Frequently Asked Questions

Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed project, completeness of the submitted plans and documents, and volume of projects waiting to be plan checked. Periodically check your Accela account for status updates.

The building permit fees can be paid online, in person at the counter or pay mailing a check.

The stamped approved plans will be delivered to the GoPost portal after the building permit is issued.

The SJ County Planning Division assigns address to all properties located in the San Joaquin County jurisdiction. The address shown on the permit is the address assigned by the Planning department. We have been advised by PG&E that the homeowner needs to contact PG&E to have the address changed to match the SJ County recognized address. They can contact PG&E at 1-877-743-4112.

Permit applications that require plans can be submitted to the San Joaquin County GoPost portal https://www.sjgov.org/commdev/cgi-bin/cdyn.exe?grp=building&htm=gopost

Call 209-468-2098 and request to speak to Building Division Plans Examiner.

The cost of a permit depends on the scope of work for the proposed project.

You can check the status of your permit by going to the San Joaquin County website or the GoPost portal.

The Current Codes, as amended and adopted by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors as of January 1, 2023, are the 2022 California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Parts 1-12.

If changes or modifications are desired to the approved design the Building Division must approve the modifications prior to alteration. Your design professional will need to submit revised plans to the Building Division for approval.

  • Unlicensed Persons are limited to the design of:
    • Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and/or including basement in height.
    • Garages or other structures appurtenant to dwellings, of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
    • Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood frame construction.
    • Nonstructural store fronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment including nonstructural work necessary to provide for their installation.
  • Structural Engineers have no Limitations; may design any building of any type.
  • Civil Engineers may design any building except hospitals or schools.
  • Architects may design any type building except the structural portion of a hospital.

Go the Contractors State License Board web site and you can search for your contractor: Link to CSLB website https://www.cslb.ca.gov/

Yes, if the existing frame and sill are being altered or removed.

Yes, all structures repairing or replacing 200 square feet or more of roofing material will need to obtain a permit.

If no part of the deck is higher than 30" above adjacent grade or a landing for a door, a building permit is not required.

Wood fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit. A fence constructed of concrete masonry units (CMU), precast panels or brick would require a permit.

A one story detached accessory structure to be used for a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use with a floor area of 120 square feet or less and a maximum height of 15 feet does not required a building permit. Please contact the Planning Division for zoning regulations. Electrical or plumbing work within detached accessory structures will require permits.

Yes. The contractor or other adult (at least 18 yrs old) with knowledge of the project must be on site during inspection.

Please refer to the following Inspection Request information web page here (link to inspection).

  • Comp to Comp - Final Only
  • Pitched Title to Comp – Roof Sheathing & Final
  • Flat Roof (TPO or Torch Down) – Pre-Inspection, Insulation, Final (Down Spout, Gutters & Paint)
  • 18” Grass – No Traffic
  • 24” Traffic Area to top of conduit.

Quality Insulation Installation.

Prior to inspection by San Joaquin County.

Call the Building Inspector the morning of the inspection between 7-8 am for a estimated window time for arrival.

  • Need written permission at each inspection if no one is on site
  • Person needs to be over 18