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Before you do anything, download these files:

• Building Permit Application
  Note: MUST be printed on Legal size (8-1/2 x 14") paper to be accepted by the Building Department.  This form is also available in hard copy at the Building Department.
  
• Building Permit Submittal / Site Plan Requirements 

You can download both of these documents right from this page, or browse our Building Handouts Collection for these and lots more information and forms!

What does it take to build a house?

Every project is different! Keep that in mind as you read through this list. The CDA staff is available to help you all along the way. So we'll start with this disclaimer:

• No matter what you read, here or elsewhere:
  • Don't make assumptions.
  • Always ask questions.

Buying Your Land

Every parcel of land has a particular zoning classification. That zoning will determine what you will be able to do with the property. But there are many other factors that will also determine whether you can build what you want, and the more you find out about these things before you finalize the sale, the better!

• Do you have adequate distances, called setbacks, between the planned locations of your well, septic system, house and other structures, in respect to the property lines? There are minimum distances from these things to the property lines, and sometimes between each other. Verify these before designing your plans.
  
• Many purchasers drill a well BEFORE they finalize the sale, to make sure they have enough water supply to meet the quantity and purity requirements of the Environmental Health Department.
• You'll have to have a perk & mantle test to determine the type of septic system the parcel will support. That's another function of the Environmental Health Department. This is a test that buyers complete before the land sale is final.
• There are specific requirements for your driveway, to make sure fire fighting equipment can get onto your property if they need to. There's a document that explains all that, and you can get it by clicking here. Can you build a driveway on your parcel that will meet those requirements?
• What will you have to do to get electricity and telephone to your house? Be sure to check with PG&E and Pacific Bell very early in your evaluation process. Don't be surprised if power will not be available during most of the time that you're building. Find out when and how to get on their construction schedules!
• There are many issues, especially concerning what you can and can't do with a particular piece of property, such as livestock, "granny houses" or other second dwellings, and industrial home businesses, which all have their own restrictions. Make sure that your parcel is appropriate for the things you want to do! Some of your questions may be answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
• Is the slope gradual enough to build on? You might need to get a Grading Permit if you have to cut or fill a slope. In some cases, you might need to get special engineering and/or a variance from the Planning Department. Contact us for information on these requirements.

Submitting your plans

OK, you're the proud owner of a piece of property, and the Environmental Health Department has approved your well and your perk & mantle test. You've had an architect, designer, and/or an engineer design your house and draw the plans (or, perhaps you've done them yourself).

You're ready to bring it all to the Permit Processing Center at the County Administrative Center building (click below for a map). Make sure you have all of the information required for submitting the plans before you come in to apply.

Make sure you bring everything with you to save a wasted trip!

• 5 complete sets of your building plans. (The Building Permit Handbook gives the details.
• 5 site plans (3 copies for Building, 2 for Environmental Health)
• 2 sets of truss calculations, one set with a wet signature. (You only need these calculations if you're using manufactured trusses.)
• 2 sets of engineering calculations, one set with a wet signature. (You need this if you had an engineer involved.)
• The Site Development Plan Checklist, completed and signed. (That Checklist is included in your Building Permit Application Handbook, which you downloaded up at the the top of this page.)
• Your checkbook. You must be prepared to pay your Plan Check Fees at the time you bring in your plans. We can not accept your plans unless these fees are paid!

You'll receive a receipt with a Permit Number. You'll need that information to pay your Schools Mitigation Fees and, possibly, Fire District Fees. There is information on both of these categories in documents found in our Building Handouts Collection.

How long will it take for the County to check your plans and issue your permit?

The turnaround time varies, but typically ranges between 3 and 6 weeks, provided the plans are complete and correct. If you're in a hurry, you can apply to have a private company check your plans. This service will be at your expense. If you're interested, download our Third Party Plan Check information packet.

If you had to apply for, and you received a Grading Permit, then you can usually get that work done while you're waiting. Or just take a few weeks to relax before the construction starts. (You won't get many chances to do that once the work begins!)