A building permit is required when you add structures to your property or physically change your property.
Building
What types of permits may be issued over the counter?
Permits for the following work will generally be issued over the counter:
Re-roof
Kitchen remodels
Bathroom remodels
Skylights
Spas
Miscellaneous plumbing, electrical, or mechanical
Electrical service upgrades
Water heater replacement
Furnace replacement
Residential remodels, not requiring Title 24 energy or structural engineering
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but only representative of the types of permits which may be issued over the counter.
What work does not require a permit?
Some minor work doesn’t require a building permit. You are still required to do the work according to applicable local municipal codes and laws. In some cases, while a building permit is not required, a Use Permit might be. It’s a good idea to double-check with You can check with staff if your work does not need a permit by calling 925-943-5834 or emailing BuildingTech@walnut-creek.org.
Here’s a list of work that doesn’t require a building permit:
Painting, papering and similar finish work.
One-story detached accessory structures like sheds or playhouses that are 120 square feet or less. Building permits are required for any plumbing, electrical or mechanical work. The construction must meet setback requirements and be fire-resistive.
Fences up to 6 feet high, or up to 8 feet high if it weighs 10 pounds per square foot or less. If it’s over 6 feet high it will need a Minor Use Permit. Learn more about fences.
Movable cases, counters or partitions less than 6 feet high.
Retaining walls 4 feet high or less (measured from the bottom of the footing) and retaining 3 feet of soil or less, unless the wall supports a surcharge. A surcharge is added weight above the wall from the ground, a fence or structure, or support for an adjacent property.
Platforms, walks, and driveways 30 inches tall or less and not on top of a basement or story.
Window awnings projecting 54 inches or less that are supported by an exterior wall of a residence or garage.
Prefabricated swimming pools for a residence if the walls are 24 inches high or less and the capacity is 5,000 gallons or less.
Residential lattice patio structures if they are unenclosed and 10 feet high or less. The lattice cover must be at least 50% open and can’t be within 3 feet of the property line.
Decks 200 feet or less in an area and 30 inches high or less, unless they are attached to a dwelling and serve an exit door.
Irrigation sprinkler systems on the sprinkler side of the back-flow prevention devices.
Tubular Skylights that do not require framing changes and the tube is installed directly between the rafters and joists, from roof sheathing and the ceiling. All tubular skylights must be listed to conform to the current building code edition. If less than 16 square feet of new skylight area is added, the maximum U-factor shall be 0.55 and the maximum SHGC shall be 0.30. If adding more than 16 feet of new skylight area, see 2016 California Energy Code § 150.2(b)1 for additional requirements. Tubular skylights are subject to a building permit if cutting rafters or joists or installed in a building of one-hour construction. A fire-rated shaft must be built to maintain the fire-resistive construction through the attic.
Vinyl siding over existing siding. If the existing siding is removed first, a building permit will be required. Check with the planning division first to make sure vinyl siding is allowed on the building.
What work requires a permit?
A building permit is required when you add structures to your property or physically change your property. Some typical work requiring a permit would be:
Residential
a new building or structure
addition to a house
kitchen or bathroom remodels
new, relocated or replacement of lighting fixture(s)
new, relocated or replacement water heater, furnace, or air conditioner
new or relocated ceiling fan(s)
photoelectric solar energy producing systems and components
installing built-in microwave
new or relocated laundry facilities
new, relocated or replacement of hard-wired electrical appliances, such as stoves or ovens
new, relocated or replacement of any gas-fired appliance
re-roofing
adding a skylight with associated framing.
replacing windows
Commercial
new buildings or structures
additions
tenant improvements and alterations
changes in use (from office to restaurant, for example)
ADA compliance upgrades
re-roofing
awnings
signs
decks
new, relocated, or replaced HVAC systems, including equipment and associated piping, ducting and electrical
new or relocated plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, lavatories, urinals, and drinking fountains.
new, relocated, or replaced restaurant equipment, including cooking equipment, hoods, sinks, etc.
The above list is not meant to be a complete list. If you have questions about your project call (925) 943-5834 or email Buildingtech@walnut-creek.org.
Who can sign for a permit?
Permit issuance requires the signature of the legal property owner or a California licensed contractor. An agent for either party may sign for a permit, provided the agent submits written authorization from the owner or contractor with the permit application. A letter of authorization must be submitted to the Permit Clerk prior to issuance.
Household pets are allowed in all residential areas under these conditions:
You can have up to three animals. These animals can include poultry (except roosters), domestic, or exotic animals. Livestock and roosters are not considered household pets.
Do not let your animals run at large, except for domestic cats. They should be kept under the control of the property owner, or kept within an enclosure in the main building.
Animal enclosures, pens, or runs are not allowed in the front yard.
Newborn and baby animals up to the age of 10 weeks are not considered in the three animal limit.
To learn more about where in the City where livestock and roosters are allowed visit the Animal Regulations page.
Can I store a boat, trailer, motor home at my home?
A recreational vehicle (RV) includes motor homes, mobile homes, trailers, boats, buses and camper shells (mounted and unmounted).
If an RV is located in an RV park, it can be used for living and sleeping purposes for any period of time.
If it’s not in an RV park, it cannot be used for living, sleeping or any other purpose for more than one week.
Mobile homes, trailers, boats, buses, and unmounted camper shells
These are the only conditions you are allowed to park or store these vehicles in your front or street side yard in a residential district:
For loading or unloading purposes, up to 24 hours before or after your trip.
If visitors are staying overnight and it is not parked for more than one week.
Motor homes
These are the only conditions you are allowed to park or store motor homes that are more than 20 feet long and 7 feet high in a residential district:
The motor home is the only vehicle registered and used by the owner or occupant of the residence.
For loading or unloading purposes, up to 24 hours before or after your trip.
Visitors are staying overnight and it is not parked for more than one week.
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway or sidewalk?
Concrete flatwork on private property does not require a permit. You can create a patio, replace a driveway, or form a path without a permit.
If you are replacing the driveway approach or the sidewalk in front of your property, an Encroachment Permit is required.
How do I remove a tree?
All trees, dead or alive, which measure 9 inches or more at a height of 54 inches above the ground are protected by the tree preservation ordinance. The City Arborist may approve certain trees to be removed through a Tree Removal Permit.
What are setbacks for a property?
Property setbacks are rules that define how close to a property line a structure may be built. These distances are based on the zoning of your property.
Property setbacks often exist to improve the visual appeal of a community. Side yard setbacks are there to keep some light and space between homes and are generally greater as the lot size increases. Rear yard setbacks are intended to keep larger green spaces for people to enjoy their backyards. Learn more about setback requirements.
Where can I build a fence?
Most residential fences can be built without a permit if it meets certain height requirements. If you want to build a fence taller than 6 feet or a fence taller than 36 inches within a required front yard setback, you need to apply for a minor use permit. You may email staff at dutyplanner@walnut-creek.org with additional questions.
