County building permit guide
Sacramento County, California building permits — complete guide (2026)
Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection handles permits for unincorporated areas and accepts electronic plans through its online permitting process. The City of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and other cities operate separate systems.
Avg cost: $125–$800+
Processing: 2–8+ weeks
~16K permits/yr
~1.6M residents
$125–$800+Avg permit cost
2–8+ weeksProcessing time
~16,000Permits/year
ADU-friendly; city-dependentADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Sacramento County, California permit?
County Building Permits and Inspection serves unincorporated Sacramento County. Cities operate separate building departments.
Apply or search through Sacramento Public Permit Portal ↗
Sacramento County, California Building Department
Yes
Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection Division
(916) 875-5599
Mon–Fri business hours; verify current counter hours
827 7th St, Room 102, Sacramento, CA 95814
Sacramento Public Permit Portal / Accela Citizen Access
Confirm city versus unincorporated county jurisdiction. Sacramento County accepts electronic plan submittal and review for building projects, but incorporated cities use their own permit counters and online portals.
Permit fees — Sacramento County, California, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$2,000 | 3–7 weeks | CalGreen; valley heat energy requirements; flood zone compliance |
| ADU | $200–$900 | 2–5 weeks | Strong ADU program; 60-day rule; flood zone ADUs need elevation |
| Solar | $100–$280 | 1–2 weeks | High solar resource; SolarAPP+ accepted; all new homes require solar |
| HVAC | $100–$280 | 1–2 weeks | Heat pump water heaters for new construction; valley climate zone |
| Roofing | $125–$400 | 1–2 weeks | Cool roof requirements in Climate Zone 12 |
| Pool | $300–$800 | 2–4 weeks | Barrier fence required; flood zone drainage plan may be needed |
| Room Addition | $300–$1,200 | 2–5 weeks | Heat pump requirements; flood zone additions need flood venting |
| Electrical | $100–$280 | 1–2 weeks | Panel upgrades common; EV charger permits growing |
| Deck / Patio | $150–$450 | 2–4 weeks | Flood zone decks require elevated construction |
| Grading | $200–$500 | 2–4 weeks | Flood zone grading requires Flood Control District review |
How to get a permit in Sacramento County, California
1
Check flood zone
Extensive FEMA flood zones along rivers. Check FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Flood zone = elevation certificate + flood-resistant construction.
2
Confirm jurisdiction
Many residents are in Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, etc. Only unincorporated areas use county. Check GIS portal.
3
Apply via PERMIT$ Online
Handles applications, fees, and tracking. Simple permits (HVAC, re-roof) often approved same-day.
4
Plan review
2–4 weeks typical. Express review available for a fee.
5
Flood zone compliance
Plans must show flood vents, electrical above BFE, flood-resistant materials below BFE.
6
Inspections
Most trade inspections within 1–2 business days.
Jurisdictions within Sacramento County, California
Special zone requirements
FEMA Flood Zones
Sacramento River, American River, Natomas Basin
Extensive flood zones. Elevation certificates required. Flood-resistant construction below Base Flood Elevation.
Climate Zone 12 (Hot-Dry)
Sacramento Valley floor
Hot, dry summers. Cool roof reflectance required. Solar mandate for new construction. Heat pump water heaters required.
Delta Zone
Western Sacramento County
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Waterfront permit requirements. Subsidence issues in reclaimed delta land.
Frequently asked questions — Sacramento County, California
What if my property is in a flood zone?
Elevation certificate required. Mechanical equipment must be above Base Flood Elevation. Flood insurance required. Flood Control District reviews permits.
Sacramento ADU permitting?
60-day approval for ADUs under 850 sq ft. Pre-approved plans available. Fee waivers in some cases. Flood zone ADUs need elevation compliance.
Cool roof requirements?
Climate Zone 12 requires high solar reflectance and thermal emittance for low-slope roofs. Reduces cooling loads in Sacramento's hot summers.
Solar permit requirements?
Building + electrical permit required. SolarAPP+ accepted for instant digital approval. Cost typically $100–$200.
Official sources: Sacramento County Building Permits & Inspection; Sacramento Public Permit Portal; 2025 California Building Standards Code; 2025 California Energy Code; U.S. Census BPS.