A Building Permit is required for the construction of accessory structures, including:
- Detached garage
- Carport
- Trellis
- Patio cover or deck
- Storage building
A permit is also required to install a cargo container.
You must apply online through San Joaquin County’s Online Permitting System. First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.
Exemptions
Structures meeting the following requirements may be exempt from permitting. Please contact Building Inspection staff for more information.
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouse, and similar residential uses not exceeding 120 square feet.
- One-story detached agricultural buildings not exceeding 120 square feet.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two- family dwellings.
- Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4 of the California Building Code.
The exemption from a Building Permit does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installation, This exemption also does not authorize any work to be done in violation of laws or ordinances including, but not limited to, planning, zoning, and setback requirements.
Step 1: REGISTER AS A USER
For first time users, as noted above, you will need to register for a new account with our Online Permitting System. If you have an account, please continue with Step 2 below.
To create an account, click on "Apply Online" below to be routed to the Online Permitting System login page. Click on "CREATE AN ACCOUNT" in the lower right corner, and register with your email address.
You will be asked to provide the following information to open an account.
- Choose a username and password
- Personal and Contact Information
- License Numbers if you are registering as a licensed professional
After you register, you'll receive a confirmation email.
Once you confirm your account, you're ready to apply.
Step 2: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TIME TO APPLY
Building Permit applications take about 20 minutes to complete. If you are unable to complete the application you can save your progress and return at a later time, however, the application will not be reviewed until it is submitted.
Step 3: SUBMIT APPLICATION
The following items are required to submit an application:
- Site plan drawings drawn to scale showing property lines, north arrow, easements, well, septic tank, each field, and all existing and proposed structures with distances to property lines and between structures
- A complete set of construction drawings
- For conventionally framed buildings, plans must include the following information:
- Floor plan to indicate proposed room uses, electrical layout, plumbing plan, window and door locations
- Building elevations (north, south, east, and west views)
- Foundation plan with representative structural details
- Wall framing plans including cross section and sizing details of all members
- Roof framing plans
- Truss calculations and layout prepared by a California engineer
- For metal buildings, plans must include:
- Drawings and calculations prepared by a California engineer
- Building plans
- Foundation plans
- Structural calculations
- For wood framed pole structures, plans must include:
- Drawings and calculations prepared by a California engineer
- Structures located within flood or fire hazard zones shall be designed in accordance with San Joaquin County ordinances. Please contact the Department of Public Works for more information.
Step 4: INTAKE AND PLAN CHECK
Building staff will review your submitted application and documents for completeness. You will be notified by email when additional information or action is required. Once your application is determined to be complete, and the appropriate fees have been paid, your application and plans will be submitted for plan review. Log into your Accela account to track the progress of your project as it advances through the plan review process. Upon approval, staff will provide you with the applicable requirements for permit issuance.
Step 5: NEXT STEPS
- Staff will contact you by email to complete the intake process.
- When your application is accepted, you will be notified to pay fees online.
- Upon approval, staff will contact you for applicable permit issuance steps.
