Permits required 
The California Building Code requires that 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 the California Building Code (CBC), California Mechanical Code (CMC), California Plumbing Code (CPC), California Fire Code (CFC), the California Electric Code (CEC), or the California Energy Code (CEC), or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit for each building or structure.

For the Building Permit Application, click here. The fields are editable in Adobe Reader, so you can type in your information, print the document, and bring it in when you apply for a permit.

For an owner to allow another person or agency to obtain permits for their property, they will need to fill out the Agent Authorization Form.

Contractors can now apply for their Building Permits Online! Learn more about Solano County's Online Building Permit System!

Some examples of projects requiring permits are as follows:

• Decks 
• Room Additions
• Swimming Pools
• Water Heater Replacement
• Furnace/Air Conditioners
• Sewer Repair/Replacement
• Reroof of Structures
• Patios & Decks
• Any and all Electrical Work
• Any and all Plumbing Work
• Retaining Walls over 4 ft. in height (including foundation)
• Accessory Buildings
• Mobile Modular Manufactured Homes
• Building Permit Process

Permits Exempted
Some examples of work not requiring permits are:

1. On-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Fences not over 7 feet high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of the height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1. Any piping to or from the tank requires a plumbing permit.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inshes from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height. Counters for commercial or industrial operations require permits. 

Unless otherwise exempted by this code, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.


Required Drawings and Reports

Minimum Plan Checklist

The following may be a deferred submittal:

• Fire Sprinkler Plans
• Roof Truss Calculations

Deferred submittals shall be submitted to the project engineer who shall review the documents and provide a written statement on the documents informing the Building and Safety Division that they have reviewed the documents and that they have found them to be in complaince with the general design of the building. The engineer of record shall then provide their signature after the statement and the documents can then be subbmitted to the Building & Safety Division for review and approval.

Submit Four (4) sets of the following drawings are required, if applicable:

Sheet Sizes/Scale - 8 1/2"x 11" or larger plan sheets are required. Plot plan scale to be sized to show overall property, if less than 1/8"/ft. scale, an enlargement of the building site to at least 1/8" scale is required. Detail is to be at least 1/2" scale, all other views a minimum 1/4" scale. Number each sheet, example: sheet 1 of 8, 2 of 8, etc.

Site Plan - This plan is a view of the entire property. Clearly show and dimension to scale all property lines, easements, setbacks, roads, drainage away from the building, existing structures, proposed structures, retaining walls, water well(s), septic system(s), LP tank(s), streams, north arrow, scale, owner name, name of person preparing plans and project address. Additions and/or areas of remodel shall be shaded and/or cross hatched in relation to overall building.  

Sample Site Plan

Foundation Plan - Provide layout of foundation to scale. Show perimeter and interior bearing footings, slab, piers, stairs and fireplaces. Show details of each foundation section indicating size, reinforcement and sill plate attachment.

Floor Framing Plan - Provide sheathing thickness, size, grade, spacing and layout of all framing members. Provide wet stamped and signed manufactured truss plan(s) and layout if applicable. Show details of all connections, components, attachments, anchorage, etc.

Roof Framing Plan - Provide sheathing thickness, size, grade, spacing and layout of all framing members. Provide wet stamped and signed manufactured truss plan(s) and layout if applicable. Show details of all connections, components, attachments, anchorage, etc.

Floor Plan - Show all interior and exterior walls, doors, windows, stairways, fireplaces, closets, counters, attic/underfloor access, plumbing fixtures (water heaters, toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, dishwashers, clothes washer/dryer, stove top, oven, etc.). Show location and layout of HVAC system. Show all electrical outlets, switches, lights, smoke detectors and electric panel(s). For additions and alterations, graphically show new, existing, and removed components. Each room or space shall be labeled to reflect its intended use.

Elevations - Show the elevations being changed. Show all exterior features such as the style of the building, doors, windows, decks, finishes, patios, chimneys, trims, etc.

Energy Forms - Energy forms shall be submitted as an entire package for any alteration or addition to the envelope, lighting, or mechanical system of a building or structure regulated for energy efficiency by the California Energy Commission. This includes change-outs of existing mechanical systems. For residential projects the CF-1r's and CF-4R's shall be made a permanent part of the plans. For commercial projects the ENV's, LTG-1's and MECH-1's shall be made a permanent part of the plans. Forms shall be signed by the owner and designer.

Soils Report -and analysis with foundation design criteria (foundation type, soil load limits, etc.) may be required for all new structures.

Example of Construction Plans