

If you're hiring a contractor in California, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the California Contractors State License Board.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront — a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.