Building Permits

Most building, demolition, and home improvement projects require a building permit. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure that permits are obtained prior to beginning the work. Examples of construction projects which require building permits include:

Decks, Gazebos, and Overhead Arbors
Accessory Buildings and Structures
Pools and Spas
Kitchen and Bath Remodels
Residential Buildings - New
Residential Buildings - Addition/Alterations
Commercial Buildings - New
Commercial Buildings -
Additions/alterations

Tenant Improvements
Re-Roofs
Replacement Furnaces & Air Conditioners
Replacement Water Heaters
Replacement Patio & Exterior Doors
Replacement Windows
Re-siding of Exterior Walls
Electrical – New
Electrical – Alteration/Addition
Signs

Exceptions: Building permits are not required for the following construction projects:

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc., provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and electricity and plumbing is not to be installed. (Zoning requirements must still be met.*)

Fences six feet or less in height. (Zoning requirements must still be met.*)

Retaining walls that are 3 feet or less in height (measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall) unless supporting a sloped backfill or other surcharge such as a structure or driveway. (Zoning requirements must still be met.*)

Decks, walkways, and driveways 30 inches or less above grade. (Zoning requirements must still be met.*)

Painting, papering, and similar finish work.

* Check with the Clayton Community Development Department for applicable zoning requirements. A plot plan may be needed to determine consistency with the zoning requirements.

BUILDING PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS The contact steps to obtain a building permit are listed below.

Prior to the issuance of a building permit, construction plans and supporting documents such as structural engineering design calculations, energy design calculations, soil investigation reports, specifications and other required and related information are reviewed for compliance with applicable codes and design provisions. The cost of the building permit varies based on the type of construction work.

Step 1.           City of Clayton Community Development Department
                         6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, CA 94517
                         925-673-7340    Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,

Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.

Submit 4 copies of your construction plans. The plans are reviewed for:

Zoning compliance;

Engineering review (if required);

Stormwater permit (if required); and

Construction & demolition debris recycling plan (if required).

Step 2.           City of Concord Permit Center
                        1950 Parkside Drive, Concord, CA 94519
                         925-671-3425

The plans are reviewed for:

Sanitary sewer compliance (if required).

Step 3.   County of Contra Costa Building Inspection Department
                651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553
                General Information 925-646-2300
                Applications 925-335-1360 or 925-335-1196

The plans are reviewed for:

Construction plan check;

Payment of building permit fees; and

Issuance of building permits.

Inspection during construction.

BUILDING CODES
The following construction codes are observed by the County Building Inspection Department:

2007 California Building Code

2007 California Plumbing Code

2007 California Mechanical Code

2007 California Electrical Code

City and County Ordinances and Codes

California Contractors State License Board
Information for both homeowners and contractors.

City of Clayton Construction Demolition and Recycling Information