Homeowners

Did you know that in California no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official?

Building Permits for Homeowners

Building permits help verify that work complies with current building codes for safe and habitable homes and buildings. Placer County issues permits for projects in the unincorporated areas of the County. Please contact your local city or town if your project is within city limits of the following communities:

• Auburn
• Colfax
• Lincoln
• Loomis
• Roseville
• Rocklin

Get Your Building Permit

Here are general steps that homeowners in the unincorporated area of Placer County need to take when making home improvements:

1. Understand the benefits and financial risks of Owner-Builder permits (PDF) before applying for your building permit. If you decide to be an Owner-Builder, review the rest of the applicable information on this page. You may want to work with a licensed contractor or design professional to plan, design, and complete your project.
2. Download and review the Single-Family Residence Information pamphlet (PDF), which provides useful information on how to obtain a building permit.
3. Determine the jurisdiction (PDF) for your building permit. Projects in city limits require permits from the city, not the county.
4. Plan out your project and make sure the work will meet current building codes. Many projects will require written plans and other required documents (depending on the type of project) before a permit can be issued, and may require a plan review.
5. Apply for a building permit for your project.
6. Schedule inspections during your project.

Other Information for Homeowners

• Assembly Bill 2335 - Owner-Builder Permits (PDF)
• Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, verify the contractor’s license information and see if any complaints are on file. The Contractors State License Board has additional information to read before you hire a licensed contractor.
• Keep your swimming pool safe by understanding Pool Enclosure / Fencing Requirements (PDF) and the Swimming Pool Safety Act (PDF).
• Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Agent Authorization (PDF)
• Protect your home against wildfires with defensible space and a wildfire action plan.
• Residential Laundry Gray Water Disposal System (PDF)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (PDF) save lives and are required in most homes.

Selling a House?

If any work was done on your house without a permit, you must obtain After-the-Fact Building Permits (PDF) for the work that was done.