What's Required and How to Submit:

Guidance and Submittal Requirements for Plan Review

This tab is designed to assist you in determining whether a permit is needed for your project, to help clarify the type of project you're applying for, and to outline the requirements for submission. Please read the information carefully to ensure you have everything ready when you submit your application.

Exemptions From Permits

How Long Do I Have?

The Application
The permit application remains valid for 365 days, so it's important to monitor the date to prevent any issues as the expiration approaches. Once it expires, the application cannot be renewed; you will need to submit a new one. Extensions may only be granted if a governmental agency causes a delay, and only for the duration of that delay. If you reapply within six months and your initial application was ready for issuance, you may be eligible for fee credits. Additionally, any plans and documents submitted will be discarded 180 days after the submission date if not collected from the Building Department.

The Plan Review
We review plans in the order they are received, so our turnaround time may vary. When you submit your application, please review the checklist of required information and confirm that all documentation is included. Providing all necessary information during the plan review is essential to avoid unnecessary delays. If your application is incomplete, you will be notified by mail, and you will lose your place in line. Once we receive all the required information, your application will be re-entered into the review queue, but the effective date will be based on the date of the new submission.

The Permit
- The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you are unable to complete your project within this timeframe, you may renew your permit twice, each time for an additional year, provided that construction has been progressing appropriately with approved inspections. A renewal fee will apply, based on the percentage of progress made. If four years prove inadequate for construction, you can reactivate the permit under a new number, which will involve a review of the project's progress.

Building/ Permitting FAQs

Building Permits

  1. What is a building permit?
    • A building permit is an official approval issued by a local government that allows you to proceed with construction or remodeling on your property.
  2. Why do I need a building permit?
    • Building permits ensure that your project complies with local building codes and safety regulations, protecting both the property owner and the community.
  3. What types of projects require a building permit?
    • Major renovations, new construction, electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes typically require permits. 

Application Process

  1. How do I apply for a building permit?
    • You need to submit an application form along with plans, specifications, and any required fees to the building department. You may find specific submittal requirements under our checklists and guidance page.
  2. How long does it take to get a building permit?
    • Processing times can vary widely depending on the complexity of the project and the local jurisdiction, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
  3. Can I start construction before I receive my permit?
    • No, you must wait until your permit is approved before beginning any construction work.
  4. How long is my building permit valid?
    • Every permit issued by the Building Official shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed, with a final inspection approval and a certificate of occupancy, where required by the building code, within two years from date of issuance.
    • Permits affected by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are exempt from the foregoing expiration and are governed by TRPA regulations in effect regarding permit expiration and reissuance. These exception permits will be found exclusively within the Lake Tahoe basin.

Costs and Fees

  1. How much does a building permit cost?
    • Permit fees vary by location and project type. Building Permit Fees are calculated according to Board of Supervisors (insert resolution). Some sample fees are provided under our fees page. Most smaller trade permits are based on the job valuation, whereas new construction/ structural work is based off square footage.
  2. Are there any additional costs associated with obtaining a permit?
    • Yes, additional costs may include impact fees, EDCOE Schools fees, and any necessary revisions to your plans.

Compliance and Inspections

  1. What happens if I fail an inspection?
    • If you fail an inspection, you will be informed of the issues and are required to correct them before a re-inspection can occur.
  2. What inspections are required during the construction process?
    • Inspections can include foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, sheetrock and final inspections, depending on the project scope.

Grading Permits and Inspections

If your project requires a grading permit, grading inspections must be completed and the initial grading work cleared before any building construction inspections can take place.

Building Inspections

  • Foundation Inspection: Conducted once excavation for footings is complete, and the footing forms, reinforcing steel, and structural embedments are in place, but before any concrete is poured. Separate inspections for underground electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work are also needed.
  • Exterior Shear Inspection: Occurs when all exterior shear elements are installed and properly nailed, and all required hardware (straps, clips, holdowns, ties, and caps) is in place.
  • Roof Sheathing Inspection: Takes place after all roof framing members are installed and the plywood or other sheathing is complete, along with any necessary strapping.
  • Wood Framing Inspection: Conducted when all roof, wall, and floor framing, fire blocking, draft stopping, and all pipes, chimneys, vents, and ductwork are in place, but before any work is covered. This inspection will not be approved until rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections are completed.
  • Insulation Inspection: Required when all thermal insulation is in place but before it is concealed. Inspectors will verify compliance with state energy requirements as stated in the approved plans.
  • Lath and/or Gypsum Board Inspection: Occurs after all lath and gypsum board is installed but before any stucco is applied or before the joints and fasteners of gypsum board are taped and finished.
  • Reinforced Masonry Inspection: Takes place in grouted masonry before any units are laid. All steel must be tied and ready for the concrete foundation pour. A grout inspection is required after the units are laid, and a final inspection is needed after the cells are grouted and the cap is installed.
  • Structural Steel Inspection: Conducted when structural steel members are in place and required connections are complete, but before any members or connections are concealed. Certificates of Compliance must be provided to the City Inspector.
  • Re-roof Inspection: Involves sheathing inspection and final building inspection.

Electrical Inspections

  • Underground: Conducted after conduit or cable has been installed in the trench but before covering.
  • Rough Wiring: Required before any part of the work is concealed and prior to the framing inspection. Telephone, television, intercom, security, doorbell, and thermostat cables must be in place for this inspection. Compliance with Title 24 Requirements for Residential Lighting will be checked.
  • Final Inspection: Conducted when all fixtures, appliances, and systems are installed and connected.

Plumbing Inspections

  • Underground or Sub-Floor Plumbing: Required after the material is installed and tested, including sewer connections. A sewer cap inspection is needed for demolition projects.
  • Rough Plumbing: Conducted before any work is concealed (including shower pan hot mop), prior to the framing inspection and after roofing is installed.
  • Gas Piping Test: Required after lath or gypsum board installation.
  • Shower Pan Inspection: Conducted to ensure proper installation.
  • Final Inspection: Required after all fixtures are installed and connected.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Inspections

  • Underground/Sub-Floor Duct Inspection: Checked before any part of the work is concealed.
  • Rough Inspection: Conducted before any part of the work is concealed, including metal fireplace rough inspections, prior to the framing inspection and after roofing installation.
  • Final Inspection: Occurs when all appliances and equipment are in place and connected. A performance test may be required.

Final Inspection

Request a final inspection once construction is complete. All external surfaces must be painted or sealed, weather-stripping installed on new windows and doors, and all electrical and plumbing fixtures must be in place. Interior finishes like painting, wallpapering, or carpeting are not required to be complete.

Additionally, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed as mandated by the latest edition of the California Residential Code.

Permit Status and Permit/Parcel History

  1. Is my permit/plans ready to be issued?
    • Check our online permitting system: eTrakit.
      1. If you encounter any issues with eTrakit, please email us at etrakit@edcgov.us.
    • For assistance in understanding the status, feel free to call us at 530-621-5315.
  2. How can I view and obtain records for a property?
    • You can view permit history on our etrakit system and see what is viewable online.
    • You may also submit a Parcel Research Request (attach form)
All construction shall comply with current codes and ordinances.

Information is exclusive of the Tahoe Basin. Special Conditions apply to the Tahoe Basin.