Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure construction projects are built safely and in compliance with local building, zoning and fire codes.

Permits are required for any work that involves constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing or changing the occupancy of a building or structure.

Cosmetic work like painting, wallpapering or installing new flooring. 

*Note: Check with the Building Department, who can help you determine if a permit is required: 707-588-2240

You can apply for your permit by creating a PUBLIC USER or a CONTRACTOR account. For detailed instructions please visit https://www.rpcity.org/224/Apply-for-Building-Permits- Online

Building inspections should be scheduled via the online portal at https://rpccrw.rpcity.org/etrakit3/

It is browser sensitive - please use Google Chrome.

Inspections are offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm. When scheduling inspections, it is required to request either an am or a pm time slot.

Exact times will not be offered. Morning appointments are between 8 am and noon, and afternoon appointments are between 1 and 3 pm. Inspectors will no longer contact those who have requested an inspection, which allows them to leave the office sooner in order to accommodate a greater number of inspections. Instead, their order of inspections will be posted each inspection day.

Only a licensed California contractor or the legal property owner may be issued a building permit.

A building permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing unless the permit has been pursued in good faith or the permit has been issued. Permit applicants may submit a written request for a one-time extension of 180 days in order for their permit application to remain active and not expire. If this period ends without picking up the building permit, plan check fees will be lost and a permit application will need to be started.

The building permit is good for 1 year from the date it was issued. Permit holders may submit a written request for an extension, if needed, prior to the six months. All permits must be posted at the job site in plain view from the public right-of-way during the entirety of the construction project.

Please visit the building department fee schedule at https://www.rpcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/192/Building-Fee- Schedule-Effective-July-1-2025-PDF?bidId=

Plan check review varies from 10-15 business days depending on the project. Each subsequent review will take 10-15 business days.