Building Permits

Building permits are important in protecting your safety and the safety of those around you. The City of Modesto requires permits so that it can ensure that construction is being done properly and in accordance with all life safety requirements and all building codes.

How do I get a Permit During Covid-19?

• For HVAC, Reroof, Electrical Panel Change out, & Water Heaters – customers can use our online permitting system. Homeowner’s can use this as well with the exception of the electrical permit.
• Contractors must have a “trade specific” license (i.e.: C39 Reroof) – a contractor with a “B” license is not able to set up an account.
• Contractors will need to provide the Contractor Authorization Form before we approve the online request for the account.
• Once approved permit can be pulled directly online and paid online.
• Projects like “solar” should send plans to permits@modestogov.com . These are typically generated in 3 or 4 business days. They should follow the instruction handout for solar submittals.
• Larger projects with plans – Send only the application to the permits@modestogov.com (This could be for TI’s, Pools, Storage Building’s etc.)

Once we create the permit number in our system, the Permit Techs will respond to the customer with the Permit Information and the link to upload load plans to our cloud “INBOX”.

Permits Eligible for Online Submittal

Important Note Before Submitting Permits Online   

This portal is for residential only. Homeowners and/or contractors with the licenses listed below can use this portal to pull the following permits:

• Water heater replacements and reroof permits - Restricted to Homeowners. 
• HVAC, electrical services, water heaters and reroofs - Restricted to Contractors with the following licenses (C10 – Electrical, C20-HVAC, C36 – Water Heater Only, C39 – Reroof ). 

Apply for your permit online by accessing our Permits portal.

Other Permits

All other permits and Contractor’s with a “B” or other licenses, click here to submit an application.

Submit Building Plans

For most projects, you will need to submit building plans. The requirements for submitting building plans varies by what type of project you are working on.

The following links contain specific requirements when submitting building plans:

• Commercial Building Tenant Improvements
• New Commercial/Multifamily Building
• New Residential Home
• Residential Remodel

Where to submit plans: 

Building Safety
1010 Tenth Street, 3rd Floor
Modesto, CA 95354

Get Directions

If you have questions regarding this process, please call 209-577-5232.

Please Note: You will be required to pay a Pre-Plan Check Fee at this time. Staff will inform you of the amount at the time you submit your building plans.

Paying Fees

Once your plans are approved, you will need to pay for any plan review costs, building permits or other fees that may apply to your project.

Please visit our Fees page for current fees to review the fees required for your permit.

Where to go: 

Building Safety
1010 Tenth Street, 3rd Floor
Modesto, CA 95354

Get Directions

If you have questions regarding this process, please call 209-577-5232.

Permit Issuance

When your plans are approved and at the time you pay your fees, the Building Safety Division will issue the required permits for your project.

Schedule Inspections

Before covering up or building over any permitted work, you will need to call and request an inspection. Inspections are required to ensure that all work was completed correctly, based on building and safety codes currently in effect.

If an encroachment permit was required for your project, schedule off-site inspections with the Public Works Department at 209-342-2284.

Visit the Building Inspection page to get more information about scheduling an inspection.

Completion

After your final inspection, your project will be considered complete.