Move From Concord Permit Pal to Issued Permit, Inspection and Final Approval Without Missing an Outside Agency
Concord’s City permit application does not automatically reach the Fire District, County Health Department or County sewer agency. Commercial projects, new homes and major additions may need separate applications outside the City portal.
This guide helps you choose the correct Accela record, prepare complete plans, pay current fees, coordinate grading and outside reviews, request next-business-day inspections and verify that the permit was properly closed.
Choose the Exact Concord Building Department Task
Concord Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Concord Permit Route Finder
Select the project that most closely matches the work.
Choose the Correct Accela Record Before Uploading Documents
Project |
Permit Portal record |
Prepare before filing |
|---|---|---|
Addition, remodel, deck, pool, demolition, new building or most plan-based work |
Building |
Application, complete plans, supporting calculations, owner/contractor and valuation. |
Residential or commercial roofing |
Reroof Permit |
Roof area, existing layers, tear-off/overlay, proposed covering and contractor information. |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical-only work |
Miscellaneous MEP |
Exact equipment, valuation, location, load or sizing information and contractor license. |
Like-for-like single-family or duplex window/door replacement |
Residential Windows & Doors |
Number of units, retrofit/new construction type, sizes, egress and energy information. |
Solar designed through SolarAPP+ |
Solar PV — SolarAPP |
SolarAPP+ approval ID, approved checklist, system details and service-panel scope. |
Solar using custom or City standardized plans |
Solar PV |
Complete design set, electrical details, calculations, roof layout and equipment information. |
Change to an already issued building permit |
Revision |
Original permit number, revised sheets, change description and affected calculations. |
Work outside normal construction hours |
After Hours |
Requested date/time, work type, reason, equipment and neighborhood impact. |
New or changed site address |
Address Request |
Parcel, site plan, access, building location and requested address information. |
Apply Through Concord Accela in the Correct Order
Start with Permit Pal
Enter the property and project type to identify likely zoning requirements, permits and estimated fees.
List every reviewing agency
Determine whether the project also requires Con Fire, County Health, County sewer, grading or encroachment applications.
Create and verify the Accela account
Register with an active email and phone number. Sign in before creating an application or uploading documents.
Select Building and Create an Application
Read the disclaimer, choose the exact record type and search for the correct project address.
Write a useful scope of work
State what will be built, removed or replaced; the size; location; valuation; structural work and every affected trade.
Upload complete, clearly named files
Submit the coordinated plan set and separate supporting documents rather than individual photographs or unlabeled pages.
Pay the application and plan-review charges
Watch the portal and account email for the invoice. Save every receipt.
Respond to each correction on the existing record
Provide a response letter, revised plans and replacement supporting documents. Do not open duplicate applications.
Complete outside approvals
Upload or provide the Fire, sewer, Health, grading and encroachment evidence required for permit issuance.
Download the issued permit package
Save and print the permit card, approved plans, conditions and inspection information before starting work.
Prepare a Complete Concord Plan Package
Project and site information
- Project address
- Assessor’s Parcel Number
- Owner and applicant contacts
- Detailed scope of work
- Construction valuation
- Site or plot plan
- Existing structures
- Property-line setbacks
Building drawings
- Cover sheet
- Existing and proposed plans
- Demolition plan
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation plan
- Floor and roof framing
- Structural details
Supporting documents
- Structural calculations
- Title 24 energy documents
- CALGreen checklist
- Soils or geotechnical report
- Truss calculations
- Special-inspection forms
- Owner-builder acknowledgement
- Outside-agency approvals
Complete the Reviews Concord Does Not Automatically Route
Agency or division |
Common trigger |
Applicant responsibility |
|---|---|---|
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District |
Commercial construction, new residential work, fire access, alarms, sprinklers or major alteration |
File separately with Con Fire and provide approved plans or clearance to Concord. |
County Health / Environmental Health |
Restaurants, food facilities, pools, regulated businesses, septic or health-related work |
Apply directly to the appropriate County program. |
Contra Costa County sewer agency |
New sewer connection, lateral work, added fixtures, commercial use or increased wastewater demand |
Obtain the sewer permit or clearance separately. |
Concord Engineering Division |
Grading, excavation, drainage work or moving soil |
Apply for the separate grading or site-development approval. |
Concord Engineering Division |
Driveway, sidewalk, curb, trench, utility or other public right-of-way work |
Obtain an encroachment permit before disturbing public property. |
Planning Division |
Use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, exterior changes, parking, signs or discretionary approval |
Complete the Planning record and satisfy all conditions. |
Local school district |
New floor area or another project subject to school impact fees |
Pay the required charge and submit proof before permit issuance. |
Codes Concord Lists as Effective in 2026
State and local construction codes
- 2025 California Building Standards Code
- City of Concord Municipal Code Title 15
- 2025 California energy-efficiency standards and forms
- Applicable CALGreen requirements
Fire and wildfire amendments
- 2025 California Fire Code amendments
- 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code amendments
- High and very high fire-zone construction requirements where applicable
- Contra Costa Fire review for triggered projects
Check the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Before Finalizing Exterior Materials
Moderate, high and very high zones
State mapping identifies properties within Concord in all three classifications.
High and very high zones
New construction can trigger wildfire-resistant requirements affecting roofing, siding, decking, windows and vents.
Very high zones
Defensible-space and property-sale documentation rules may also apply through Contra Costa Fire.
Concord Building Permit Fees and Worked Examples
Fee item |
Current published amount |
How to use it |
|---|---|---|
Administrative fee |
$70 + 0.000789 × valuation |
Applies to each permit or revision application; maximum $550. |
Reroof inspection |
$96 + $0.096 × roof area |
Roof area is entered in square feet. |
Residential furnace replacement |
$192 |
Work-item inspection charge. |
Residential A/C replacement |
$192 |
Work-item inspection charge. |
Residential HVAC replacement |
$288 |
Combined HVAC replacement inspection charge. |
Electrical service, sewer line, water heater or water-line replacement |
$192 each |
Published residential work-item charge for each listed permit type. |
Window/door retrofit: 0–6 units |
$192 |
Single-family and duplex replacement only. |
Window/door retrofit: 7+ units |
$288 |
Single-family and duplex replacement only. |
Residential in-ground pool |
$345 plan review + $768 inspection |
Single-family and duplex projects. |
Portable spa or pool at grade |
$57.50 plan review + $96 inspection |
Single-family and duplex projects meeting the listed category. |
Code-enforcement reinspection |
$192 per hour |
May apply when correction or enforcement follow-up is required. |
Work started before permit issuance |
Double the inspection fee |
Normal application, review and other enforcement charges may also apply. |
Worked reroof example
For a 2,000-square-foot roof:
$96 + (2,000 × $0.096) = $288
The administrative fee and other applicable City or state charges may be additional.
Residential solar examples
- Standard PV: $70 administration + $115 base plan review + $265 base inspection.
- SolarAPP auto-issued: $70 administration + $380 base inspection.
- Main service-panel upgrade inspection: $192.
- Capacity-based additions apply above the listed thresholds.
Request a Concord Inspection Only When the Work Is Ready
Confirm the permit is issued
Do not request an inspection while the application is still under review or waiting for payment.
Complete the full inspection stage
Have the footing, framing, rough trade, insulation, equipment or final work complete and visible.
Submit through Request an Inspection
The permit holder selects the record, inspection type, contact and preferred AM or PM window.
Understand the next-business-day rule
A request submitted through 11:59 PM Thursday is scheduled Friday. A request submitted Friday, Saturday or Sunday is scheduled Monday, excluding holidays.
Check the daily schedule after 7:30 AM
Use the City’s “Today’s Building Inspection Schedule” to confirm the request and view the AM or PM assignment.
Keep the required person and documents on site
The permit card must be present. For contractor-installed work, the contractor—not only the homeowner—must be on site.
Inspection-day checklist
- Permit card on site
- Approved plans available
- Work remains exposed
- Correct stage complete
- Safe access provided
- Contractor present when required
- Animals secured
- Correction items completed
Speak with an inspector
- 7:00 AM–8:00 AM
- 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
- Monday through Friday
- Office meetings by appointment
Prevent an Inactive Permit From Expiring or Being Canceled
Inactivity limit
The City warns that permits can expire and eventually cancel when inactive for more than one year.
- Schedule required inspections.
- Respond to City notices.
- Request renewal help before the record becomes difficult to restore.
Overall project limit
Concord also identifies an overall three-year permit time limitation.
- Do not leave unfinished work open indefinitely.
- Ask whether updated codes or new plans are required.
- Use the City’s expired/canceled permit process.
Use the Correct Checklist for Common Concord Projects
Free pre-approved ADU
- Choose one of six City plan types.
- Prepare the site-specific plan and required documents.
- Apply using the City pre-approved ADU instructions.
- Do not alter the approved layout.
- Complete separate utility and outside-agency requirements.
- Obtain permit and inspection approval.
Custom ADU
- Confirm ADU zoning standards.
- Prepare custom architectural and structural documents.
- Complete the standard building application.
- Pay the application fee within the City’s instructed deadline.
- Coordinate utilities, Fire and sewer review.
- Complete all inspections.
Solar photovoltaic
- Choose SolarAPP+, custom plans or City standardized configurations.
- Obtain the SolarAPP+ ID when using automated review.
- Create the matching Concord Solar PV record.
- Upload plans and equipment data.
- Identify service-panel work.
- Request final inspection.
Residential addition
- Check setbacks, lot coverage and zoning.
- Prepare one coordinated PDF plan set.
- Add structural, Title 24 and CALGreen documents.
- Check school, Fire and sewer requirements.
- Apply through the Building record.
- Complete staged inspections.
Pool or spa
- Confirm setbacks and easements.
- Prepare the pool site plan and structural documents.
- Show drowning-prevention barriers.
- Coordinate electrical, plumbing and gas work.
- Check County Health requirements where applicable.
- Complete all pool inspection stages.
Commercial tenant improvement
- Confirm the proposed use with Planning.
- Prepare code, occupant-load and egress analysis.
- Address accessibility and unreasonable-hardship rules.
- Apply separately to Fire, Health and sewer when triggered.
- Complete trade permits and inspections.
- Obtain occupancy approval before opening.
Use Concord’s Five-Working-Day Pre-Approved ADU Path Correctly
Available plan sizes
Six City plan types range from an approximately 205-square-foot efficiency studio to an approximately 874-square-foot two-bedroom ADU.
Allowed layout options
The approved plans may be oriented in different directions and mirrored when the City’s requirements are followed.
Modification rule
Changes to the approved design require a separate permit and do not receive the expedited pre-approved review.
Complete the GreenHalo Report Before Final Closeout
When the City’s C&D rules apply
Covered permit holders use GreenHalo to track construction and demolition material and submit the final waste-management report.
- Register the project
- Record approved facilities
- Save weight tickets
- Upload disposal records
- Meet diversion requirements
- Submit final report
GreenHalo support
Contact GreenHalo customer service for account and reporting-system assistance.
Building-permit fee schedules also include a construction-and-demolition program charge for covered projects.
Identify Who Is Legally Responsible Before Filing
Licensed contractor
- California license is active
- Classification matches work
- Business name matches contract
- Workers’ compensation checked
- Permit applicant is authorized
- Inspection responsibility is clear
Owner-builder
Use Concord’s Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Information Verification Form.
- The owner accepts legal responsibility.
- The owner coordinates responsibility.
- The owner coordinates permits and inspections.
- Unlicensed people cannot be represented as licensed contractors.
- Insurance, employment and job-safety responsibilities may apply.
Follow Concord’s Standard Construction Schedule
Monday–Friday
7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Larger developments may have stricter conditions of approval.
Saturday–Sunday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Check project-specific conditions before weekend work.
Outside these hours
After Hours permit
Create the City’s After Hours application before performing approved out-of-hours construction.
Search Concord Permit Records and Request Protected Plans
Search permit status and history online
Open the Permit Portal, select Building, Planning or Engineering and search by permit number or address.
Review the main permit and related records
Check building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar, Fire, sewer, Planning and Engineering records.
Check the complete inspection history
Confirm which inspections passed, failed, were canceled or remain unrequested.
Visit the Permit Center to review documents
The City allows in-person review of available permit documents and drawings.
Complete the plan-copy affidavit when required
Plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer are protected. Copies may require written approval from the property owner and design professional.
Save final proof
Keep the approved plans, permit card, final inspection, outside-agency approvals and occupancy documents with the property records.
Four or More Rental Units May Enter Concord’s Inspection Program
Properties covered
The Multi-Family Rental Housing Inspection Program applies to rental buildings, including rooming houses, with four or more units on one parcel or site.
- Dwelling units
- Parking areas and driveways
- Landscaping
- Accessory structures
- Fences and walls
- Pools, hot tubs and spas
Program purpose
The program addresses life, health, housing-code and property-maintenance conditions.
Open program documents, fees and self-certification information
What Common Concord Permit Statuses Usually Mean
Fix Common Concord Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Wrong application type selected |
General Building used instead of Reroof, MEP, Windows or SolarAPP. |
Contact permit staff before creating another record. |
City review is complete but permit cannot issue |
Fire, sewer, Health, grading or school clearance is missing. |
Request a complete issuance checklist from the Permit Center. |
Corrections were uploaded but review did not restart |
Files were added without completing the required portal task. |
Check the record for an incomplete applicant action. |
Duplicate applications appear |
A new record was created instead of answering comments on the original permit. |
Ask staff which record should remain active. |
Inspection not on today’s schedule |
Schedule checked before 7:30 AM or wrong permit/inspection selected. |
Check again after 7:30 AM and contact the inspectors if still missing. |
Inspection receives a no-access result |
Contractor or required responsible person was not present. |
Arrange full access and expect a possible reinspection fee. |
Permit is inactive |
No approved inspection or progress for an extended period. |
Use the City’s expired/canceled permit guidance before resuming work. |
Official plan copy cannot be released immediately |
Licensed design-professional documents are copyright protected. |
Complete the affidavit and authorization process through the Permit Center. |
What to Say When Contacting Concord Staff
“I plan to [exact work] at [address/APN]. Should I use Building, Reroof, Miscellaneous MEP, Windows and Doors, Solar PV or another Accela record?”
“Application [number] involves [new home/commercial use/addition]. Which Fire, Health, sewer, grading, encroachment or school approvals must I obtain separately?”
“I uploaded revised plans and a response letter to record [number]. Is there an applicant task I must complete before the review restarts?”
“Permit [number] at [address] is ready for the [inspection type]. The permit card and approved plans are on site, and the contractor will provide access.”
“Permit [number] does not appear final. Which Building, trade, Fire, sewer, Planning or Engineering item is still open?”
“I am using City pre-approved ADU Plan [number]. Which site-specific documents are still needed for the five-working-day permit route?”
Do Not Consider the Concord Permit Complete Until These Items Are Saved
- Permit Pal review completed
- Correct Accela record selected
- Planning approval completed
- Fire application completed if required
- Sewer clearance completed if required
- Health approval completed if required
- Grading permit completed if required
- Encroachment permit completed if required
- Application and review fees paid
- Corrections fully resolved
- Permit formally issued
- Permit card posted on site
- Required inspections approved
- GreenHalo report completed if required
- Final or occupancy approval issued
- Complete project records saved
City of Concord Permit Center Map
Open the Correct Concord Building Resource
Concord Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Concord, California building permit?
Use Concord’s Virtual Permit Center through Accela. Register, sign in, select Building, choose Create an Application and select the exact permit type.
What is the Concord Building Division phone number?
Call 925-671-3107 for permit, plan-review, application and fee questions. Call the inspectors at 925-671-3330 for inspection and trade-code questions.
What are the Concord Permit Center hours?
The Building Division lists counter hours Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, excluding City holidays.
Does Concord send my plans to the Fire District and sewer agency?
No. Projects that trigger Fire, County Health or Contra Costa County sewer review require separate applications. Grading and right-of-way work also require separate Engineering permits.
How do I schedule a Concord building inspection?
The permit holder submits the request through the City’s inspection service. Requests are scheduled for the next business day. Check the daily schedule after 7:30 AM for the AM or PM window.
Must the contractor be present for a Concord inspection?
For contractor-installed work, the City says the contractor must be on site rather than only the homeowner. The permit card and approved plans must also be available.
How much is a Concord reroof permit?
The July 2026 schedule lists a reroof inspection formula of $96 plus $0.096 for each square foot of roof area. The administrative fee and other applicable charges may be additional.
How much is a Concord residential pool permit?
The July 2026 Building schedule lists a $345 plan-review fee and a $768 inspection fee for a qualifying single-family or duplex in-ground pool, before other applicable charges.
How quickly can a pre-approved Concord ADU permit be issued?
The City says a complete permit using its free pre-approved ADU plans may be issued within five working days when the site-specific plan and required documents are accurate and complete.
How do I check whether a Concord permit was closed?
Search the address or permit number in the Virtual Permit Center. Review the main permit, trade permits, inspections and separate Fire, sewer, Planning and Engineering approvals. Confirm the final inspection—not only permit issuance.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Concord. Permit issuance, fees, inspections, zoning decisions, outside-agency approvals and code interpretations must come from the City or responsible agency.
This page was rebuilt using Concord’s Building Division, Permit Center, Accela instructions, inspection service, July 2026 fee schedules, current-code page, permit-process pages, pre-approved ADU program, Fire Hazard Severity Zone guidance, C&D information and permit-record instructions.
Last verified: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, inspection procedures, review timing and 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.