Apply Online, Pass Plan Review and Final Your San Leandro Building Permit
Start with the correct property, permit type and document package. San Leandro’s Accela portal handles applications, fee payments, permit tracking and inspection requests, but a record is not ready for construction simply because it has been submitted or its plans have been approved.
This guide explains the city’s street-number-only address search, 3–5-business-day intake review, 2025 California codes, project checklists, inspection windows, FY 2026–27 fees, owner-builder rules, ADU and SolarAPP+ options, floodplain review and final closeout.
What Do You Need From San Leandro Building and Safety?
San Leandro Next-Step Finder
Select your situation to see the most useful official route.
San Leandro Building Department Phone, Address and Hours
Do Not Arrive During Lunch or After the Walk-In Cutoff
Day |
Public counter hours |
Walk-in cutoff |
|---|---|---|
Monday |
8 AM–noon and 1–4 PM |
3:30 PM |
Tuesday |
8 AM–noon and 1–4 PM |
3:30 PM |
Wednesday |
8 AM–noon and 1–3 PM |
2:30 PM |
Thursday |
8 AM–noon and 1–4 PM |
3:30 PM |
Friday |
Closed to the public |
No walk-ins |
Confirm the Property Is Inside Incorporated San Leandro
Use San Leandro when
- The parcel is inside incorporated San Leandro.
- The City’s jurisdiction map recognizes the property.
- The San Leandro portal returns the correct address.
Check Alameda County when
- The mailing address says San Leandro but the parcel is unincorporated.
- The property is close to a city boundary.
- The City portal cannot find the address.
- An older permit was issued by Alameda County.
Which San Leandro Permit Fits the Project?
Project |
Starting record |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New house, addition or major structural remodel |
Residential building permit |
Planning, structural calculations, energy, soils, CalGreen, drainage, fire and utilities |
Kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Residential remodel |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural walls and water-conserving fixtures |
Windows or exterior doors |
Residential building permit |
Sizes, safety glazing, egress, flashing, Title 24 and structural opening changes |
Deck or carport |
Building plan review |
Setbacks, site plan, foundation, framing, guardrails and drainage |
Electrical panel, EV charger or wiring |
Electrical permit |
Load calculation, service capacity, utility coordination and equipment location |
Plumbing or water-heater work |
Plumbing permit |
Gas, venting, seismic restraint, drainage and water-conserving fixtures |
HVAC replacement or ductwork |
Mechanical permit |
Electrical, HERS testing, energy forms and equipment location |
Reroof |
Residential reroof permit |
Layers, sheathing, roof material, ventilation, solar conflicts and fire classification |
Residential solar or battery storage |
PV or SolarAPP+ permit |
Licensed contractor, business license, SolarAPP eligibility and owner acknowledgement |
Accessory dwelling unit |
ADU building permit |
Zoning, utilities, flood, landslide, fees, address and separate-unit requirements |
Commercial tenant improvement or change of use |
Commercial plan review |
Planning entitlement, accessibility, occupant load, egress, Fire and Public Works |
Grading, trench or public right-of-way work |
Engineering permit |
Grading threshold, encroachment permit, drainage, utilities and erosion control |
Apply Through Accela Without Missing the Local Portal Steps
Create and fully complete the account
Register in the San Leandro Online Permit Portal and complete every account-setup step so Permit staff can locate and connect the profile.
Select “Create an Application” under Building
Use the blue question-mark help in the portal when you are unsure which record type matches the work.
Search the address using only the street number
Enter only the street number first, then select Search and allow the remaining address information to populate.
Complete the licensed-professional section
Add the contractor, architect, engineer or designer. When the owner is acting as applicant before choosing a contractor, select Look Up, choose Designer and enter Owner in the state-license field as instructed by the City.
Upload clearly named PDF files
Select Add, upload the plans and supporting records, choose the correct file type, enter a clear description and select Save.
Pay the filing and application charges
The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover and adds a 2.5% transaction charge. American Express is not accepted.
Allow 3–5 business days for intake quality check
The initial “Submitted” status means the City received the record. Permit staff must check the package before routing it for plan review.
Pay plan-check fees and respond to comments
Plan review begins after required information and plan-check fees are complete. Download the review comments, revise the full plan set and upload a numbered response.
Complete final packaging and permit issuance
Approved plans are not permission to start. Add contractor information, business-license information, signatures and final documents requested by the City, then pay issuance fees.
Print the issued permit and schedule inspections
Download the issued permit documents, keep approved plans onsite and request the first inspection through the online account.
Know What Must Happen Before Construction Begins
Build a Complete Plan Package Before Uploading
Property and zoning
- Correct jurisdiction
- Property address and parcel number
- Zoning district and permitted use
- Property lines and easements
- Setbacks and lot coverage
- Parking and access
Construction documents
- Scope and code analysis
- Existing and proposed plans
- Site plan and elevations
- Structural and foundation details
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical scope
- Energy-compliance documents
Supporting records
- Soils report when required
- CalGreen checklist
- C&D diversion form
- Flood worksheet when applicable
- Special-inspection agreement
- Owner-builder or subcontractor forms
Use the Exact City Guide for the Work
Project |
Prepare before filing |
Common delay |
|---|---|---|
Kitchen remodel |
Existing and proposed layout, appliance locations, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and structural changes |
Scope says cosmetic work while plans show wall or system changes |
Bathroom remodel |
Fixture layout, electrical, ventilation, waterproofing, plumbing and glazing information |
Relocated plumbing or changed window omitted from scope |
Windows and doors |
Opening sizes, locations, energy values, glazing, egress and flashing details |
Product data does not match the plan or existing opening |
Deck |
Site plan, dimensions, footings, framing, ledger, guards, stairs and setbacks |
Unclear attachment to house or property-line distance |
Swimming pool or spa |
Site plan, structural details, equipment, barrier, electrical and drainage information |
Easement, utility or barrier conflict |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Use, occupancy, occupant load, egress, accessibility, Fire, MEP and CalGreen documents |
Proposed business use is not approved by Planning |
Demolition |
Utility clearances, debris plan, environmental records, site restoration and replacement-project information |
Missing air-quality, hazardous-material or utility coordination |
Flood-zone construction |
Flood map, elevation information, substantial-improvement worksheet and flood-compliance design |
Project valuation submitted without all labor and material costs |
Plan for the 65% C&D Diversion Requirement
Before permit submission
- Complete the City’s C&D Diversion Submittal Plan.
- Upload the form with the building application.
- Choose Green Halo or a compliant recycling facility.
- Tell contractors where debris must be taken.
Before permit final
- Keep recycling and disposal receipts.
- Track salvaged and reused material.
- Verify at least 65% of nonhazardous waste was recycled or salvaged.
- Provide receipts to the inspector before final approval.
SB 407 May Require Water-Conserving Plumbing Fixtures
For buildings constructed on or before January 1, 1994, additions, alterations or improvements may trigger replacement of noncompliant plumbing fixtures before final permit approval or issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
- Check toilets and urinals
- Check showerheads
- Check interior faucets
- Document compliant replacements
- Coordinate plumbing permits
- Finish before final inspection
Schedule, Confirm and Prepare for San Leandro Inspections
Before requesting
- Permit is Issued or Ready for Inspection
- Correct permit number entered
- Correct inspection stage selected
- Required prior inspections passed
- Work fully ready
- Contact information current
Before the inspector arrives
- Approved plans onsite
- Permit and job documents available
- Work visible and uncovered
- Gate and rooms accessible
- Safe ladder provided
- Animals secured
Book Inspections in the Sequence Shown on the Issued Permit
Useful Current Building-Permit Fees
Selected fee |
FY 2026–27 amount |
Important note |
|---|---|---|
General permit valuation $1–$5,000 |
$547 |
Filing, plan check, technology and other charges may be additional |
Plan-check valuation $1–$5,000 |
$219 |
Plan-check fee is in addition to the permit fee |
Residential main-dwelling reroof |
$656 |
Current flat fee shown in the adopted schedule |
Accessory garage reroof with main dwelling |
$328 |
Applies when permitted at the same time |
Residential EV charger |
$328 |
One- or two-family residence |
Residential PV up to 15 kW |
$464 |
$15.45 for each additional kW over 15 kW |
Plan A residential seismic retrofit |
$83 |
For qualifying one- and two-family Plan A projects |
Earthquake gas shutoff-valve inspection |
$155 |
Per permit |
Minor residential OTC plan check |
$790 |
Confirm project eligibility with staff |
Certificate of Occupancy |
$219 minimum |
One-hour minimum under the schedule |
General Building Permit and Plan-Check Estimator
Enter the declared construction valuation. This estimates the FY 2026–27 filing, general permit and plan-check components.
Why the Invoice Is Higher Than One Permit-Fee Line
Multiple payments
The City explains that a building permit normally has at least two payments: filing and issuance first, followed by permit-issuance charges.
Plan-check payment
Projects requiring plans have a separate plan-check fee that must be paid before the package is routed for technical review.
Percentage fees
The FY 2026–27 schedule lists a 6.92% technology fee and a 10.84% community-planning fee when applicable.
Bring the Current Owner-Builder Form and Photo ID to the Permit Center
Owner-builder choice |
Your responsibility |
|---|---|
Owner-builder as worker |
You personally perform the construction work and remain responsible for permits and inspections. |
Owner-builder as contractor |
You act as general contractor and hire CSLB-licensed subcontractors with current San Leandro business licenses. |
Owner-builder as employer |
You hire persons who are not licensed subcontractors and provide required workers’ compensation insurance. |
Project supervision |
You schedule, supervise and pay workers and subcontractors and arrange every inspection. |
$1,000 employment threshold |
The June 2026 form warns that using nonlicensed workers on work totaling at least $1,000 may make you an employer. |
Sale within 12 months |
The form explains legal restrictions and possible liability when the property is offered for sale within 12 months after final completion. |
Check the Parcel Before Choosing the Pre-Reviewed ADU Route
Pre-reviewed program purpose
The City’s program is designed to accelerate permits for new detached ADUs in incorporated San Leandro.
Properties currently excluded
The pre-reviewed route is not available for parcels in a landslide zone, flood zone or nonresidential zone.
Master plans
The City is accepting master-plan applications, but the approved-master-plan section is still marked “Coming Soon.”
Impact-fee waivers
City Council waived Park Impact Fees and Development Fees for Street Improvements for all ADUs beginning in 2025.
Fees that may remain
Building, plan check, utility, wastewater connection and other project-specific charges may still apply.
Start with zoning
Use the City’s ADU tools and zoning handout before paying for complete architectural or structural plans.
Open San Leandro ADU Resources Open Pre-Reviewed ADU Program
Special Project Routes That Need Extra Screening
Instant SolarAPP+ permit
- Residential property must be in incorporated San Leandro.
- The system cannot be ballasted.
- Contractor must hold an eligible B, C-10 or C-46 license.
- Contractor needs a current San Leandro business license.
- Contractor must be registered with SolarAPP+.
- Permit runners cannot apply for the instant permit.
- Upload approved SolarAPP documents and signed owner acknowledgement.
Flood-zone project
- Check the City’s FEMA comparison map.
- Determine the 100-year flood elevation.
- Prepare the Substantial Improvement Worksheet.
- Include all labor and material costs.
- Projects at or above 50% of structure value may trigger full flood-compliance requirements.
- Substantially improved buildings may need elevation to or above flood elevation.
Earthquake retrofit
- Older raised-floor homes may qualify for strengthening resources.
- Use the City’s Plan Set A when the project qualifies.
- Hillside homeowners should contact Building and Safety directly.
- Multi-unit soft-story buildings may be subject to the City ordinance.
Grading and right-of-way work
- A grading permit may apply at 50 cubic yards or more of soil movement.
- Excavation or trenches five feet deep or more can trigger grading review.
- Work in the public right-of-way requires an encroachment permit.
- Coordinate drainage, erosion control, utilities and traffic safety.
Ask Planning Before Filing Certain Building Permits
Residential projects
Planning permits may be required for new dwelling units, some additions in RS-VP areas, additions doubling existing floor area and certain second- or third-story additions.
Commercial projects
Verify that the proposed business or occupancy is allowed and determine whether a use permit, site-plan review or other entitlement is required.
Planner-on-Duty request
Send the property address, contact information and a sketch or draft plan to help Planning provide a useful answer.
Find the Permit, Then Verify It Was Finaled
Search the online permit portal
Use the permit number when available. When scheduling an inspection, the City specifically advises entering only the permit number in the record-information field.
Open all associated records
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar, Fire, Planning and Engineering records may be separate.
Review inspection history
Finding an issued permit does not prove the work passed final inspection or received occupancy approval.
Save the approved closeout records
Keep the issued permit, approved plans, revision approvals, inspection history, final result and Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance when applicable.
Research missing records
Schedule a property-record research appointment or submit a public-record request when older plans and documents are not visible online.
Do Not Assume Old Work Is Legal Because It Already Exists
Permit-required work includes
- Construction, enlargement and alteration
- Repairs regulated by building code
- Demolition or building movement
- Change of occupancy
- Electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing changes
Possible correction steps
- Document existing conditions
- Prepare as-built plans
- Obtain Planning approval
- Open concealed work
- Complete required upgrades
- Pass all correction inspections
What the Portal Status Means
Fix Common San Leandro Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address does not populate |
Full address entered instead of street number, or wrong jurisdiction |
Enter only the street number and confirm incorporated San Leandro. |
No email after submission |
Intake quality check is still pending or account email is incorrect |
Allow five business days, check spam and email Permit staff with the record number. |
Plans are approved but work cannot start |
Final packaging, contractor information or issuance fees remain |
Complete all final-packaging requirements and confirm Issued status. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Wrong search field, permit not issued or account not linked |
Enter only the permit number and call 510-577-3405 for registration help. |
Plan review is delayed |
Plan-check fee, incomplete plans or another department’s review is pending |
Open all fees, comments and conditions and request the exact outstanding item. |
Final inspection is blocked |
C&D receipts, trade final, HERS, Fire, Planning or Public Works item is missing |
Request a complete closeout list for every associated record. |
Permit expired |
The permit was not extended before its expiration date |
Ask whether the permit can be reopened and what updated plans or inspections are required. |
Old work has no permit |
Work was performed without approval or records cannot be located |
Research records first, then ask for the legalization and inspection requirements in writing. |
What to Say When You Call or Email
“I plan to [describe exact work] at [full address and parcel number]. Is this inside City jurisdiction, which Building record should I create, and which Planning, Fire or Engineering approvals apply?”
“My application is [record number] for [address] and was submitted on [date]. Has intake review been completed, and what exact item prevents routing to plan review?”
“I received comments for [record number]. Should I upload a complete revised plan set, individual sheets, a numbered response letter or additional supporting documents?”
“I found permit [number] for [address], but I cannot confirm final approval. Which inspection, trade permit, C&D record or department sign-off remains?”
Do Not Consider the Permit Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit type selected
- Account fully completed
- Address searched by street number
- Planning and zoning cleared
- Plans and supporting forms accepted
- Plan-check comments resolved
- Contractor and business license complete
- All issuance fees paid
- Permit status shows Issued
- Approved plans kept onsite
- Inspections completed in sequence
- C&D receipts accepted
- Building and associated permits finaled
San Leandro Building and Safety Map
Entrance: Use the north entrance off Lorraine Boulevard.
Parking: North parking lot, with driveways on Peralta Street and Lorraine Boulevard.
Open the Correct San Leandro Permit Resource
San Leandro Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a San Leandro building permit?
Apply through the City’s Accela Online Permit Portal. Create an account, select Create an Application under the Building heading, enter only the property’s street number when searching the address and upload the required PDF files.
What is the San Leandro Building Department phone number?
Call Building and Safety Services at 510-577-3405. The Inspector Line is 510-577-3435, and the Permit and Plan Review contact is 510-577-3406.
What are the San Leandro Permit Center hours?
The Permit Center is open 8 AM to noon and 1 to 4 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday hours are 8 AM to noon and 1 to 3 PM. It is closed to the public on Friday and during lunch from noon to 1 PM.
How long does San Leandro plan review take?
The City first requests three to five business days for intake quality review. After the package is complete and plan-check fees are paid, initial technical review may take approximately five to 20 business days depending on complexity.
How do I schedule a San Leandro building inspection?
Log into the Online Permit Portal and schedule the inspection after the permit shows Issued or Ready for Inspection. Enter only the permit number when searching. Call 510-577-3435 between 7:30 and 8:30 AM to confirm the inspection-day window.
How much is a San Leandro building permit?
Fees depend on valuation and project type. The FY 2026–27 schedule lists a $219 filing and issuance fee, a $547 general permit fee for projects valued from $1 to $5,000 and a separate $219 plan-check fee for that valuation range. Other percentage, trade, state and development fees may apply.
Can I apply as an owner-builder?
Yes, but the owner becomes responsible for the permit, workers, subcontractors, inspections, code compliance and final approval. The completed June 2026 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and photo ID must be brought to the Permit Center.
Does San Leandro offer instant residential solar permits?
Yes, for qualifying projects submitted by eligible California-licensed contractors registered with SolarAPP+. The property must be in incorporated San Leandro, the system cannot be ballasted and the required SolarAPP documents and owner acknowledgement must be uploaded.
What happens when a flood-zone project exceeds 50% of the building value?
A reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement costing at least 50% of the structure’s market value is considered a substantial improvement. The building may need to comply with the City’s flood-damage-prevention rules, including elevation requirements.
How do I prove that an old San Leandro permit was completed?
Find the permit in the portal, review its inspections and check every related trade record. Save the final inspection result and any Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance. Request a property-record search when older plans or records are not online.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of San Leandro.
This page was checked against San Leandro Building and Safety, the Online Permit Portal, Applying for a Permit, Permit Center, Inspection Services, Permits and Plan Review, FY 2026–27 fee schedule, June 2026 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement, Planning, ADU, SolarAPP+, Floodplain Management, grading and unpermitted-work resources.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, code requirements, office schedules, portal functions and inspection availability can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with the City before filing, paying 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.