Concord Building Permits & Inspections: Start Here
If you searched for the Concord Building Department, the office you usually need is the City of Concord Building Division in Concord, California. It handles building permit applications, plan review, permit issuance and inspections for projects under City of Concord jurisdiction.
The process is mostly online, but knowing which permit to choose, what drawings to upload and which outside approvals are required can save days of back-and-forth. This guide brings those steps together so you can understand the process before opening the city’s permit portal.
Open Concord Permit Portal
Inspection instructions
Current fee schedules
Concord Building Division Contact Information
| Office | City of Concord Building Division / Permit Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 1950 Parkside Drive, Building D, Concord, CA 94519 |
| Building phone | 925-671-3107 |
| Building email | bldgpermits@cityofconcord.org |
| Counter hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; closed on City holidays |
| Inspection line | 925-671-3330 |
| Inspector email | inspectors@cityofconcord.org |
| Official Building Division | City of Concord Building Division |
Walk-in assistance is available at the Permit Center during normal counter hours. The online permit portal is available outside those hours for applications, status checks and permit-history searches.
Do You Need a Building Permit in Concord?
Many construction, remodeling, mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects need a permit. Some small projects are exempt from a building permit, but an exemption does not automatically waive zoning, setback, electrical, plumbing, fire or other code requirements.
| Project | Building permit? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen or bathroom remodel | Usually yes when regulated construction, plumbing, electrical or mechanical work is involved | Simple finish-only work may be different; scope determines the permit. |
| Room addition | Yes | Expect plans, zoning review and potentially other agency approvals. |
| Garage conversion | Yes | Building, planning, energy and possibly fire requirements can apply. |
| Roof replacement | Yes | Use Concord’s reroof application route. |
| Water heater replacement | Yes | Typically handled through the applicable mechanical/electrical/plumbing permit process. |
| Furnace or air-conditioner replacement | Yes | Concord lists these among common replacement permits. |
| Electrical service or subpanel work | Yes | Electrical permits and inspection are required. |
| New or replacement windows/doors | Generally yes | The city has a dedicated residential windows-and-doors application route. |
| Detached one-story accessory structure up to 120 sq. ft. | Building permit may not be required | Planning rules and setbacks still apply. City guidance notes that structures over 6 feet high may require Planning approval. |
| Low detached deck | May be exempt | Concord’s bulletin identifies an exemption where the deck is no more than 200 sq. ft., no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling and does not serve a required exit door. |
| Fence up to 7 feet | Building permit generally not required | Zoning still controls placement and height. The City’s bulletin notes a lower front-yard limitation. |
| In-ground pool or spa | Yes | Plan review, safety barriers and inspections are part of the process. |
Which Concord Permit Application Should You Use?
Choosing the right permit record matters. Concord provides different application instructions for general building work, reroofing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing work, residential windows and doors, solar, revisions, ADUs, address requests and after-hours construction.
| If your project is… | Likely starting route |
|---|---|
| New building, addition, structural remodel, pool, demolition or other plan-based construction | General Building Permit |
| Roof covering replacement | Reroof Permit |
| Basic furnace, HVAC, water heater, water line, sewer line or similar replacement work | Applicable MEP permit |
| Residential like-for-like windows or doors | Residential Windows & Doors route |
| Solar photovoltaic system | Solar or SolarAPP+ route, depending on eligibility |
| Changes to an existing permit | Permit revision process |
| Accessory dwelling unit | ADU/JADU application process, including pre-approved plans when suitable |
Concord keeps the current application instructions together on its Apply for a Building Permit page. Use that page when you are unsure which online record type matches the project.
How to Apply for a Concord Building Permit Online
The actual submission happens through Concord’s Virtual Permit Center. Doing a little preparation first can prevent a rejected intake or a request for missing information.
- Confirm the property and project requirements. Check zoning, setbacks and likely permit types before creating an application. Concord’s Project Pal can help identify zoning, permits and estimated project fees.
- Check for approvals outside the Building Division. Fire, sewer, Environmental Health or other approvals may need separate applications. The City does not automatically route your building permit to every outside agency.
- Prepare drawings and documents as PDFs. Rename files clearly before uploading. Concord’s instructions warn that uploaded file names cannot simply be changed afterward.
- Open the Virtual Permit Center. Go to the Concord Building Permit Portal and sign in or create an account.
- Select Building and create the correct application. Do not choose a permit type only because its name looks close. Match it to the City’s application instructions.
- Find the property. Search by address or parcel information. The City’s Building application instructions recommend a simple address search using the street number and first word of the street name when appropriate.
- Enter applicant, depositor and contractor information. If a contractor will perform the work, include the contractor information. A valid City of Concord business license is required before permit issuance when applicable.
- Describe the scope accurately. Include project area, residential/commercial use and construction value. Construction value includes labor and materials; owner-provided labor is still valued at normal market value for permit purposes.
- Upload the required plans and forms. Include the contractor declaration or owner-builder documentation where applicable.
- Review, certify and submit. Check spelling, address, scope, valuation and uploaded documents before the final submission.
- Watch for the City’s intake message. Concord’s published instructions state that applicants are typically notified within about three business days if more information is needed and/or application fees are due.
- Pay the required application fees. Once the intake requirements and applicable fees are handled, the project can move into the review process.
What Plans and Documents May Be Required?
Requirements depend heavily on the project. For a simple replacement permit, very little plan information may be needed. For a new home or addition, Concord expects a coordinated design package.
For new residential buildings and additions
The City’s 2026 design-document guidance identifies items such as:
- A complete drawing set submitted as PDF documents at their actual drafted size.
- Project address, parcel number, zoning, scope of work and applicable codes on the cover sheet.
- Site information showing property lines, structures, setbacks, streets, driveways, utilities and easements as applicable.
- Floor plans, roof plans, exterior elevations, building sections and construction details.
- Door and window information where applicable.
- Foundation and framing plans.
- Structural calculations when the design is not covered by prescriptive residential code provisions.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing information.
- California energy-compliance documents.
- CALGreen information.
- Geotechnical or soils documentation when site or project conditions trigger it.
- Architect or engineer stamps and signatures when professional design is required.
Planning, Engineering and Fire requirements can add documents beyond the Building Division’s base plan set. Do not assume that a Building Division checklist is the only checklist for the entire project.
Outside Approvals That Can Hold Up a Concord Permit
This is one of the most important parts of the process. Concord specifically warns applicants that separate approvals may be necessary and that the Building Division does not automatically send every application to outside agencies.
| Agency or division | When it may matter | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| City of Concord Planning Division | Use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, exterior changes and other zoning issues | Confirm zoning before investing heavily in construction drawings. |
| City Engineering Division | Grading, site development or work in the public right-of-way | Ask whether a grading, encroachment or site-development permit is needed. |
| Contra Costa County Fire Protection District | Projects that trigger fire review, including certain new residences, detached ADUs or additions | Submit to Fire separately when required; do not wait for Building to forward it. |
| Central Contra Costa Sanitary District | Properties served by its sewer system | Obtain required sanitary/sewer approval when applicable. |
| Contra Costa County Environmental Health | Projects using septic systems or other regulated health facilities/systems | Secure Environmental Health clearance where required. |
| Bay Area Air Quality Management District | Certain asbestos-removal work and demolition | Check air-district notification/permit requirements before demolition or qualifying renovation work. |
The smart approach is to start these reviews in parallel when possible. Waiting until Building review is finished to discover a missing outside approval can add unnecessary time.
Concord Building Codes in Effect for 2026
For 2026 applications, Concord identifies the 2025 California Building Standards Code as its current state-code cycle, together with local Concord regulations and applicable fire-code amendments. The 2025 California code cycle became effective statewide on January 1, 2026.
For a broader explanation of the statewide code cycle and major code families, see our California Building Code 2026 guide.
Concord’s current-code references include:
- 2025 California Building Standards Code
- City of Concord Municipal Code, Title 15
- 2025 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards
- Applicable Contra Costa County Fire Protection District amendments
- Applicable California Wildland-Urban Interface requirements
Before designing a project from an older set of plans, verify the current code edition on the City’s current building codes page.
Concord Building Permit Fees for 2026
Concord’s current Building Permit fee schedule is effective July 1, 2026. There is no single price for a general building permit because fees can depend on project type, valuation, plan review, inspections and other departments or agencies.
The numbers below are useful reference points from the City’s current Building Division fee schedule. They should not be treated as a complete project quote.
| 2026 Building Division item | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Administrative / processing hourly rate | $140 per hour |
| Plan-check hourly rate | $230 per hour |
| Inspection hourly rate | $192 per hour |
| Missed inspection | $192 |
| Reinspection | $192 per hour |
| Residential air-conditioner replacement inspection | $192 |
| Residential furnace replacement inspection | $192 |
| Residential HVAC replacement inspection | $288 |
| Residential water-heater replacement inspection | $192 |
| Residential electrical-service replacement inspection | $192 |
| Address request/change | $70 |
| Inspection outside normal hours | $288 per hour, two-hour minimum |
Building Division charges are only part of the possible project cost. Planning, Engineering, Fire, utilities, school, sewer or other development-related fees may apply depending on the project.
How to get a better fee estimate
- Define the exact project scope and construction value.
- Use Project Pal to identify likely permits and development fees.
- Check the current City fee schedules.
- For a live application, use the City’s actual invoice as the controlling amount.
How Long Does Concord Plan Review Take?
Review time depends on project complexity, workload, outside-agency reviews and whether the first submittal is complete. The City’s currently published turnaround sheet provides estimated maximum review periods for common project types. That turnaround sheet itself is dated 2023, so treat these figures as planning estimates rather than a guaranteed 2026 deadline.
| Project type | Published first review estimate | Published subsequent review estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Residential new building | 20 business days | 10 business days |
| Residential addition | 15 business days | 5 business days |
| Residential alteration | 10 business days | 5 business days |
| City pre-approved ADU plan | 5 business days | 5 business days |
| Residential solar | 3 business days | 3 business days |
| Eligible basic replacement MEP permit | Listed as instant | — |
| Eligible like-for-like residential windows/doors | Listed as instant | — |
| Commercial alteration | 15 business days | 10 business days |
| Commercial new building | 25 business days | 20 business days |
The City’s sheet also notes that processing can add time and that outside-agency reviews are separate. Projects involving floodplain review or incomplete plans can take longer.
How to Schedule a Concord Building Inspection
Once permitted work reaches an inspection point, the permit holder can request the inspection online. Concord’s regular inspection hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Complete the work that must be inspected and make sure it remains visible and accessible.
- Use the City’s Request an Inspection process.
- Submit the request before the requested business day. Concord states that regular requests are scheduled for the next business day.
- On the inspection day, check the City’s inspection schedule after about 7:30 a.m..
- You may request an AM window of 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or PM window of 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., but a specific time is not guaranteed.
- Keep the permit card at the job site and make sure the inspector can safely access the work.
Weekend timing example
A request made on Friday, Saturday or Sunday normally moves to Monday, assuming Monday is a City business day. A City holiday is handled like a weekend for scheduling purposes.
Who must be present?
When a contractor installed the work, Concord requires the contractor to be available at the inspection rather than simply leaving the homeowner to represent the contractor’s work. If the inspector arrives and nobody is available when presence is required, a missed/reinspection charge can apply.
How to Check a Concord Permit Status or Permit History
You do not need to call the Permit Center just to check basic permit history. Concord provides online permit searches through its Permit Portal.
- Open the Virtual Permit Center.
- Select the appropriate Building, Planning or Engineering search area.
- Search using the permit number, property address or other available record information.
- Open the record to review available status and inspection information.
For records or drawings that are not available online, the City provides an in-person records-review process at the Permit Center. Copies of plans prepared by licensed or registered design professionals can have additional owner/designer authorization requirements because of California copyright and professional-document rules.
See the City’s permit records instructions before visiting for plan copies.
Do Not Let Your Concord Permit Expire
Permit expiration is easy to overlook, especially when a project pauses for financing, contractors or material delays. Concord’s published renewal guidance distinguishes between an expired application and an issued permit.
| Status | General Concord rule |
|---|---|
| Application not approved | Can expire when approval is not obtained within 12 months after application. |
| Approved application not issued | Can expire if the permit is not issued within 12 months after approval. |
| Issued permit | Can expire when no inspection has been passed within 12 months after issuance or within 12 months after the most recent passed inspection. |
| Expired application/permit | The City’s guidance provides a 60-day period for eligible renewal before it becomes canceled because of expiration. |
| Three-year permit limit | An active issued permit can be canceled if the work is not finaled within the City’s stated three-year limitation. |
If you know work will be delayed, contact Building staff before the expiration point. The City allows certain extension requests when there is a valid reason and the Building Official approves them.
Current details are on the City’s expired and canceled permit renewal page.
Construction Hours in Concord
The City’s Building FAQ lists typical construction hours as:
- Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Larger developments or projects with special approvals can have additional restrictions. If work must occur outside normal hours, check whether an after-hours permit or separate authorization is required before scheduling crews.
Planning, Zoning and Building Permits Are Not the Same Thing
Building review focuses on construction-code compliance. Planning review answers different questions: whether the use is allowed, where a structure may sit on the lot, required setbacks, height, parking, lot coverage and other development standards.
For a room addition, ADU, detached structure, garage conversion or other project that changes how a property is used or developed, checking zoning first can prevent expensive plan revisions.
Concord Planning can be reached at 925-671-3152 or zoning@cityofconcord.org. You can also review the City’s Planning Permit information.
Concord ADU Permits
Concord accepts applications for accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs from homeowners and contractors. The City also provides pre-approved ADU plans, which can reduce design and review work when one of the available designs fits the property.
A custom ADU can still need coordination with Planning, Engineering, Fire, water, sewer and other agencies depending on the site. Concord states that complete ADU applications are generally subject to California’s 60-calendar-day review framework, while its pre-approved plan process can be significantly quicker when all site-specific information is complete.
Start with the City’s ADU permit instructions before choosing or commissioning plans.
Common Problems That Delay a Concord Building Permit
| Problem | Why it causes trouble | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong permit type | The application may need to be corrected before review can begin. | Match your project to Concord’s official application instructions first. |
| Incomplete scope of work | Reviewers cannot determine all applicable code requirements. | Describe existing conditions and proposed work clearly. |
| Construction value entered too low | The City bases portions of permit administration on the actual project value. | Include normal labor and material value, even when you perform some work yourself. |
| Missing outside approval | Building may be unable to issue the permit even after its own review is complete. | Start Fire, sewer, health or air-district review early when applicable. |
| Poorly named or missing PDF files | Documents are harder to intake and route correctly. | Name each file clearly before uploading. |
| Plans do not match across disciplines | Architectural, structural and MEP sheets can contradict each other. | Coordinate the final set before submitting. |
| Waiting too long between inspections | The permit can move toward expiration. | Track the last passed inspection and contact Building before a long project pause. |
| Work covered before inspection | The inspector may be unable to verify concealed construction. | Keep required framing, wiring, piping or other work exposed until the proper inspection passes. |
A Practical Concord Permit Checklist
Before applying
- Confirm the property is under City of Concord jurisdiction.
- Check zoning and setbacks.
- Determine whether a building permit is required.
- Select the correct permit application type.
- Identify outside-agency approvals.
- Prepare drawings and supporting documents.
- Calculate a realistic project valuation.
After applying
- Watch your email and Permit Portal record.
- Pay intake/application fees when requested.
- Respond to plan-review comments completely.
- Track outside-agency approvals in parallel.
- Do not begin permit-required construction until the permit is issued.
During construction
- Keep approved plans and the permit card available.
- Request each required inspection before covering work.
- Correct failed items before requesting reinspection.
- Keep enough inspection activity to avoid expiration.
- Obtain final approval before treating the project as complete.
Related California Building Permit Guides
Building rules can change as soon as you cross a city boundary. If your project is elsewhere in the Bay Area, do not use Concord’s portal just because the construction type is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Concord Building Department
1. What is the Concord Building Department phone number?
The City of Concord Building Division phone number is 925-671-3107. The Permit Center is at 1950 Parkside Drive, Building D, Concord, CA 94519.
2. Where do I apply for a Concord building permit online?
Building permit applications are submitted through the City of Concord Virtual Permit Center. Create or sign in to your account, select Building and choose the application type that matches your project.
3. Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Concord?
Usually yes when the remodel includes regulated building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical work. Cosmetic work alone can be treated differently, so the exact scope matters.
4. How do I schedule a Concord building inspection?
The permit holder can request an inspection through the City’s inspection process. Standard requests are scheduled for the next business day, subject to City business days and holidays.
5. How much is a building permit in Concord?
There is no single permit price. Fees depend on the work, valuation, plan review, inspections and possible fees from other departments or agencies. Concord’s current Building Permit fee schedule took effect July 1, 2026.
6. What building code does Concord use in 2026?
Concord identifies the 2025 California Building Standards Code as its current statewide code cycle for 2026, together with local Concord regulations, current California energy standards and applicable fire-code amendments.
7. How long does Concord building plan review take?
It varies by project. The City’s published estimates range from instant processing for certain simple permits to about 20 business days for a first review of a new residential building and about 25 business days for a new commercial building. These are estimates, not guaranteed deadlines.
8. Can I look up Concord building permits by address?
Yes. The City’s Permit Portal allows permit-history and status searches using an address, permit information and other available record details.
9. When does a Concord building permit expire?
Concord’s published guidance states that an issued permit can expire when no inspection is passed within 12 months of issuance or within 12 months after the last valid passed inspection. Other expiration and three-year completion rules also apply.
10. Does Concord send my permit to the Fire District or other outside agencies?
Not automatically in every case. Concord specifically tells applicants that separate applications may be required for agencies such as Fire, sewer and County Health. Start required outside reviews separately and early.
Before You Submit
Most permit delays are not caused by one complicated rule. They happen because a small requirement was missed early: the wrong record type, incomplete plans, an outside approval that was never started, or a scope that did not explain the work clearly.
If you prepare those pieces first, the Concord permit process becomes much easier to follow. When you are ready for the live submission, use the official Concord Permit Portal.
Information reviewed for 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not the City of Concord. City instructions, adopted codes, issued invoices and permit conditions control when they differ from general guidance.