Most construction work that you do to your home requires permits. Permits ensure the work is safe and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Requirements for safety measures are our top priority. If work has been done without permits, learn how you can legalize work completed without permits [PDF].

Some minor work, like painting, certain fences, and small structures like sheds may not require permits. Learn more about work that doesn’t require permits.

These lists are for single family and duplex homes.

Types of projects

Forms and documents

General

• Residential CalGreen Code Checklist  (IB-035)
• Guidelines for Determining what Permit Type to Use (PB-026)
• Moved Building (IB-029)
• Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly: R3.1 (IB-002)
• Code Policy for Detached One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses under CRC Scope (PB-064)
• Limitations of Conventional Light-Frame Construction (PB-044)
• Standard Footings per 2007 CBC

Fire, seismic, and other life safety

• Smoke Detector Requirements (PB-057)
• Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria 2010 Cal Residential Code (PB-049)
• Prescriptive Seismic Strengthening Plans for Residential Wood-Framed Structures (Standard Plan A - 2008) [24"x36"; legible on 11"x17"]
• Automatic Residential Fire Sprinkler Thresholds for Single-Family and Duplex and Other Residential Projects  (P-048)
• Substandard Building Defined (from Health and Safety Code)

Related

• Building permits
• Waste management

Contact

• Call 925-943-5834
• Email BuildingTech@walnut-creek.org