City Of Folsom Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

Folsom permit action guide

Move a Folsom Permit From eTRAKiT Application to Final Inspection Without Missing a Department

New Folsom permit applications submitted from October 20, 2025 onward use eTRAKiT for application, plan review, payment, permit issuance and inspections.

This guide separates fast minor permits from multi-department major permits, explains the exact APP–PLAN–SUPP upload structure, decodes portal statuses, calculates current July 2026 fees and shows how to prepare for next-day inspections.

Minor versus major permit decision path
Three-file eTRAKiT plan-submittal system
3:00 PM inspection cutoff and current fees
Folsom permit moving across a digital bridge from plan review to final inspection An animated plan set enters eTRAKiT, crosses a stylized Folsom bridge and reaches final inspection approval. APP • PLAN • SUPP PDF APPROVED eTRAKiT FINAL INSPECTION PASSED
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New-permit process changed October 20, 2025 New applications now stay inside eTRAKiT for filing, plan review, revisions, payments, issuance and inspections. A permit submitted before the transition may still have documents in the former ProjectDox workflow.
Minor permits can move faster Folsom describes qualifying minor permits as projects needing minimal staff review that may be issued in approximately one to three days when the application and documents are complete.
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Next-day inspection cutoff: 3:00 PM Requests submitted after 3:00 PM must be scheduled at least two business days out. The site must be accessible and ready by 8:00 AM on the inspection day.
Start here

Choose the Exact Folsom Task

Folsom Permit Path Finder

Choose the project. The result tells you whether to start as a minor permit, major permit or another department review.

Official contact panel

Folsom Building Department Phone, Address and Counter Hours

Building Permit Counter 916-461-6201 Permits, plan review and inspections
Building email EPC@folsom.ca.us Include address and permit number
Inspection hotline 916-573-6734 Inspection scheduling assistance
Building counter hours 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Monday through Friday
Planning walk-in hours 8:00 AM–1:00 PM Appointments generally available 1:00–5:00 PM
Development Engineering 916-461-6212 EngineeringEPC@folsom.ca.us
Office location Folsom City Hall 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Plan resubmittal notice: The major-permit guide instructs applicants to upload corrections in eTRAKiT and email BuildingSubmittals@folsom.ca.us so the resubmittal can be routed.
Jurisdiction check

Confirm the Property Is Inside the City of Folsom

Use Folsom eTRAKiT when

  • The site is inside Folsom city limits
  • The property appears in eTRAKiT search
  • The city address tools identify Folsom jurisdiction
  • The project is handled by Folsom Community Development

Verify before applying when

  • The parcel is near an unincorporated county boundary
  • The postal address says Folsom but jurisdiction is uncertain
  • The portal cannot locate the property
  • The project crosses multiple parcels or public land
Do not choose the permitting agency from the mailing address alone. Confirm jurisdiction before paying plan-review fees.
Choose the correct permit lane

Minor Permit or Major Permit?

Minor permit

Best for qualifying replacement or limited-scope work needing minimal staff review.

  • Typical processing target: approximately one to three days
  • No full electronic multi-department plan-review route
  • Still requires complete project-specific documents
  • Incorrect scope can be moved to major review

Major permit

Used when plans require coordinated Building, Planning, Engineering, Fire or outside-agency review.

  • Initial upload uses APP, PLAN and SUPP files
  • Plan-review fees are paid before routing
  • Corrections use revised files plus a REPLY document
  • Permit issues after all reviews, fees and conditions are complete
Project
Likely lane
Prepare before applying
Residential HVAC changeout
Minor
CF1R energy form and equipment information
Residential water heater
Minor
CF1R and equipment/fuel information
Residential reroof
Minor
CF1R, proposed material specifications and description of existing roofing
EV charger
Minor
Electrical load calculations, charger specifications and floor plan showing location
Nonstructural kitchen or bathroom remodel
Minor
Existing/proposed floor plan and CF1R when windows are affected
Pool replaster
Minor
Project scope; commercial pools also need County Health approval
New pool or photovoltaic system
Major
Complete plans, equipment, structural/electrical details and agency approvals
Patio cover or retaining wall
Major
Site plan, structural drawings, setbacks, drainage and Engineering conditions
New home, addition, shed or pool house
Major
APP, PLAN and SUPP document groups plus prior approvals
ADU, fire sprinkler/alarm or sign
Major
Current checklist and discipline-specific plans

Open Minor Permit Guide Open Major Permit Guide

Major-permit workflow

Move a Folsom Major Permit Through eTRAKiT

Confirm zoning and prior approvals

Check land use, setbacks, design review, Historic District, Engineering, Fire, utilities, trees and outside-agency requirements before completing the construction set.

Commercial users: Verify the proposed use before signing a lease or starting tenant-improvement plans.

Register with the correct account type

Homeowners and other public users register as Public. Contractors register as Contractor and use the contractor-license information requested by the portal.

Create the permit and upload the full package

Initial major-permit submittals use no more than three coordinated PDFs: APP, PLAN and SUPP.

Incomplete applications are returned. Upload every required document when the application is created.

Pass the completeness check

Staff checks whether the required forms, plans and supporting materials are present—not whether the design is approved.

Pay the plan-review fee

The project is routed after initial fees are paid. Monitor eTRAKiT conditions, comments and fee notices.

Respond to every review comment

Download marked plans and correction letters. Revise the affected sheets, update bookmarks and prepare a comment-by-comment REPLY letter.

Resubmittal: Upload the revised files and notify BuildingSubmittals@folsom.ca.us.

Pay issuance fees and download approved documents

Once all departments approve the project and outstanding items are cleared, pay the issuance fees and save the issued permit and approved plans.

Build, inspect and obtain final approval

Schedule only the inspections preloaded for the issued permit. Keep the approved plans and permit available at the job site.

Three-file upload system

Organize Major-Permit Documents the Way Folsom Expects

APP

Application documents

  • Permit application information
  • Owner-builder documents
  • Agent authorization
  • Contractor and property documents
  • Other required application forms
PLAN

One complete plan set

  • Cover sheet and code analysis
  • Site plan
  • Floor plans and elevations
  • Structural and MEP sheets
  • Required energy and accessibility sheets
SUPP

Supporting materials

  • Structural calculations
  • Soils or geotechnical reports
  • Specifications and manuals
  • Special-inspection forms
  • Fire, waste and utility approvals
REPLY

Correction response

  • List every review comment
  • State the response
  • Identify revised sheet/detail
  • Explain any unchanged item
  • Keep revision dates consistent
Bookmark long PDFs. Reviewers should be able to jump directly to the application form, plan sheet, calculation section or specification referenced in the response letter.
Project preparation

What to Prepare for Common Folsom Projects

Project
Useful submittal documents
Approval commonly missed
HVAC replacement
CF1R, equipment specifications, capacity and location
Roof or exterior equipment screening and Historic District review
Reroof
CF1R, existing roof description and proposed material specifications
Historic roofing material or appearance restrictions
EV charger
Load calculation, charger data, panel/service information and location plan
Service upgrade or detached-structure wiring scope
Kitchen or bathroom remodel
Existing/proposed floor plan, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and energy forms
Structural review when walls or openings change
Patio cover
Site plan, setbacks, foundation, posts, beams, rafters and attachment details
Planning/design review or Historic District approval
Pool
Site plan, barrier, equipment, electrical bonding, plumbing and structural details
Engineering encroachment, easements, trees or utility conflicts
Solar and battery
Array layout, single-line diagram, equipment, structural information and Fire plans
Separate Fire Department review or service-capacity changes
Commercial tenant improvement
Use/occupancy, code analysis, accessibility, exits, Fire, plumbing fixtures and MEP plans
Land-use approval and outside-agency signoffs before Building review
Inspection command board

Schedule and Prepare for Folsom Inspections

Schedule online

Open the issued permit in eTRAKiT, select Inspections and choose from the required inspections already loaded for the permit.

Next-day cutoff

Submit by 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility. Later requests must be placed at least two business days out.

Site-ready time

The job site must be accessible and ready by 8:00 AM. Install ladders before roof or HVAC inspection.

Before requesting

  • Permit status says Issued
  • Required inspection appears in eTRAKiT
  • Correct construction stage is complete
  • Work remains uncovered
  • Approved plans are on site
  • Previous corrections are complete

Before the inspector arrives

  • Site accessible by 8:00 AM
  • Address and permit card visible
  • Dogs and locked gates addressed
  • Required ladders installed
  • Safe walking access provided
  • Contact phone remains available
Inspection issue
What the city says
Best action
AM/PM preference
A time preference is not guaranteed
Keep the site ready for the full inspection day.
Inspector workload delay
Inspections may roll to the following day
Monitor phone/email for inspector communication.
Inspection no longer needed
Cancel before the inspector arrives
Cancel in eTRAKiT to reduce missed-inspection fees.
Certificate of Occupancy
Required 800-series COO inspections pass before the 900-series final
Start department signoffs early; some require several days.
Landscape/Lighting or Water Quality signoff
May take up to five days
Do not schedule occupancy around a same-day assumption.
Current inspection penalty examples: The July 1, 2026 fee schedule lists a $194 reinspection fee after the first reinspection and a $194 missed-inspection fee.
Portal status decoder

What Each Folsom Permit Status Means

Submitted The application was sent to the city and is waiting for intake.
Completeness Check Staff is checking whether all required documents are present.
Incomplete Open the notes and add the missing application items before review can continue.
Initial Fees Due Pay the plan-review or intake fees before routing.
Plan Review One or more departments are reviewing the plans.
Revise & Resubmit Download comments, revise the files, add a REPLY letter and upload again.
Approved Reviews are complete, but issuance fees or outstanding conditions may remain.
Paid Payment is recorded; confirm that permit issuance is complete.
Outstanding Items A condition, document, department approval or contractor item is still missing.
Issued Construction may proceed within the approved scope and inspections can be scheduled.
Finaled Required finals are complete. The permit may disappear from the active dashboard but remains searchable.
Hold Progress, issuance or inspections are blocked. Open the Conditions tab to identify the hold.
“My Open Permit Applications” is not a permit-status result. It can mean that an application was started but not fully completed or submitted.
Effective July 1, 2026

Folsom Permit Fees You Can Use for Budgeting

Permit item
Current listed fee
Important note
Residential HVAC
$242
Additional processing, state or other department fees may apply.
Residential water heater
$194
Electrical or gas scope can add permits.
Reroof
$388
Historic review and energy forms may apply.
Siding
$340
Exterior-design review may apply in the Historic District.
Residential service-panel upgrade
$292
Utility coordination may be separate.
Battery backup
$388
Fire and equipment requirements may apply.
EV charger
$142
Panel or service upgrade fees are separate.
Generator
$388
Planning, gas and electrical scope may apply.
Residential solar up to 15 kW
$200 plan review + $250 permit
$15 per additional kW over 15 kW.
Pool replaster/equipment
$484
Pool remodel listed at $970.
Windows/sliding door, up to five
$194
$38 for each unit over five.
Fence requiring a permit
$387
Planning or Historic District review may apply.
ADU
$4,852
Impact, utility and other fees may still apply.
JADU
$2,329
Owner-occupancy and deed restrictions can apply.
Plan-review formula: When applicable, building plan review is listed at 80% of the base building-permit fee and includes up to three plan checks. A fourth or later review is billed at the listed hourly rate of $194.
Payment fees: Credit-card payments carry a 3% service fee. The listed e-check service fee is $3.50. Checks should identify the project or permit number.

Open the July 1, 2026 Fee Schedule

Folsom Valuation-Based Building Fee Estimator

Use this for new construction, additions, tenant improvements, residential remodels and combined MEP permits that use the city’s valuation table. Use the flat-fee table above for qualifying minor permits.

Educational estimate only. It excludes Planning, Fire, Engineering, utility, impact, tree, encroachment, business-license, CASp, disability-access and other project-specific charges. City valuation and fee decisions control.

Expiration and recovery

Keep the Application Active and Understand Reactivation Costs

Situation
Current city guidance or fee
Best action
Application waiting too long
Building applications generally expire 180 days after filing unless a permit is issued
Respond to comments and request any extension before expiration.
Expired permit with all inspections through pre-final approved
$194 reactivation fee
Ask staff to confirm that the permit qualifies for this route.
Permit expired up to one year
50% of original base permit fee
Request reactivation before restarting work.
Permit expired more than one year
100% of original base permit fee
Expect updated documents or current-code review.
Work started without required permits
Investigation fee equal to the permit fee, in addition to permit charges
Stop work, document existing conditions and contact Building.
Historic District projects

Check Design Review Before Changing an Exterior

Projects likely to need commission-level review

  • Work affecting a designated historic property
  • New development or a custom home
  • Large addition over 500 square feet
  • Addition exceeding approximately 25% of the structure
  • Substantial exterior change affecting historic character

Projects often handled at director level

  • Minor exterior alterations to non-historic property
  • Minor additions
  • New accessory structures
  • Additions to accessory structures
  • Other qualifying small design changes
Historic District question
Practical answer
Is like-for-like replacement always reviewed?
The city lists many like-for-like replacements, paint colors and certain fences/walls as typically exempt from design review, but a building permit may still be required.
How long can review take?
The city describes at least about three weeks for director-level review and approximately two to three months for commission-level review.
Does an accessory structure need a building permit?
Structures over 120 square feet and walls over four feet generally require building permits, apart from the separate design-review question.
Do not order windows, siding, roofing or exterior fixtures first. Historic design requirements can control material, profile, placement and appearance.

Open Historic District Resources

Current 2026 ADU route

Plan a Folsom ADU or JADU With the Current Ordinance

ADU types

  • Attached ADU
  • Detached ADU
  • Conversion of qualifying space
  • Junior ADU inside a single-family dwelling

Typical size framework

The city workbook summarizes typical maximums of 850 square feet for a studio/one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, subject to the applicable state/local path.

JADU limit

A JADU is limited to 500 square feet, may use an efficiency kitchen and can share sanitation facilities under qualifying conditions.

ADU checkpoint
Folsom-specific issue
What to prepare
Design review
Larger ADUs over 800 square feet may need design review; Historic District rules are separate
Site context, elevations, materials and applicable workbook
Setbacks and height
Use the current ADU checklist rather than an older generic setback table
Survey/site plan and proposed dimensions
Impact fees
ADUs of 750 square feet or less are not charged impact fees; larger units may have proportional fees
Accurate conditioned floor area
Rental use
ADUs cannot be used as short-term or vacation rentals
Rental terms longer than 30 days
Owner occupancy
Normal ADUs do not require owner occupancy; certain JADU arrangements do
JADU deed restriction and occupancy documents when applicable
Address assignment
Planning assigns the ADU address after permit issuance
Do not invent or use an unofficial unit address in project records
Current ordinance: Folsom adopted Ordinance No. 1361 on April 14, 2026, with an effective date of May 14, 2026. Use the newest checklist rather than an older ADU blog or handout.

Open Folsom ADU Resources Open the ADU Workbook

Commercial projects

Confirm the Business Use Before Designing the Tenant Improvement

Describe proposed use
Confirm zoning
Identify Planning approvals
Prepare TI plans
Complete Fire/agency review
Obtain permit and certificate

Planning first

Ask whether the use is permitted, conditionally permitted or requires design, sign, parking or other Planning approval.

FASTIR option

Folsom offers an accelerated five-business-day review for qualifying small interior commercial remodels of 3,000 square feet or less in eligible B or M occupancies.

Business certificate

A Folsom business certificate is required for businesses operating in the city. Building approval does not replace business licensing.

FASTIR qualification check
Requirement
Occupancy
B or M occupancy
Project area
3,000 square feet or less
Exterior work
No exterior work
Food preparation
Minor food preparation only; no Type I hood
Fire systems
Fire sprinkler and alarm permits remain separate
Lease-protection rule: A property owner or broker cannot approve the business use. Confirm zoning, occupancy, Fire, Health, utility and improvement requirements with the city before becoming financially committed.

Check FASTIR Eligibility Open Business Certificates

Approvals outside Building

Check Trees, Engineering, Fire and Utilities Early

Tree permit

Protected-tree removal or work within regulated tree areas can require an arborist review and tree permit.

Tree permit contact: 916-461-6245
TreePermitEPC@folsom.ca.us

Development Engineering

Use Engineering for grading, civil improvements, maps, encroachments, driveway work and public or utility improvements.

Current example: Residential/commercial driveway encroachment permit $412.

Fire review

Fire sprinklers, alarms, access, hazardous materials, commercial uses and some solar/battery projects require separate Fire review.

916-461-6324
folsomfire@folsom.ca.us

Tree-work penalty: The current fee schedule lists tree work without a required permit at double the applicable tree-permit fee.

Open Tree Permits Open Engineering Permits

Permit records and open permits

Search eTRAKiT First, Then Request Missing Records

Search by permit number

Use the complete permit number from an invoice, inspection result, permit card or contractor correspondence.

Search the address without the street suffix

The inspection page recommends searching the address without terms such as Court, Street, Road or Way when locating a permit.

Open Conditions, Reviews and Inspections

Do not stop at the main status. A hold, unapproved department, unpaid fee or missing final can appear in another tab.

Request archived records when needed

Ask for the permit application, approved plans, correction letters, inspection history and final certificate—not simply “all records.”

Public-record cost and timing

  • Online request is the fastest listed route
  • City makes its determination within 10 days
  • Electronic records are listed without copying charge
  • Paper copies: $0.10 per page, first 10 pages free
  • Oversize copies: $5 per page

Open-permit questions

  • Which inspection remains open?
  • Is there a Hold or Outstanding Item?
  • Is the permit expired?
  • Can it be reactivated?
  • Are revised plans required?
  • What document proves final closure?
Use this wording:
“Please provide the permit application, approved plans, correction notices, inspection history and final certificate for [address], permit [number], involving [project].”
Contractor and owner-builder check

Match the Permit Applicant to the Person Controlling the Work

Licensed contractor

  • Active California contractor license
  • Correct classification
  • Business certificate requirements checked
  • Workers’ compensation information
  • Name matches contract and permit
  • Inspection responsibility is written

Verify a contractor with CSLB

Owner-builder

  • Read owner-builder disclosures
  • Understand employer obligations
  • Use licensed trades where required
  • Control plans and revisions
  • Schedule every inspection
  • Hold final payment until closeout
Final project control

Do Not Close the Folsom Project Until These Items Are Confirmed

  • City jurisdiction confirmed
  • Zoning and design review checked
  • Historic District status checked
  • Tree, Engineering and Fire impacts checked
  • Correct minor or major permit selected
  • APP, PLAN and SUPP files complete
  • Plan-review fee paid
  • Corrections answered with REPLY letter
  • Outstanding Items and Holds cleared
  • Permit status says Issued
  • Approved plans available on site
  • Inspection scheduled before cutoff
  • Site ready by 8:00 AM
  • Every required 800-series inspection passed
  • 900-series final completed
  • Permit status verified as Finaled
Office location

Folsom City Hall Building Permit Counter Map

Address: Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630.
Building counter: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Official resource library

Open the Correct Folsom Portal or Guide

Folsom FAQs

Permit, eTRAKiT, Inspection, Fee and ADU Questions

Where do I apply for a new Folsom building permit?

Use the City of Folsom eTRAKiT portal. New applications submitted from October 20, 2025 onward use eTRAKiT for application, plan review, document revisions, payments, permit issuance and inspections.

What is the difference between a Folsom minor and major permit?

A minor permit covers qualifying limited-scope work needing minimal staff review and may be issued in approximately one to three days when complete. Major permits require coordinated electronic plan review and use APP, PLAN and SUPP files.

How do I schedule a Folsom building inspection?

Open the issued permit in eTRAKiT and select one of the required inspections. Submit by 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility. The site must be ready and accessible by 8:00 AM.

What does “Outstanding Items” or “Hold” mean?

Outstanding Items means a fee, condition, document, department approval or contractor item remains incomplete. A Hold blocks progress, issuance or inspections. Open the Conditions and Reviews tabs to identify the responsible department.

How many PDFs can I upload for an initial major permit?

The major-permit guide limits the initial submittal to three coordinated PDFs: APP for application documents, PLAN for the complete plan set and SUPP for calculations, reports, specifications and supporting approvals. Corrections add a REPLY response letter.

How are valuation-based Folsom building fees calculated?

The city uses a graduated valuation table. When applicable, plan review is 80% of the base building-permit fee, the General Plan/Zoning update fee is 5% of the building fee, processing is $81, and state Strong Motion and Building Standards fees are added.

Do I use ProjectDox or eTRAKiT?

New permits submitted from October 20, 2025 onward use eTRAKiT. Older permits submitted before the transition may retain documents or workflow history in ProjectDox. Check the permit record or contact Building for the correct route.

Does a Historic District project need design review?

Many exterior changes, additions, accessory structures and new development in the Historic District require director-level or commission-level design review. Like-for-like work may be exempt, but the building-permit question remains separate.

What are the main Folsom ADU and JADU rules?

The city’s current resources describe typical ADU sizes of up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms under the applicable rule path. A JADU is limited to 500 square feet. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals.

How do I find an old or open Folsom permit?

Search eTRAKiT by permit number or by address without the street suffix. Review Conditions, Reviews and Inspections. Submit a focused public-records request when approved plans, correction letters, inspection history or final certificates are not available online.

Independent source note

Accuracy and Freshness

Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the City of Folsom.

This page was rebuilt from Folsom’s ePermit Center, eTRAKiT plan-review instructions, minor and major permit guides, inspection procedures, permit-status definitions, July 1, 2026 fee schedule, Historic District resources, current ADU materials, Engineering, tree-permit and public-records pages.

Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.

Forms, fees, portal workflows, staff, code interpretations and outside-agency requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the city before paying, ordering materials, signing a lease or starting construction.

Free Building Permit & Inspection Assistant

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.

Start Permit Helper
8 toolsPermit finder, fee estimate, inspection checklist, zoning pre-check, and official searches.
All citiesWorks sitewide on city, county, village, and regional building department pages.
No loginNo address, permit number, email, or private data is required to use the tool.
Mobile-firstBuilt for visitors checking permits and inspections from a phone.

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.

Homeowner tip

Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.

Contractor tip

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.

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