Apply, Pay, Track and Inspect a Hayward Building Permit Through One Clear Digital Workflow
Hayward’s e-Permits system handles much more than application submission. It can be used to apply, attach contractors, pay invoices, download issued permits, request inspections, see results and check the inspector’s estimated arrival time.
The difficult part is preparing the correct plans and completing Planning, Fire, Engineering, grading, encroachment, utility or landscape reviews before expecting permit issuance. This Hayward-specific guide shows those dependencies, the current FY 2027 fees, exact expiration rules and practical closeout steps.
Choose the Hayward Permit Task You Need Right Now
Hayward Permit Route Finder
Select the closest project type to see the practical starting route and the additional review most likely to affect approval.
Hayward Building Division Address, Phone Numbers and Permit Center Hours
Confirm the Parcel Is Inside the City of Hayward
Use the Hayward portal when
- Hayward’s City map returns the parcel.
- The property is inside incorporated Hayward.
- The e-Permits address search finds the location.
- The work is not assigned to Alameda County.
Verify first when
- The mailing address says Hayward but lies outside City limits.
- The property is near Fairview or another unincorporated area.
- The portal does not recognize the address.
- County records conflict with City permit history.
Match the Project to the Correct Hayward Permit Path
Project |
Starting route |
Extra review to check |
|---|---|---|
Residential kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Residential building permit |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural wall and wet-area requirements |
Addition or structural alteration |
Valuation-based building permit |
Planning, setbacks, site plan, engineering, Fire and utility impacts |
New house |
Residential building + development review |
Planning entitlement, grading, Fire, water/sewer, landscape, address and utility coordination |
ADU or JADU |
Residential building permit |
ADU checklist, address assignment, utility service, impact-fee thresholds and fire access |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Commercial building permit |
Planning, accessibility, Fire, HazMat, Housing, solid waste and business-use approval |
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC replacement |
Flat-rate trade permit |
Licensed contractor, equipment location, structural support and related building permit |
Solar or EV charger |
Solar or electrical permit |
Panel capacity, structural attachment, Reach Code and utility coordination |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
BAAQMD J number, PCB screening, debris recycling, utility disconnection and grading |
Grading, soil movement or runoff change |
Public Works grading permit |
Erosion control, drainage, geotechnical information and conditions of approval |
Street, sidewalk or public right-of-way work |
Encroachment permit |
Signed work plan, traffic-control plan, insurance and building-permit coordination |
Apply Through Hayward e-Permits Without Missing a Review Stage
Verify the parcel and existing legal records
Confirm City jurisdiction, the official project address, parcel information and any prior permits that affect the proposed work.
Choose the correct permit or plan type
Use the A–Z permit list to decide whether the project begins with Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering, grading, encroachment or another City plan record.
Contact Planning before final design when land use changes
Site changes, new development, additional floor area, business use, parking, height, exterior alterations or discretionary approvals may require Planning review.
Prepare the project-specific checklist
Use Hayward’s current handouts rather than a generic plan list. New homes, ADUs, demolition, commercial work and development permits have different submittal requirements.
Create or sign into the portal account
Open Hayward e-Permits, register or log in, then select Apply to begin the appropriate permit or plan application.
Enter a defensible construction valuation
Valuation includes fair-market labor and materials. Hayward may use the higher of the applicant’s figure or the City’s ICC-based valuation calculation.
Upload plans and supporting documents
Attach architectural, structural, energy, CalGreen, site, grading, Fire, accessibility and owner or contractor documents required by the project checklist.
Pay plan-check fees to start review
Hayward states that plan-check fees must be paid before the plan-review process begins.
Monitor corrections in the dashboard
Read every departmental comment, revise all affected sheets and resubmit one coordinated plan set.
Pay remaining fees and obtain the permit
Inspection and administrative charges must be paid before issuance. Approved applications have 180 days to complete payment and obtain the permit.
Hayward Building Permit Document Checklist
Property and applicant
- Official project address
- Assessor parcel number
- Owner’s legal name
- Applicant contact information
- Owner authorization when needed
- Existing permit references
Project information
- Detailed scope of work
- Labor and material valuation
- Existing and proposed use
- Building and unit count
- Existing and new floor area
- Related trade work
Plans and approvals
- Site or plot plan
- Floor plans and elevations
- Construction details
- Energy and CalGreen documents
- Planning or Fire approvals
- Grading or utility documents
What to Prepare for Common Hayward Projects
Project |
Prepare |
Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
Kitchen remodel |
Existing/proposed plan, cabinet and appliance layout, structural changes and trade scope |
Are walls, plumbing, ventilation, electrical loads or accessibility affected? |
Bathroom remodel |
Fixture layout, ventilation, waterproofing, electrical and plumbing information |
Is the project eligible for Hayward’s flat residential bathroom package? |
Room addition |
Site plan, setbacks, plans, elevations, structural details, energy and grading information |
Does Planning, Fire, grading or utility review come before Building approval? |
New home |
Complete digital plan set, professional stamps, energy, CalGreen, structural and site documents |
Are development entitlements and Public Works conditions already complete? |
ADU |
ADU plans, unit size, access, address, utilities, setbacks and owner/project information |
Can a pre-approved Hayward ADU plan reduce design work? |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Code analysis, occupancy, accessibility, egress, Fire, MEP and waste-service information |
Is the proposed use already legal and compatible with the existing certificate? |
Demolition |
Dimensioned demolition plan, J number, PCB screening, debris statement and utility letter |
Will the work also disturb soil, trees, tanks or the public right-of-way? |
Estimate Hayward Valuation-Based Building Fees
This calculator uses the City’s FY 2027 building-inspection valuation table and the published percentages for building plan check, technology, policy planning and permit issuance.
FY 2027 Building Inspection Fee Brackets
Total project valuation |
Building inspection fee formula |
|---|---|
$1–$500 |
$50 |
$501–$2,000 |
$50 for the first $500 plus $3.33 per additional $100 or fraction |
$2,001–$50,000 |
$100 for the first $2,000 plus $18.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
$50,001–$200,000 |
$1,000 for the first $50,000 plus $10 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
$200,001–$500,000 |
$2,500 for the first $200,000 plus $8.33 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
$500,001–$1,000,000 |
$5,000 for the first $500,000 plus $7 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
$1,000,001 and above |
$8,500 for the first $1,000,000 plus $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Current Hayward Flat Permit and Service Fees
Permit or service |
FY 2027 published amount |
Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
Standard hourly Building service |
$227 |
Applies per hour or fraction for plan check, inspection or administration |
Complete building demolition |
$454 |
Hourly plan review and administrative fees may also apply |
Minor residential demolition |
$114 |
Interior-wall removal requires a residential remodel permit |
Residential solar up to 15 kW |
$454 |
Non-flush systems may require hourly plan check |
Complete residential bathroom |
$340 |
Published package includes trades; confirm project eligibility |
Residential kitchen remodel |
$681 |
Published package includes trades; structural additions are separate |
Residential gas water heater |
$113 |
Heat-pump water heater fee is $227 |
Residential HVAC with ducts |
$340 |
Equipment relocation or structural work may require more review |
Residential EV charger |
$113 |
Panel or service upgrade may require a separate fee |
Residential service upgrade |
$113 |
Coordinate utility requirements separately |
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy |
$1,816 |
Approval is discretionary and project conditions must support temporary occupancy |
First permit extension |
$227 |
Second is $454; third and later extensions are $908 each |
Complete Planning, Fire and Public Works Reviews in the Correct Order
Site Plan Review
Hayward requires Site Plan Review for new development and qualifying site alterations. Planning Director approval is required for normal SPR applications.
Major Site Plan Review
MSPR applies to specified larger sites and certain increased-height projects. It requires Planning Commission approval.
Public notification
Hayward states that SPR and MSPR applications require notice to properties within 300 feet of the project site.
When a Building Permit Is Not the Only Approval
Review |
When it may apply |
Best first action |
|---|---|---|
Planning |
New development, site changes, use changes, parking, exterior work, height or discretionary approval |
Contact Planning with the address and scope before final design. |
Fire Prevention |
All new buildings and projects affecting alarms, sprinklers, access, hazardous materials or life safety |
Coordinate the required Fire permit and Fire inspection record. |
Grading |
Earth movement, site clearing, drainage changes or a condition of development approval |
Apply through e-Permits and submit grading, drainage and supporting engineering documents. |
Encroachment |
Work disturbs streets, sidewalks, curbs, public utilities or the City right-of-way |
Prepare signed work and traffic-control plans plus required insurance. |
Water and sewer |
New, upgraded or relocated water and sewer services are proposed |
Submit the service application with the building-permit number and approved plans when available. |
Landscape |
New development or site work triggers landscaping or water-efficient-landscape requirements |
Confirm the landscape permit and inspection requirements before final site approval. |
Reach Code |
New construction or parking improvements trigger enhanced EV-infrastructure standards |
Review Hayward’s 2025-code Reach Code before final electrical and parking design. |
Hayward ADU and JADU Permit Steps
Start with the residential building record
Hayward requires ADU and JADU applications to be submitted directly through the e-Permits portal.
A JADU is limited to no more than 500 square feet and must be located within a portion of an existing or proposed single-family home.
Check these dependencies
- Unit type and floor area
- Setbacks and height
- Address assignment
- Water and sewer service
- Fire access
- Impact-fee threshold
A Hayward Demolition Permit Does Not Cover Trees, Grading or Right-of-Way Work
Prepare before applying
- Dimensioned demolition site plan
- Written scope of removal
- BAAQMD J number when required
- PCB screening assessment
- Debris recycling statement
- PG&E disconnection letter if needed
Apply separately for
- Tree removal
- Earthwork and grading
- Underground tank removal
- Public right-of-way work
- New replacement construction
- Utility or service changes
When Construction Work Is Allowed in Hayward
Monday through Saturday
7:00 AM–7:00 PM
These are construction hours, not Permit Center office hours.
Sunday and holidays
10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Project conditions of approval may establish more restrictive hours.
Schedule a Hayward Inspection and Check the Inspector ETA
Sign into the e-Permits account
An account is required to request inspections through the normal dashboard workflow.
Open the Request Inspection tile
The portal displays projects and permits that are eligible for inspection.
Choose the correct inspection stage
Select the building or trade inspection that matches the work currently exposed and ready.
Add useful site instructions
Use the comments field for gate codes, access directions, contact information or other details the inspector needs.
Save the confirmation
The portal displays a confirmation page and sends an inspection-confirmation email.
Check the dashboard on inspection day
AM or PM requests are not guaranteed. Use Today’s Inspections or the project dashboard to check the updated inspection time and ETA.
Before requesting
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct inspection selected
- Required work is complete
- Work remains visible
- Approved plans are available
- Site access is safe
After inspection
- Read the full result
- Save correction notes
- Revise plans if instructed
- Complete every correction
- Request reinspection when ready
- Verify final closure
New Construction and Life-Safety Work May Need Separate Fire Inspections
When Fire review applies
Hayward requires a Fire Department permit for all new buildings so Fire Code requirements can be reviewed.
Alarm, sprinkler, underground fire service, access, high-piled storage and hazardous-material work may require separate Fire permits.
Before occupancy
Fire technical inspections for new construction, remodeling and building-permit work must pass before occupancy where they apply.
Fire Prevention: 510-583-4900
Track Hayward’s Three Permit Expiration Stages
Permit stage |
Expiration clock |
Available extension |
|---|---|---|
Plan review |
One year to obtain application approval |
One or more 90-day extensions |
Approved / ready to issue |
180 days to pay remaining fees and obtain the permit |
One or more 90-day extensions |
Issued / inspection stage |
A legitimate inspection is required within each 180-day period |
One or more 180-day extensions |
First extension
$227
Second extension
$454
Third and later
$908 each
What Common Hayward Permit Statuses Mean
Find Current Permits, Pre-2014 Records and Archived Plans
Verify the City jurisdiction
Use Hayward’s mapping site before assuming the City holds the building records.
Search the e-Permits portal
Search current permit records by permit number or property address.
Recognize the 2014 online cutoff
Hayward’s property-record handout states that records created before 2014 are not available through the normal online search.
Submit a Public Records Act request
Request the permit application, approved plans, inspection history, certificate and closure documents.
Allow time for copyrighted plan release
Stamped architectural or engineering drawings require written permission before copying. Hayward states that the affidavit process can take up to 30 days before release approval is known.
Old Permit Still Open or Expired? Ask These Questions
Give the Building Division
- Permit number
- Full project address
- Original project scope
- Approximate approval date
- Prior contractor information
- Available plans and results
Ask the Building Division
- Which inspection is missing?
- Is an extension still possible?
- Is a completion permit required?
- Are revised plans necessary?
- Are Fire or Planning finals open?
- What proves legal closure?
Understand the Risk Before Pulling a Hayward Owner-Builder Permit
The form is required before issuance
Hayward states that an owner-builder permit will not be issued until the property owner reads, initials, signs and returns the acknowledgement form.
Signature verification through identification, notarization or another method acceptable to the City is required.
The owner becomes responsible
- Code-compliant construction
- Worker and subcontractor safety
- License verification
- Workers’ compensation obligations
- Unpaid subcontractor or supplier liens
- Completion of inspections and corrections
Verify the California Contractor Before Adding Them to the Permit
Check the CSLB record
Confirm the contractor’s license number, classification and current status through the California Contractors State License Board.
Match these details
- Legal business name
- License number
- Required classification
- Contractor on the agreement
- Contractor added to e-Permits
- Workers’ compensation status
Codes and Local Rules Used in Hayward
Current statewide codes
Hayward lists the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy and CalGreen codes.
Local amendments
Hayward notes local amendments affecting Mechanical and Electrical requirements. Plastic ABS, PVC, PEX and similar approved piping materials are allowed.
Reach Code
Hayward’s locally adopted Reach Code adds EV-charging infrastructure requirements beyond normal CalGreen minimums for covered projects.
Fix Common Hayward Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Portal cannot find the address |
Jurisdiction or address-format mismatch |
Verify the parcel in Hayward WebMap and use the official property format. |
Application remains saved or draft |
Final submission step or required attachment is missing |
Reopen each section and confirm that a permit or plan number was created. |
Plan review has not started |
Plan-check invoice remains unpaid |
Open My Invoices and verify that the payment posted to the correct record. |
Fee is higher than the contract value |
City valuation exceeds the stated valuation |
Ask which ICC occupancy, construction type, Bay Area modifier or 60% remodel rule was used. |
Inspection is not shown as eligible |
Permit is not issued, wrong account or required prior inspection remains open |
Search the permit record and contact e-Permits support before creating another application. |
AM or PM request was not followed |
Time-of-day requests are not guaranteed |
Check Today’s Inspections and the live ETA on the inspection day. |
Permit is ready but cannot be issued |
Remaining inspection, administrative or outside-agency fees are unpaid |
Review all invoices and department holds before the 180-day issuance deadline. |
Old permit expired during construction |
No legitimate inspection occurred for 180 days |
Stop work and ask whether an extension or completion permit is required. |
Pre-2014 permit is not online |
Older records are outside the online-search range |
Submit a Public Records Act request with the address, permit year and requested documents. |
County record shows a room not in City permits |
Assessor data may include unpermitted construction |
Ask Building and Planning staff to determine legal status from City records. |
What to Say When You Contact Hayward Permit Staff
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [full Hayward address]. Which building or plan application should I use, and do Planning, Fire, Engineering, grading, encroachment, water or landscape approvals apply?”
“For permit [number], what valuation did the City use, which FY 2027 fee brackets and percentages were applied, and which outside-review fees remain outstanding?”
“The e-Permits record for [number] shows [status]. Which reviewing division, correction, invoice or outside approval is preventing the next step?”
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number] at [address]. The work is complete for that stage, remains exposed and is safely accessible. The gate code or access note is [details].”
“I found permit [number] at [address], but I do not have final closure. Which inspection, department approval or document remains outstanding, and is an extension or completion permit required?”
Do Not Consider the Hayward Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Correct City jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit or plan type selected
- Planning approval completed if required
- Fire permit completed if required
- Grading approval completed if required
- Encroachment permit completed if required
- Plan-check fees paid
- Building permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Building inspections passed
- Electrical final passed
- Mechanical final passed
- Plumbing final passed
- Fire final passed if required
- Planning and landscape finals complete
- Certificate obtained when required
- All e-Permits records show complete
- Final records saved by the owner
Hayward City Hall Permit Center Map
Walk-ins: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Afternoon in-person and virtual service is by appointment. Friday service is virtual only.
Open the Correct Hayward Permit Resource
Hayward Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Hayward building permit?
Use the official Hayward e-Permits portal. Register or sign in, select Apply, choose the correct building, trade, Planning, Fire or Public Works record and upload the required project documents.
What is the Hayward Building Division phone number?
Call the Building Division at 510-583-4140. For general Permit Center and application help, call 510-583-4005 or email e-permits@hayward-ca.gov.
What are the Hayward Permit Center hours?
Walk-in and virtual service is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM is by appointment. Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM is virtual appointment service only.
How are Hayward building permit fees calculated?
New buildings, additions, tenant improvements and residential remodels generally use a valuation formula based on labor and materials. The building inspection fee is calculated first, and plan-check, technology, policy-planning and issuance percentages are added. Other City, state and impact charges may apply.
How long does Hayward plan review take?
For new developments, Hayward publishes an initial building-review timeline of 25 business days and a resubmittal timeline of 10 business days. Smaller or different permit types may use different review processes, and applicant revision time is additional.
How do I schedule a Hayward inspection?
Sign into e-Permits, choose Request Inspection, select the eligible permit, choose the inspection type and add access notes. Use the dashboard or Today’s Inspections page to check the updated time and inspector ETA.
Does Hayward guarantee an AM or PM inspection?
No. Hayward’s e-Permits Help Center states that AM and PM requests are not guaranteed. Check the portal dashboard on the inspection day for updated timing.
When does a Hayward building permit expire?
Plan review expires after one year without approval. An approved application expires if the permit is not issued within 180 days. After issuance, the permit becomes inactive when no legitimate inspection occurs for more than 180 days.
How do I find Hayward building records from before 2014?
Records before 2014 are not available through the normal online permit search. Verify the parcel, then submit a City of Hayward Public Records Act request for permits, plans, inspections and certificates.
Can a Hayward property owner pull an owner-builder permit?
Yes, when legally eligible, but the property owner must complete Hayward’s Owner-Builder Authorization and accept responsibility for construction, licensing, worker safety, insurance, payments, inspections and corrections.
How This Hayward Guide Was Rebuilt
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Hayward.
This page was rebuilt using the official Hayward Permit Center, Building Division, e-Permits portal and help guides, FY 2027 Master Fee Schedule, Building documents, permit-expiration policy, inspection instructions, current code pages, Site Plan Review, ADU guidance, demolition checklist, property-record instructions and public-records system.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Fees, forms, code editions, staffing, portal behavior and project requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the City before submitting, paying, scheduling work or beginning construction.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.