Plan Review and Permits

About Permits

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Permits are certificates of approval from City Hall to proceed forward with proposed projects. Permits may or may not be required for your project or tenant improvement.

To determine if your project is within the City of Elk Grove for permitting purposes, view the Assessor's map and enter the location, you will see your jurisdiction on the top left.

In an effort to reduce costs of printing plans, streamline the permitting process, and reduce storage costs, the City of Elk Grove will require plans for building permits to be submitted electronically.

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Application Dropbox

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Building Inspections

We offer several ways for you to schedule your inspections:

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a permit required?

According to the California Building Codes, no building or structure regulated by the code shall be constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained. Review work that is exempt from a permit.

Please keep in mind that while some projects do not require permits, they may be governed by the Zoning Code of Elk Grove. The Zoning Code regulates items such as height and size of structures, where they can be placed on a property, how far they need to be setback from adjacent property lines as well as the use of these structures. If you need additional information regarding Zoning, please contact the City of Elk Grove Planning Department at (916) 478-2265 or please visit the web page.

How do I apply for a permit?

You can apply for a permit electronically as the City of Elk Grove is going paperless. Permit applications are available on-line, just click the Forms & Handouts page. You can submit for a permit on our website as well, just click Plan Review and Permits. On that page you can find two places to submit your application. The City of Elk Grove has an online portal for permits that are considered over the counter or you can utilize the Electronic plan review drop box for bigger submittals. You can also apply for a permit in person at the City of Elk Grove Building Department for minor over the counter permits.

While the City of Elk Grove office is open until 5:00pm, we strongly recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to closing time to allow adequate time to process your permit or take in your plan submittal. If you are unable to arrive by 4:30pm, we are open promptly at 8am daily Monday through Friday for your convenience.

Can I obtain a permit over the counter?

Yes; over the counter permits are permits that are issued immediately upon permit application submittal and approval. These types of permits include but are not limited to;

  • Re-roofing (non-tile only)
  • Water Heater replacements
  • Furnace and/or Air Conditioning replacements
  • Electrical service upgrades (residential only)
  • Vinyl Siding/Stucco
  • Replacement of Sewer lines and/or water lines
  • Water softening equipment
  • Attached patio covers
  • Swimming pools
  • Window retrofit changeouts
  • Miscellaneous plumbing repairs
  • Miscellaneous electrical repairs
Can permits be obtained online?

Yes; permits are available online. The City of Elk Grove permit application can be obtained through the City’s website, please visit the Forms & Handouts page. The application collects information such as the job address, owner information, contractor information, scope of work and the cost of performing the permitted work. Completing an application prior to submitting for a permit is highly recommended.

What type of information and documentation is required for permits that require a plan review and how long does it take to get plans reviewed?

The City of Elk Grove has developed an Electronic Plan Review program. All projects that require a plan review can be submitted electronically. Several handouts regarding plans submittals are available on our website, please visit the Forms & Handouts page for project specific requirements and plan review timelines.

How will I know when my plan review is complete?

You will be contacted by staff through email when your plan check has been completed. If your plans have been approved, you will be provided with information and instruction on making payment and receiving your approved documents and permit. If your plans have plan review comments you will be notified through email explaining that you have plan review comments and that your plans require additional information. The mail will contain the redlined plans, plan review comments, and a list of requirements that may be necessary for the issuance of the permit.

Once my permit has been issued, how do I schedule an inspection?

Inspection requests can be made 24 hours a day by phone on our inspection appointment line. Inspection appointments may be called in as late as 5am the morning of the requested inspection date by calling the inspection appointment line at (916) 478-2225. Our message will guide you through the information we will need in order to complete your inspection request. You are also welcome to call the building department main line at least 24 hours prior to the required inspection date. Please note that the cutoff time for calling an inspection in to the office is 5pm. The building department main line is (916) 478-2235.

Will my permit expire?

Yes, under certain conditions. An application for a building permit is valid for 180 days (approximately 6 months). Once issued, a Building Permit is valid for one (1) year when no inspection has been performed or extended for 180 days with the first approved inspection, whichever comes first.

Who is responsible for making sure that the proper inspections are performed?

The property owner or permit holder is ultimately responsible for ensuring that inspections are performed. Some contractors will arrange the inspections for the homeowner. If you are using a contractor, consult with your contractor to clarify who will be scheduling the inspections.

How do I get my project finalized?

When all inspections have been completed and signed off, please schedule a final inspection. If the final inspection is approved, the inspector will sign off or “final” the permit card. Keep the permit card and any documents or plans related to the project in a safe place. If you sell or refinance your home, you will be able to demonstrate that permits were obtained, inspections were performed and that the project was given a final inspection.

It’s always best to discuss these steps with your inspector prior to covering any work. When your project is substantially completed and all sub-category inspections are satisfied, you can schedule a final inspection. If approval is granted the Inspector will finalize your permit as complete. For new Commercial or Residential buildings and other structures, separate department approvals may be required. For example: Planning, Public Works or Engineering.

Additionally; some permit categories require outside agency approval. For example, Health Department and CSD Fire. When all approvals are verified by the City Inspector a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued.

How do I get information regarding licensed contractors?

The State of California Contractors Licensing Board licenses and regulates contractors in 47 classifications that constitute the construction industry throughout the State of California. You may visit their web site at www.cslb.ca.gov for more information. Always confirm that you are contracting with a contractor who is licensed and in good standing with the California State License Board. It is common to ask contractors for their license number and references. Also make sure that anyone working on your property is covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance as indicated in the CSLB website.

Do I have to hire a contractor, or can I perform the work myself?

You can perform the work yourself and/or use sub-contractors do the work. If you choose to do the work yourself, you will be asked to complete and sign an Owner-Builder Verification Form. Please click on the link or visit our Forms Handouts Page for a copy.

Do I need an architect or engineer to prepare my plans?

Plans for projects such as room additions and small remodels can usually be drawn up by a draftsman or residential design professional. The California Building Code and the Business and Professionals code 5537 & 6737.3 does design documents to be prepared under the direct supervision of a licensed design professional. The plans shall also be sealed and signed by the respective designer along with the license number, signature and expiration. Using a qualified professional is highly recommended. If you wish to find out more you may visit the City of Elk Grove Forms & Handouts page.

How may I get more information?

For more information please call (916) 478-2235 or email bldonline@elkgrovecity.org. Our Building Division staff of Permit Technicians, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors will be happy to assist you.

Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

Do you own an Electric Vehicle, or are you considering buying one? Depending on your charging needs, building permits may be required. View the guide and checklist below. The guide provides information about Electric Vehicles and what supplemental infrastructure are needed in the household.

Permit Streamlining

Pass

The PASS  program has been designed to provide a more efficient and effective plan review process by implementing a clear and concise set of standards for document content and organization. Implementation of this program requires only minor adjustments for both public and private sector in their internal processes. It is completely voluntary. Participants will attend a half day class; there will be annual updates and refresher training.
 

Permit Simplicity

Permit Simplicity allows businesses to obtain a permit for improvements to an existing building in a matter of days.  Under this program, plans prepared by a designated, pre-qualified professional architect or engineer will be reviewed by the City staff at the permit counter and a permit will be issued the next day.

The Permit Simplicity Program is optional and there is no additional processing cost associated with it. The program is limited to tenant improvements for retail, office and warehouse buildings and no food establishments or change in use applications will be considered as part of this process.  

Architects and engineers who wish to utilize the Permit Simplicity Program will need to obtain all other permits required by other agencies prior to final submittal to the Cities. Other agency approvals typically include Fire, School Districts and Utilities.  The program may be expanded to other types of permits after the initial trial period.
 

New City Policy Supports Economic Development in Industrial Areas

In another move to improve customer service and support local businesses, the City of Elk Grove recently adopted a new policy topromote economic development in Elk Grove’s industrial areas.

The new City policy was recently adopted to expedite the permitting process and reduce fees for businesses moving into ElkGrove’s industrial spaces within in the city limits.  Under the new policy, businesses moving into existing industrial spaces will no longer have to obtain a new building permit, as long as the previous owner had the required permits for the space and no additional construction work is required.  The policy also allows for a Certificate of Occupancy to be transferred to similar businesses inindustrial areas on spaces less than 3,000 square feet. The new policy will reduce fees and ensure an efficient transition into a new space.

In all cases, a transfer of business licenses can take place in just one day. In some cases, a transfer of Certificate of Occupancy can take place in just one day. Local businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the City Building Department’s Tenant Improvement Tuesdays , PASS, and Permit Simplicity permit streamlining programs. For more information contact Sarah Sandoval at ssandoval@elkgrovecity.org or (916) 478-2235.

Small Business Permit Assistance Program

The Program provides grants to small businesses to defray the cost of obtaining City planning and/or building permits and approvals required to construct or retrofit commercial space that the business will occupy. Small businesses are defined under the Program as businesses with less than 20 employees and revenues under $3 million dollars.

View Policy, Guidelines, and Procedures.

Apply for the Small Business Permit Assistance Program

Monthly Building Permit Reports

The City offers online tracking of Building Permit Reports. Building staff ensure the posting of a new report by the 5th day of every month. View a map and table of development projects currently in review or under construction.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call the Building Department at (916) 478-2235.

View map of new construction permits issued

Single Family/Multi-Family Dwelling Commercial Building All Permits
January January January
February February February

Contact

Development Services  
Building Safety Email or (916) 478-2235
Development Engineering Email or (916) 627-3436
Planning Email or (916) 478-2265