Confirm Unincorporated Jurisdiction, Submit Electronic Plans and Complete Fire, School, Sewer and Flood Clearances
Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento are separate permit agencies. A Sacramento postal address does not prove that County Building Permits and Inspection has jurisdiction.
This guide helps you verify the parcel, apply through Accela, select the right residential or commercial permit, submit complete PDF plans, coordinate outside reviews, schedule inspections before the 5:00 PM cutoff and retain the correct final approval.
Open the Correct Sacramento County Permit Service
Sacramento County Building Phone, Addresses and Business Hours
Determine Whether the Property Is in Unincorporated Sacramento County
Use Sacramento County when
- Jurisdiction says Unincorporated Area
- County General Map assigns County zoning
- Parcel lies outside incorporated city limits
- County Accela accepts the address
- County Planning confirms responsibility
- Project uses County development standards
Use a city when
- Jurisdiction lists City of Sacramento
- Parcel is inside Citrus Heights
- Parcel is inside Elk Grove
- Parcel is inside Folsom
- Parcel is inside Rancho Cordova
- Another incorporated city is listed
Sacramento County Permit Route Finder
Select the project that most closely matches the work.
Choose the Correct Sacramento County Record and Checklist
Project |
Starting route |
Important additional review |
|---|---|---|
New dwelling or residential addition |
Building permit |
Site plan, Title 24, structural documents, stormwater, solar, fire district and Planning landscape review. |
Kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Residential alteration |
Structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, smoke/CO alarms and energy requirements. |
Garage conversion |
Garage conversion checklist |
Parking, room use, energy, egress, insulation, foundation and utility capacity. |
ADU or JADU |
ADU permit |
Planning, easements, SacSewer, septic/well, fire district, school district and development fees. |
Heating or cooling replacement |
Auto-issued residential permit |
Equipment information, electrical work and inspection. |
Electrical panel repair or replacement |
Auto-issued residential permit |
Utility coordination, service size and electrical inspection. |
Residential reroof without structural change |
Auto-issued residential permit |
Roof covering, tear-off, sheathing repairs and final inspection. |
Sewer-line replacement or water heater |
Auto-issued residential permit |
SacSewer or utility conditions and plumbing inspection. |
Residential rooftop solar and storage |
SolarAPP+ for eligible contractors |
SolarAPP+ approval, County record, equipment and final inspection. |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Commercial permit |
Use, accessibility, Fire/life safety, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and special inspections. |
Certain Residential Permits May Issue Automatically After Payment
Heating and cooling
New residential installation or replacement may qualify for automatic online issuance.
Electrical panel
Residential panel repair or replacement may qualify when the online application is complete.
Reroof
A residential reroof without structural changes may issue after online application and payment.
Sewer-line work
Residential sewer-line repair or replacement is listed among the automatic permit types.
Water heater
Residential water-heater permits may be issued automatically through Accela.
SolarAPP+
Eligible licensed contractors may use SolarAPP+ for residential solar or solar with energy storage.
Apply Through Sacramento County Accela in the Correct Order
Verify the jurisdiction and APN
Use the County General Map and confirm that Jurisdiction says Unincorporated Area of Sacramento County.
Identify Planning and outside-agency requirements
Check zoning, easements, fire district, school district, sewer or septic, floodplain, road access, landscape and development-fee requirements.
Create an Accela Citizen Access account
Use an active email address and retain the login for payments, corrections, inspections and approved documents.
Select the exact application type
Choose the record matching the project rather than a generic category. Use the County checklist name as a guide.
Enter a complete scope of work
State what will be built, altered or replaced; size; use; construction value; affected systems and whether work already exists.
Upload plans and documents as PDFs
Plans must be measurable, clear, legible, fully dimensioned and coordinated. The County does not accept incomplete or unreadable plan packages.
Pay plan-review fees when invoiced
Sign in, search for the building permit, locate the Record Number and choose Pay Fees Due under Actions.
Answer every correction
Upload revised sheets and a response identifying where each comment was addressed. Do not create a duplicate permit.
Complete outside clearances
Fire, school, sewer, septic, floodplain, Planning, encroachment and impact-fee requirements may control permit issuance.
Download the issued permit package
Save the permit, approved plans, inspection card, supplemental documents and conditions before beginning work.
Prepare a Complete Residential New-Building or Addition Package
General and site drawings
- Site address
- Designer information
- Detailed scope
- Applicable code design
- Scaled plot plan
- All property-line distances
- Existing structures
- Drainage arrows
Architectural and structural
- Floor plan
- Roof plan
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation plan
- Floor and roof framing
- Braced-wall locations
- Anchorage details
Supporting documents
- Title 24 forms
- Structural calculations
- Truss calculations and layout
- Truss acceptance letter
- CALGreen stormwater BMPs
- Solar drawing
- Soils report if required
- Special-inspection forms
Coordinate the ADU Before Uploading Building Plans
Contact Planning
Email SacPlan@saccounty.gov for height, setback, zoning and land-use requirements.
Check easements
Contact County technical resources to identify recorded or mapped easements that may restrict placement.
Confirm sewer or septic service
Contact SacSewer for public connection requirements or Environmental Management when the parcel uses an onsite wastewater system.
Identify all potential fees
Planning, Building, sewer, septic/well, local Fire and school-district fees can be separate.
Prepare the full plot plan
Show dimensions, north arrow, drainage, streets, easements, utility lines, meters and distances between every structure and property line.
Prepare the building plans
Include room uses, dimensions, doors, windows, receptacles, lights, smoke and CO alarms, shear walls, elevations, foundation, roof framing and cross sections.
Add energy, solar and Fire documents
Title 24 documents and a solar design are required. Submit residential fire-sprinkler information directly to the local fire district.
Apply through Accela
Upload the coordinated PDF package and monitor the permit for corrections and department conditions.
Use Sacramento County Shelf-Ready ADU Plans Only on Eligible Parcels
What the plans save
- County-provided detached ADU design
- Previously reviewed architectural and structural package
- Included premanufactured roof-truss calculations
- Lower design cost for eligible residents
What remains the applicant’s responsibility
- Unincorporated County parcel
- Site-specific plot plan and utilities
- Hold Harmless Agreement
- Fire-district review
- Solar plans for applicable models
- Standard building and impact fees
Complete Reviews Outside the Main Building Permit
Agency or review |
Common trigger |
Applicant’s next action |
|---|---|---|
Local fire district |
New home, ADU, commercial work, sprinklers, alarms, fire access or water supply |
Identify the district and submit plans directly when required. Pay separate district fees. |
Local school district |
New residential floor area or another project subject to school facilities fees |
Obtain the County square-footage letter, process it with the correct district and provide clearance. |
Sacramento Area Sewer District |
New connection, ADU, added fixtures, sewer replacement or changed wastewater demand |
Confirm connection-permit, plan-check and fee requirements with Permit Services. |
Environmental Management |
Septic system, well, added bedroom, new dwelling or changed wastewater load |
Obtain plot-plan approval, site evaluation or onsite wastewater permit before Building issuance. |
Water Resources |
Construction, grading or fill within a federal or local floodplain |
Obtain the floodplain management permit and required elevation documents. |
Planning and Environmental Review |
Use, setbacks, design review, landscape, trees, signs, parking or discretionary entitlement |
Complete the required Planning application and satisfy all conditions. |
Site Improvement and Permits |
Driveway, sidewalk, trench, utility or other work in County right-of-way |
Obtain an encroachment permit before disturbing the street or public area. |
Special Districts |
Development inside a roadway, park, library, drainage, water or other fee-program boundary |
Confirm all parcel-specific impact fees before relying on a building-only estimate. |
Confirm the Wastewater Route Before Adding Bedrooms or Plumbing
Public sewer property
SacSewer Permit Services: 916-876-6100
- Confirm service availability
- Check connection permit
- Identify lateral requirements
- Submit sewer plans if required
- Pay connection fees
- Complete sewer inspection
Septic property
Environmental Management reviews onsite wastewater systems and approves plot plans used during Building permit issuance.
- Locate existing septic record
- Confirm approved bedroom count
- Show tank and disposal field
- Protect replacement area
- Complete site evaluation
- Obtain installation approval
Obtain Flood Approval Before Designing the Finished-Floor Elevation
Current County elevation rules
- Construction or fill in a floodplain requires a floodplain management permit.
- The lowest finished floor for new construction must be at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation.
- Slab-on-grade pads must be at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
- Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and other service equipment must be protected or elevated 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation.
Before occupancy
- Final elevations verified
- California surveyor or engineer
- Elevation Certificate completed
- Floodplain conditions satisfied
- Utilities properly elevated
- Certificate accepted by County
Install and Pass the Pool Barrier Before Plastering or Filling
Site-plan requirements
- Property lines and easements
- Existing structures
- Septic and well locations
- Pool and equipment setbacks
- Electric panel and gas meter
- Fence location and material
Barrier basics
- Minimum 60-inch height
- Limited bottom clearance
- Restricted openings
- Self-closing pedestrian gate
- Self-latching hardware
- Gate swings away from pool
Drowning prevention
The County requires the approved barrier and at least one additional qualifying safety feature for covered private single-family pool or spa projects.
Confirm All Three Questions Before Treating Work as Exempt
Structural permit
Does California Building or Residential Code Section 105.2 exempt the structure or repair?
Specialty trade permit
Does the project contain regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work?
Planning approval
Do zoning, setbacks, floodplain, trees, easements or land-use rules still control the work?
Budget Beyond the Base Sacramento County Building Permit
Cost category |
What controls it |
Best budgeting action |
|---|---|---|
Building permit |
Permit type, construction valuation, project size and required inspections |
Wait for the official Accela invoice. |
Plan review |
Residential or commercial review scope, structural systems and specialty disciplines |
Treat it as separate from the permit inspection charge. |
Technology and administration |
Applicable County ordinance and the permit-fee calculation |
Use the current invoice rather than an old percentage. |
Planning |
Application type, design review, entitlement and staff processing |
Obtain the Planning invoice separately. |
Fire district |
Local district, project type, sprinklers, alarms, fire flow and access |
Contact the fire jurisdiction before final budgeting. |
School district |
New residential or commercial square footage and district rate |
Process the County letter with the correct school district. |
Sewer or septic |
Connection, fixture load, onsite system, site evaluation and inspections |
Request a separate SacSewer or Environmental Management estimate. |
Development impact fees |
Parcel location and applicable road, park, library, drainage, water or special-plan boundary |
Ask Special Districts for parcel-specific fees. |
Encroachment or frontage work |
Driveway, trench, sidewalk, utility and public right-of-way impact |
Budget separately through the Site Improvement and Permits Section. |
Open the permit record
Sign into Accela and search for the building permit.
Locate the Record Number
Confirm that the invoice belongs to the correct address and project.
Select Pay Fees Due
Use the Actions menu and save the receipt after payment.
Check for remaining conditions
Payment does not prove that all outside clearances or issuance conditions are complete.
Use the 2025 California Building Standards Code for 2026 Submittals
Projects submitted January 1, 2026 or later
Sacramento County states that these projects must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code.
- California Building Code
- California Residential Code
- California Electrical Code
- California Mechanical Code
- California Plumbing Code
- California Energy Code
Local requirements also matter
- Sacramento County Code amendments
- Zoning Code and special planning areas
- Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Stormwater and CALGreen measures
- Fire-district requirements
- Project-specific permit conditions
Schedule by 5 PM for the Next Workday When Available
Schedule online
- Sign into Accela.
- Search for the permit.
- Open the underlined permit number.
- Find the Inspections section.
- Select Schedule.
- Choose AM or PM.
Schedule by phone
- Press 1 to schedule
- Press 2 to cancel or reschedule
- Press 3 for results
- Press 0 for staff
Inspection-day checklist
- Work area accessible
- Animals secured
- Approved stamped plans
- Supplemental documents
- Permit and inspection card
- OSHA-approved ladder if needed
- Correct work stage complete
- Previous corrections finished
Do not schedule until
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection code is known
- All related work is ready
- Required tests are set
- Work remains uncovered
- Safe access is provided
- Contact number is accurate
- Site address is visible
Call Before Concrete, Covering or Moving to the Next Stage
Inspection stage |
Typical readiness |
Do not do yet |
|---|---|---|
Footing |
Excavation, forms, reinforcement, dimensions and setbacks are ready. |
Do not place concrete. |
Foundation |
Reinforcement, anchors, under-slab systems and required documents are visible. |
Do not conceal or backfill. |
Rough electrical, plumbing and mechanical |
Each system and required test is complete. |
Do not install insulation or interior finishes. |
Framing |
Framing, connectors, fire blocking and rough trades are ready. |
Do not conceal structural connections. |
Insulation |
Energy insulation and air sealing are complete and visible. |
Do not install drywall. |
Pool barrier |
Barrier, gates and required safety features are complete. |
Do not plaster or fill the pool. |
Final trades |
Fixtures, devices, equipment, labels and safety controls are complete. |
Do not assume one final closes all permits. |
Final building |
Construction, site work, outside approvals and required documents are complete. |
Do not occupy commercial space without the required CO. |
Submit Revisions Through the Original Permit Record
Sign into Accela
Open My Records and locate the issued permit.
Select Revision/Deferral Submittal
Use the green link associated with the existing permit rather than opening a duplicate building permit.
Cloud each revised area
Clearly identify changes and include a revision checklist describing the revision on each affected sheet.
Remove prior approval stamps
Upload clean revised sheets without old County approval stamps or review notations.
Describe the revision
Explain exactly what changed and whether structural, energy, Fire, Planning or trade review is affected.
Track the revision number
The County generates a related record such as the original permit followed by REV01 or REV02.
Identify Who Is Responsible Before the Permit Is Issued
Licensed contractor
- California license is active
- Classification covers the work
- Business name matches contract
- Workers’ compensation verified
- Permit applicant is authorized
- Inspection duty is written
Owner-builder
Use the County’s Notice to Property Owner as Owner Builder and understand the responsibility accepted.
- Owner manages code compliance.
- Owner coordinates inspections.
- Employment and insurance laws may apply.
- Unlicensed contractors create legal and financial risk.
Save the Correct Proof That the Sacramento County Project Is Complete
Residential home project
After the inspector signs off the completed work, the permit is complete. The County states that the signed final job card serves as the Certificate of Occupancy for residential projects.
- Signed final job card
- Approved plans
- Supplemental documents
- Permit record
- Trade finals
- Outside clearances
Commercial project
Commercial construction may receive a separate signed Certificate of Occupancy after all Building, Fire, accessibility, system, special-inspection and agency conditions are satisfied.
- Building final
- Fire final
- Trade finals
- Special-inspection reports
- Accessibility completion
- Certificate of Occupancy
Search Current Records First, Then Request Older Documents
Search Accela
Use the permit number, address, parcel information, owner or contractor details available.
Open the main permit
Review fees, conditions, uploaded documents and inspection history.
Check related permits
Look for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar, pool, Fire, sewer, floodplain and Planning records.
Confirm the final result
Do not rely on Issued, Approved or Inspection Completed without reading the actual result.
Use NextRequest for unavailable records
Submit a focused public-record request with the address, APN, permit number, date range and document type.
Save the final package
Retain the signed job card or Certificate of Occupancy with the approved plans and permit history.
What Common Sacramento County Permit Statuses Usually Mean
Fix Common Sacramento County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Wrong agency received the application |
Postal city was used instead of the General Map jurisdiction. |
Check the APN and Jurisdiction field before resubmitting. |
Electronic plans are rejected |
Files are unreadable, not to scale, incomplete or uploaded as disconnected images. |
Submit a coordinated, legible PDF plan package. |
Permit review cannot finish |
Fire, school, sewer, septic, floodplain, Planning or encroachment clearance is missing. |
Ask for the complete issuance-condition list. |
ADU costs are higher than expected |
Building estimate omitted Fire, sewer, school, septic, Planning or impact fees. |
Request parcel-specific estimates from every listed agency. |
Revision created a duplicate record |
A new permit was opened instead of using Revision/Deferral Submittal. |
Contact Building before uploading additional documents. |
Next-day inspection was not scheduled |
Request was after 5 PM, wrong inspection code was entered or availability was limited. |
Check the request in Accela or call 916-875-5296. |
Inspector cannot complete the visit |
No access, unsecured animals, missing plans, no ladder or incomplete work. |
Correct every readiness issue before rescheduling. |
Permit shows issued but no final proof exists |
The final inspection or job-card sign-off was never completed. |
Review inspection history and contact the assigned division. |
What to Say When Contacting Sacramento County Staff
“The property is [address/APN]. The General Map shows [jurisdiction]. Does Sacramento County issue the building and Planning permits for this parcel?”
“I plan to [exact work] at [address]. Which Accela record and County submittal checklist should I use?”
“Permit [number] involves [new home/ADU/commercial work]. Which Fire, school, sewer, septic, floodplain, Planning and impact-fee clearances remain?”
“I uploaded revised plans and a response letter to record [number]. Is there an applicant task I must complete to restart review?”
“Permit [number] at [address] is ready for inspection code [code]. The work is complete and exposed, plans are on site and access instructions are [details].”
“Permit [number] does not show a clear final. Which inspection, signed job card, Fire, trade or occupancy item is still required?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Items Are Saved
- Unincorporated jurisdiction confirmed
- Zoning requirements confirmed
- Correct Accela record created
- Complete PDF plan set uploaded
- Title 24 documents accepted
- Fire district approval completed
- School fee clearance completed
- Sewer or septic approval completed
- Floodplain approval completed
- Planning conditions completed
- Encroachment approval completed
- Permit formally issued
- Required inspections approved
- Elevation Certificate accepted if required
- Signed job card or CO received
- Final records downloaded
Sacramento County Building Office Map
Open the Correct Sacramento County Resource
Sacramento County Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Sacramento County building permit?
Apply electronically through Sacramento County Accela Citizen Access. Building plans and supporting documents must be submitted as PDFs.
How do I know whether Sacramento County or the City of Sacramento handles my property?
Enter the address or Assessor Parcel Number in the Sacramento County General Map and read the Jurisdiction field under Parcel Details. Use the County only when it shows the Unincorporated Area of Sacramento County.
What is the Sacramento County Building Department phone number?
Call Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection at 916-875-5296 for permit, inspection and general Building assistance.
What are the Sacramento County Building office hours?
The County lists business hours of 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The primary Building Assistance Center is at 9800 Goethe Road.
How do I schedule a Sacramento County building inspection?
Schedule through Accela, call 916-875-5296 or text 855-280-5383. For next-workday scheduling when available, submit the request before 5:00 PM on the previous day.
Can I request an exact inspection time?
No. You may select an AM or PM preference, but it is not guaranteed. Check the Today’s Inspections list and contact the assigned inspector on the morning of the inspection for an estimated window.
Which Sacramento County residential permits may issue automatically?
The County lists qualifying residential heating and cooling, electrical-panel repair or replacement, reroof without structural change, sewer-line repair or replacement and water-heater permits. Eligible licensed contractors may also use SolarAPP+.
Does Sacramento County send new-home or ADU plans to the fire district?
Applicants must identify the local fire jurisdiction and submit directly when required. Separate fire review, permits and fees may apply.
What is required when building in a Sacramento County floodplain?
Construction or fill requires a floodplain management permit. New finished floors and regulated equipment generally must be 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation, and an Elevation Certificate may be required before occupancy.
How do I prove that a Sacramento County permit was completed?
For residential work, retain the signed final job card, which the County identifies as the residential Certificate of Occupancy. Commercial projects may receive a separate signed Certificate of Occupancy. Also retain approved plans and related trade-permit finals.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Sacramento County. Permit issuance, plan review, fees, inspections, zoning decisions, floodplain approvals and occupancy determinations must come from the County or responsible outside agency.
This page was rebuilt using Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection, Accela Citizen Access, County Planning, residential and ADU submittal checklists, inspection instructions, Water Resources, Environmental Management, SacSewer and County public-record resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, codes, staff, inspection procedures, district boundaries and outside-agency requirements can change. Verify time-sensitive information before paying fees, ordering materials or beginning work.
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.