County building permit guide
Contra Costa County, California building permits — complete guide (2026)
Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development accepts Building, Planning, and Public Works applications through its online ePermits Center. Incorporated cities such as Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Pittsburg use separate permit offices.
Avg cost: $150–$900+
Processing: 2–8+ weeks
~14K permits/yr
~1.2M residents
$150–$900+Avg permit cost
2–8+ weeksProcessing time
~14,000Permits/year
ADU-friendly; city-dependentADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Contra Costa County, California permit?
County system applies to county jurisdiction. Cities maintain separate building departments.
Apply through Contra Costa ePermits Center ↗
Contra Costa County, California Building Department
Yes — 100% digital application submittal for Building, Planning, and Public Works permits
Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development — Building Permits
(925) 655-2700
Mon–Fri business hours; verify current counter hours
30 Muir Rd, Martinez, CA 94553
Contra Costa ePermits Center / Accela
Contra Costa County has a digital application process for county Building, Planning, and Public Works permits. Confirm whether your parcel is in county jurisdiction or an incorporated city before applying.
Permit fees — Contra Costa County, California, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$2,000 | 3–7 weeks | All-electric in some cities; CalGreen; fire materials in hillside zones |
| ADU | $250–$1,100 | 2–5 weeks | State law applies; streamlined forms; Walnut Creek popular ADU area |
| Roofing | $150–$450 | 1–2 weeks | VHFHSZ hillside: Class A + ember-resistant vents |
| Room Addition | $350–$1,500 | 2–5 weeks | Seismic requirements; fire materials in hillside zones |
| Pool | $350–$1,000 | 3–6 weeks | Barrier fence required; popular in Danville/Walnut Creek |
| Solar | $100–$300 | 1–2 weeks | SolarAPP+ accepted; high solar in inland areas |
| Electrical | $100–$300 | 1–2 weeks | EV charger permits growing rapidly in suburbs |
| HVAC | $100–$280 | 1–2 weeks | All-electric in some cities; heat pump for new construction |
| Deck / Patio | $175–$600 | 2–4 weeks | Fire-resistant decking in VHFHSZ |
| Fence | $75–$200 | 1–2 weeks | Fire-rated fencing in some hillside zones |
How to get a permit in Contra Costa County, California
1
Identify city department
Concord, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Antioch all have their own. Confirm at county GIS.
2
Check fire hazard zone
Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, parts of Danville are VHFHSZ. Check CAL FIRE maps.
3
Seismic considerations
Hayward Fault extends into western CCC; Concord-Green Valley Fault through central county. SDC D throughout.
4
Apply online
CCC and most cities accept online applications. Simple permits often issued same-day.
5
Delta/bay flood zones
Western CCC near bay and delta have FEMA flood zones.
6
Schedule inspections
Online. Most trade inspections within 1–3 business days.
Jurisdictions within Contra Costa County, California
Special zone requirements
Very High Fire Hazard Zone
Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Danville hills
Chapter 7A: ignition-resistant siding, Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents.
Hayward/Concord Fault
Western and central county
Two active faults. SDC D throughout. Liquefaction risk in bay-margin soils.
SF Bay/Delta Zone
Western county waterfront
FEMA flood zones along bay. BCDC review may be needed for shoreline work.
Frequently asked questions — Contra Costa County, California
Fire requirements in Orinda/Moraga?
VHFHSZ — Chapter 7A: ignition-resistant siding, Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, 5-ft noncombustible zone. Defensible space legally required.
CCC ADU permitting?
60-day approval for ADUs under 850 sq ft. Pre-approved plans available. JADU permits for converting existing space.
Pool permit in Walnut Creek/Danville?
Building + electrical + gas permits. Barrier fence plan required. 3–5 weeks processing. HOA approval often needed first.
Bay-front property special rules?
BCDC review may be needed for shoreline work. FEMA flood zones require elevation certificates and flood-resistant construction.
Official sources: Contra Costa County Permit Information; ePermits Center; 2025 California Building Standards Code; 2025 California Energy Code; U.S. Census BPS.