How to Get Permit-Ready Plans in California
A complete checklist for navigating the California building permit process — from engineering to approval. Get your project permitted without delays.
Get Permit-Ready Plans — (844) 722-3647What Documents Are Required for a Building Permit in California?
California building departments require stamped structural drawings and calculations from a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), a site plan showing the structure location, a completed permit application, and Title 24 energy compliance documentation. Hillside projects and certain foundations also require a geotechnical (soils) report. Specific forms and fees vary by city and county. Plan review typically takes 2–4 weeks.
The 7-Step Permit Process
Determine if You Need a Permit
Most structural work in California requires a building permit: new construction, additions, ADUs, load-bearing wall removal, foundation repairs, seismic retrofits, and commercial TI build-outs.
- New construction and additions
- ADUs and garage conversions
- Structural modifications and wall removal
- Foundation repair and retrofit
Hire a Licensed Structural Engineer
California building departments require stamped plans and calculations from a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Verify the engineer's license at search.dca.ca.gov.
- Verify PE license on BPELSG
- Ensure engineer is experienced in your project type
- Confirm they provide stamped, sealed plans
- Check they know your local building department
Obtain a Geotechnical Report (If Required)
Hillside construction, expansive soils, and some foundations require a soils report from a geotechnical engineer. Your structural engineer can coordinate this.
- Required for hillside and slope construction
- Required for expansive or unstable soils
- Provides bearing capacity and lateral pressure data
- Coordinated between structural and geotechnical engineers
Prepare Stamped Structural Plans & Calculations
Your engineer prepares foundation plans, framing plans, seismic calculations, and all required structural documents stamped and sealed per California Building Code (CBC).
- Foundation plan and details
- Framing plan with load calculations
- Seismic design calculations per CBC
- Energy compliance documentation (Title 24)
Submit to Your Local Building Department
Submit your stamped plans, calculations, site plan, and application forms to the building department in the city or county where the property is located. Pay permit fees.
- Complete building permit application
- Submit stamped plans and calculations
- Pay plan review and permit fees
- Provide site plan and project scope
Plan Review & Correction Notices
The building department reviews your plans (typically 2–4 weeks). If corrections are needed, they issue a correction notice. Your engineer addresses each item and resubmits.
- Review takes 2–4 weeks typically
- Correction notices are common and normal
- Engineer addresses each correction item
- Resubmit revised plans for approval
Permit Issued & Construction Begins
Once approved, the building department issues your permit. Construction can begin. Required inspections occur at defined stages (foundation, framing, final).
- Permit card posted on site
- Inspections scheduled at key stages
- Engineer may provide field observation
- Final inspection and permit closeout
Required Documents Checklist
- Stamped structural drawings (signed and sealed by CA-licensed PE)
- Structural calculations (load analysis, seismic design)
- Foundation plan and details
- Framing plan and details
- Site plan showing property lines and structure location
- Building permit application (jurisdiction-specific form)
- Title 24 energy compliance documentation
- Geotechnical/soils report (when applicable)
- Contractor license number and insurance documentation
- Plan review and permit fees
Need Permit-Ready Plans?
We handle the entire permit process — from stamped engineering plans to building department submittal and correction notices. Get your project permitted fast.
- Stamped plans accepted by all CA building departments
- We handle correction notices and resubmittals
- Express 24–72 hour inspection appointments & reports
- Licensed CA engineers (License #C 98780)
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