City of Sacramento Building Department

The City of Sacramento Building Department handles every residential and commercial building permit inside city limits. Whether you’re adding an ADU, remodeling a kitchen, building a new home, installing a pool, or doing commercial tenant improvements in 2026, this complete guide gives you the exact micro-steps, official Accela Citizen Access Portal links, current fees, full document checklists, inspection scheduling, owner-builder requirements, contractor registration rules, and practical insider tips that save time and avoid costly mistakes.

City of Sacramento Building Department Contact Information 2026

• Physical Address: 300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95811
• Permit Services Phone: (916) 808-5318
• General Inquiries Email: ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org
• Chief Building Official: Chuck Clark – (916) 808-3725
• Deputy Chief Building Official (Permit Services): David Phillips – (916) 808-7435
• Public Counter Hours: Monday & Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (appointment only); Tuesday–Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Official Building Division Page: City of Sacramento Building Division

City of Sacramento Building Permit Search 2026

Official Public Permit Portal: Accela Citizen Access Portal – Search Permits

Search Steps:

1. Visit the Accela Portal (no login needed for public search).
2. Enter address, permit number, owner name, contractor name, or APN.
3. Click any result to view full details, plans, fees paid, status, and inspection history.

Insider Tip: Always search both current and historical records before buying a property or starting work — it prevents surprises during resale or insurance claims.

How to Apply for City of Sacramento Building Permits Online 2026 – 12 Micro-Steps

All permits are submitted 100% online through the Accela Citizen Access Portal. Electronic Plan Check is required for every plan-review project.

Official Application Portal: Accela Citizen Access Portal

1. Create or log into your Accela account with a valid email (all notifications come here).
2. Obtain Zoning / Land Use Approval from the Planning Division first (mandatory — submit online at the same portal).
3. Start a new building permit application and select your permit type (new construction, addition, remodel, ADU, pool, commercial, etc.).
4. Enter project address, detailed scope of work, and estimated valuation (fees calculate automatically).
5. Add contractor/owner information and upload California contractor license & workers’ compensation details (or Owner-Builder Declaration).
6. Upload all required documents via Electronic Plan Check (PDFs only – see checklist below).
7. Include Environmental Health clearance receipt if your project involves food service, pools, body art, or similar uses.
8. Pay all calculated fees online (including any technology or strong motion fees).
9. Submit the application and monitor status in real time.
10. Address plan review comments and resubmit revised plans electronically (fastest turnaround).
11. Once approved, record the Notice of Commencement (if required) before scheduling your first inspection.
12. Schedule inspections directly in the Accela portal.

Official Guides: Electronic Plan Check Quick Reference

City of Sacramento Building Permit Fees 2026

• Preliminary Fee Estimates: Request a Fee Estimate (paid processing fee required)
• Fees by Project Type: Detailed Fees by Project
• Average Costs for Common Residential Minor Permits: View Average Total Costs

Fees are based on project valuation and type. Work started without a permit triggers double fees plus penalties. Strong Motion Fee (valuation × 0.00013, minimum $0.50) and City Business Operations Tax (if contractor is applicant) also apply. Fees are calculated instantly in the Accela portal during application.

Required Documents Checklist (Upload as PDFs for Electronic Plan Check)

• Zoning / Land Use Approval from Planning Division (required before building submittal)
• Sealed architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings
• Complete code analysis, area breakdown, occupancy groups, and construction type
• Energy calculations and Title 24 compliance forms
• Flood zone determination or environmental health clearance receipt (pools, food service, body art)
• California contractor license copy and workers’ compensation declaration
• Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Information Verification Form (CDD-0220) if owner-builder
• Notice of Commencement (recorded copy when valuation exceeds threshold)
• Product specifications and manufacturer data sheets

How to Schedule City of Sacramento Building Inspections

1. After permit issuance, log into Accela and select “Schedule Inspection.”
2. Choose the required inspection type (footing, foundation, framing, rough-in, insulation, final, etc.).
3. Select preferred date and time window (most inspections are scheduled within 1–2 business days).
4. On inspection day, check the portal after 7:30 AM for final inspector assignment and contact number.

Insider Tip: Add the inspector’s cell number (shown in the permit record) to your phone and text gate codes or access instructions — this prevents same-day delays that frustrate most applicants.

Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder Process

California-licensed contractors must upload license information and workers’ compensation declaration during application. Homeowners may apply as owner-builders. You must complete and upload the official Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Information Verification Form (CDD-0220) before the permit is issued. You assume full responsibility and liability for code compliance and safety.

Owner-Builder Form: Download Owner-Builder Form (Revised Dec 2025)

Local Insider Tips & Tricks Only Sacramento Applicants Know

• Get Planning Division zoning approval BEFORE starting your building permit application — skipping this is the #1 reason for immediate rejection.
• Prepare files for Electronic Plan Check in advance (named PDFs, cover sheet with code analysis, north arrow, APN, etc.).
• Schedule a public counter appointment early for complex projects or in-person fee questions.
• For pools, spas, food service, or body art: Secure Environmental Health Department clearance receipt first — call (916) 874-6010.
• Save your application as draft while waiting on zoning or health clearances — you can link everything later without restarting.
• Check the portal after 7:30 AM on inspection day for the exact inspector assignment and phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions – City of Sacramento Building Permits 2026

Do I need a Notice of Commencement in Sacramento?

Yes — required for most projects above certain valuation thresholds. Must be recorded before the first inspection.

Can I pull my own building permit as an owner-builder?

Yes. You must complete and upload the Owner-Builder Acknowledgment Form (CDD-0220) and assume full responsibility and liability.

How long does plan review take in Sacramento?

Varies by project complexity. You receive real-time comments directly in the Accela portal after Electronic Plan Check submission.

Are building permits required for all projects?

Most construction, additions, remodels, pools, ADUs, and electrical/plumbing work require permits. Check the official required permits list for minor exemptions.

Full Official FAQs & Resources: City of Sacramento Building Division

Official Resources & Quick Links

• Electronic Plan Check Guide
• All Building Fees Information
• Accela Public Permit Portal
• Owner-Builder Form (CDD-0220)

This guide is updated April 2026 using only official City of Sacramento sources. Create your Accela account today — it cuts application time in half. Bookmark this page for your entire project.