Frequently Asked Questions

Submit appropriate application and if required, related plan (drawn to a measurable scale) and supplemental documents, in pdf format, electronically at https://actonline.saccounty.gov​. Login or register for an account to log in. If you have questions regarding the portal, please contact Principal Building Inspector, Ryan Rudolph at rudolphr@saccounty.gov. 

If you would like a step-by-step development assistant to determine appropriate plans, supporting documents and forms for your RESIDENTIAL submittal, use our Development Navigation Assistant​.​​

Use our Development Navigation Assistant for a custom step-by-step printable guide to determine appropriate plans, supporting documents, and forms required for the permit process.

Yes, for certain Residential only applications. Permits can be applied for electronically and issued automatically when permit payment has been made. The following Residential applications can be automatically issued online:

• Residential heating and cooling (new install or replacement)
• Residential electrical panel repair or replacement
• Residential re-roof (no structural changes)
• Residential sewer line repair or replacement
• Residential water heater

Residential solar permit or solar with ESS using SOLARAPP (this is for contractor use only)

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

This information is intended to be used as a general guide. When determining whether or not a building permit is required, refer to Section 105 of the California Building Code (CBC) and/or the California Residential Code (CRC) or consult directly with the Sacramento County Division of Building Permits and Inspection.

Projects that require a permit. Typical projects include, but not limited to:

• Additions / Alterations
• Ceiling fans / Lights
• Change of Use or Occupancy
  
• Deck (*)
  
• Electrical panel, circuit​
  
• EV Charging Station
• Fences (over 7’ in height)
• Fireplace and Inserts​
  
• Garage Conversion
• Gas Line
• Heating and Cooling System
• Kitchen/Bath remodel
• Outdoor Kitches
• New homes, building, ADU
• Patio Cover, Porch, Enclosure
• Photovoltaic (solar) systems
• Racking (HPS)
• Re-roof
• Retaining wall*
• Room Addition
• Sewer (new or replacement)
• Shed*
• Shower/tub encl replacement
• Siding / Stucco
• Signs
• Skylight
• Solar for Swimming Pool
• Swimming Pool/Spa
• Tenant Improvement
• Termite / Dryrot repair (*)
• Water Heater
• Water Service
• Whole house fan
• Window replacement (cut in or retrofit)​

Inspection scheduling options:

• Online via 

  https://actonline.saccounty.net/CitizenAccess/​

• Call 916-875-5296 using menu options
• Send a Text Message to 855-280-5383. Enter one of the following into your text message: Schedule, Cancel, Reschedule, or Results for what action you need.

Inspection Codes​

Next day inspection, if availab​​le, you must schedule by 5 p.m. the previous day.​​​

To submit a revision to an issued permit, navigate to https://actonline.saccounty.gov/CitizenAccess/ and sign in. Once signed in, choose “Apply for Building Permit" and make selection under Commercial or Residential “Revision to Currently Issued Permit" and follow online prompts.  

What You Need:

• In the description indicate the permit number you are revising and detail revision(s).
• Upload revised sheet(s) and/or supplemental documents as an attachment when prompted. Plan sheet(s) should have clouding around revised information, accompanied by a revision checklist noting revision per sheet number.
• Revised sheet(s) or documents should be free of any prior approval stamps or notations.
• This process is NOT to be used with SolarApp.

Questions regarding production home application submittal should be directed to BPIDProductionHomes@saccounty.gov​.

Online Option:

• All plan re​​view and/or permit fees will be paid online through the Citizen Access Portal at https://actonline.saccounty.gov/CitizenAccess/​​. Sign into your account, and “Search for a Building Permit” then locate the “Record Number” and under “Actions” select “Pay Fees Due”.​​

​Downtown Location:

• Full C​​ashier services are available at this location until 4 p.m. daily.​ 

Goethe Location:​  

• ​​No Cashier at t​​his location. Credit card payments are made via your phone using the portal or the kiosk on site. Payment via check collected and processed offsite. 
• No Cash payments accepted at this location. Cash payments can be m​​ade at 10481 Armstrong Ave, Rancho Cordova.​

Visit the Board of Appeals webpage​.

Work cannot commence until a valid building permit accompanied by an approved, stamped plan and documents are issued.​​​

A Special Inspection as herein required of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards. Examples of items that would require a Special Inspection​ but not limited to would be Field Welding, High Strength Bolting, High Strength Concrete, Epoxy Anchors.

The easiest way is to use the automated inspection request system. To schedule an inspection for the next work day, you must schedule ​before 5:00 p.m.​ The system is available to callers seven days a week at 916 875-5296.​

You must be a registered user and logged into your account to schedule inspections and select the correct inspection code.

1. Register for an account in the online permit services system.
   
2. Log to your new account.
   
3. "Search" for your Permit Case. 
4. Scroll down & click on the underlined permit number.
5. In the inspections section; Click the "Schedule" option to the right.
   
6. Select AM or PM but times are not guaranteed.

Enter any special notes and a contact number and click the "Schedule Inspection" button.

No, We cannot schedule a specific time for your inspection. The inspector may be able to give you a window of time that he or she will be there. It is advised you call the inspector directly the morning of the inspection.

Home projects:

• Once your inspector signs off the completed work, the building permit and project are complete. Your signed job card for final is your Certificate of Occupancy for Residential projects only.
• Keep all plans, supplemental documents, signed job card and permit of your project in the event you sell your home or refinance.

Commercial Projects may receive a signed Certificate of Occupancy.

At the time of inspection, have the following items available on-site:

• Access to the area of work (animals secured)
  
• Approved, stamped set of construction plans and supplemental documents (if applicable)
  
• An OSHA approved ladder to access roof or attic (if applicable)
  
• Permit, Inspection Card and other supporting documents included with permit package

• Construct the project as per your approved, stamped construction building plan.
• Call for an inspection before placing concrete or “covering" any aspect of construction and moving to the next stage of construction.
• Be sure your work phase is complete and ready for inspection before scheduling appointment.
• Inspection sequence will vary based on construction type and scope of work. Communicate with your field inspector for the appropriate inspection schedule.