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First Time Applying for a Building Permit
We understand that navigating the process of obtaining a building permit can be complex and potentially overwhelming, especially if you're doing it for the first time. This webpage is meant to simplify the process and provide you with a step-by-step roadmap to successfully apply for and obtain a building permit in Humboldt County.
The Permit Process
Whether you're applying to permit your new house, structures associated with a cannabis farm, or resolve a substandard housing case, the process remains the same. The tabs below will explain each of the seven key steps required for permit issuance.
The first step is to figure out what needs permits. Humboldt County Code (HCC) §331-11(a)(4) and California Building Code (CBC) §105.2 describe development that does not require a building permit. If your development fits one of these descriptions, chances are you will not need a building permit. Note that the CBC allows fences up to 7ft without a permit while HCC only allows fences up to 6ft. Because the most restrictive requirement applies (CBC §1.1.7.3), all fences over 6ft will require a building permit in Humboldt County.
If you are involved in a code violation it should be made clear to you what needs building permits in a correction document provided to you. The same is true for a cannabis license application. The Planning Division will issue a staff report which details what requires building permits. If you are still uncertain you can talk with a Permit Technician, and they will work with you to understand your development and what will require a building permit.
Once you understand which structures needs permits it is time to gather all construction documents (CBC §107) for each structure. Because the Building Division requires a complete submittal before starting a permit record you will need to submit all construction documents at once. Speak with a Permit Technician to learn what documents and forms will be required for your development. Additionally you can visit the Construction Documents subpage to learn what construction documents will be required for your project and how you can get them.
Before submitting you must complete a Building Application (or Over the Counter Building Application), provide proof of property ownership (a grant deed) and compile a complete submittal package for your proposed project (see Construction Documents). If you are an agent representing the owner you must provide a signed Agent Authorization form OR a signed contract with the property owner.
Once you've gathered a complete set of submittal documents, visit the Apply for a Building Permit page and follow those instructions. You will create an account in Accela (see Accela Support Services) and possibly an account with SolarApp+ and PG&E depending on what your are proposing to permit. Eventually you will need to upload required documents to Accela. When uploading documents, please use PDF files only and name your construction documents with the following Naming Conventions. See Accela Support Services for help uploading documents.
When a complete submittal has been provided, we will start your building application, collect preliminary fees, and may schedule a building inspector to do a preliminary site inspection. Over the Counter Permits will not need this inspection. For example, a service panel swap would not require a presite inspection. Generally speaking, any development which includes new structures, an expansion of a building footprint, or an extensive interior remodel will require a presite inspection. At this inspection the inspector will determine if additional construction documents will be required and if the site plan needs more information. See the Inspections page for more info.
Once you have provided all submittal documents requested from your inspector your building application will move to plan check. Plan Checkers will review your construction documents for conformance with all applicable building codes and may request revisions to these documents. Multiple revisions may be requested.
When the plan checkers approve your submittal, we will contact you to pick up and pay for your building permit! This is when the bulk of your building permit fees will be collected. It is then your responsibility to keep your permit documents on-site (CBC §105.7) and call for inspections (CBC §110.1). See the Inspections subpage to learn more about the inspection process.
Once your inspector has completely signed off your building permit card you can request a certificate of occupancy (CBC §111). At this point you are done with the Building Division!
If you are getting building permits for a code violation you may need to contact the Code Enforcement Division to ensure the code violation has been resolved. Similarly, if you are getting building permits as required for a planning application you should contact the Planning Division to see if further action is required.
Fast Track & SolarAPP Permits
If you are a California licensed contractor (or you are hiring a contractor), you can receive an instant permit entirely online via our Fast Track or SolarAPP permit process. See the Humboldt Builders Exchange Referral Guide for a list of contractors in Humboldt County.
Fast Track
Fast track permits are handled entirely within our Accela permit management software. You will need to create an Accela account and follow the Fast Track permit procedures detailed on our Apply for a Building Permit webpage. Fast Track permits are allowed for the below development only.
- A/C
- Primary Residential Electric Service up to 200 Amp
- Furnace / Heat Pump / Wood Stove
- Plumbing
- Repair / Replace Gas Line
- Re-Roof
- Siding
- Water Heaters
SolarAPP
SolarAPP is a software used to plan check photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) systems. California licensed contractors are able to submit details of their proposed system, have it approved by SolarAPP, and receive a "SolarAPP Approval Document". With this document contractors can then login to their Accela account and apply for a "Solar Permit with SolarAPP" for instant permit issuance. See our Apply for a Building Permit and SolarAPP+ Support Resources webpages for more information.
Regular Building Permit
If your development requires a building permit (step 1 above) and is not within the scope of a Fast Track or SolarAPP permit, you will need to apply for a regular building permit. You will be required to start an Accela record, upload a set of Construction Documents (step 3 above), do a preliminary site inspection (step 4 above), and be approved through plan check (step 5 above). The sub-pages to this page are typical developments that require a Regular Building Permit. Click on each to see what documents are always needed and the steps required for permit issuance. You will find these on the left side of your screen on a desktop and at the bottom of your screen on a mobile device.
Remember, our team is here to assist you throughout this process. We encourage you to email planningbuilding@co.humboldt.ca.us with any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to ensure that your project meets all safety and regulatory standards, and that the process of obtaining a permit is as smooth and straightforward as possible.