Building permits can be applied for in-person at the Permit Center or through other online services. During the current public health emergency presented by COVID-19, we encourage the use of online resources when possible.
We are also available to assist customers by telephone and email. For additional information and assistance from the Community Development Department, please Contact Us.
For city-wide updates, please visit the City of Stockton Updates webpage.
The Express Review Program is a personalized service to expedite building permits for residential homeowners, small businesses, and contractors. Building permits that meet the criteria are listed on the Building Express Review Form.
Residential Tuesday helps expedite permit processing for homeowner improvement projects.
Commercial Wednesday helps expedite permit processing for tenant improvement projects for small businesses. Customers meet one-on-one with City staff to process smaller tenant improvement and residential improvement building applications.
Scheduled appointments – available every Tuesday and Wednesday – ensure applicants can meet with City Building and Planning Department staff directly to review and process improvement applications.
Community Development staff also help customers connect with other agencies responsible for approving building permits (including Fire Department, Utilities, and Public Works.)
Construction projects typically require a building permit, plan check, and inspections. Building permits are required when any type of construction that will change or add structure to an existing property and for work regulated by City codes or ordinances, such as:
When submitting a building permit, you must complete a BuildingPermitApplication.
Please Contact Us for project estimates.
Construction can begin only after the permit is issued and must commence within 180 days. Construction may not stop completely for more than 180 days. If these time periods are exceeded, the permit will automatically expire and a new application for a building permit is necessary.
Any questions about the Permit Process?
Contact Us or email us using Ask Stockton.
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This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 11/10/2021