El Dorado County Building Permits & Inspections: Start Here
If you are building a home, adding a room, remodeling, replacing structural components, doing regulated electrical or plumbing work, grading land, installing certain solar systems or checking an old permit, the first job is not filling out an application. It is confirming that El Dorado County is actually the agency responsible for your parcel.
The County Building Division serves unincorporated El Dorado County. A mailing address that says Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines or South Lake Tahoe does not by itself identify the permitting authority. Confirm jurisdiction before paying for plans or permit fees.
El Dorado County Building Division Contact Information
| Service | Placerville / West Slope | South Lake Tahoe Office |
|---|---|---|
| Building office | 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 | 924 B Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 |
| Main phone | 530-621-5315 | 530-573-3330 |
| bldgdept@edcgov.us | tahoebuild@edcgov.us | |
| Inspection request | 530-621-5377 · inspection@edcgov.us | |
| Planning / zoning | 530-621-5355 · planning@edcgov.us | |
Placerville counter hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM walk-ins; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM appointments.
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM walk-ins; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM appointments.
South Lake Tahoe office hours
- Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–3:00 PM.
- Friday: closed.
Hours can change for county holidays or temporary operating conditions, so check the official Building Division page before making a special trip.
First Check Who Has Jurisdiction Over the Property
This small step can prevent one of the most frustrating permit mistakes: preparing an application for the wrong government agency.
The County Building Division states that it provides building and grading permit services for unincorporated El Dorado County. Incorporated cities can have their own permit authority, and the Lake Tahoe Basin can involve additional regional requirements.
Micro-step: confirm the right building department
- Write down the exact street address and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN).
- Confirm whether the parcel is inside an incorporated city or unincorporated county territory.
- If it is unincorporated, start with the El Dorado County Building Division.
- If the location is in the Tahoe Basin, also determine whether Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requirements apply.
- If you still cannot identify the authority, call 530-621-5315 before submitting or paying.
For broader statewide context, our California Building Code 2026 guide explains how local jurisdictions and California Title 24 work together. You can also see the general process for identifying an adopted local code in our city building code guide.
Which Projects Usually Need an El Dorado County Building Permit?
The exact requirement depends on the work, parcel, zoning, structural conditions and code provisions. El Dorado County identifies new construction, major renovations, structural changes, electrical work and plumbing work among projects that commonly require permits.
| Project | What to expect |
|---|---|
| New house | Building permit, plan review and multiple inspections; planning, fire, grading, utility and impact-fee reviews may also apply. |
| Addition or structural remodel | Plans are normally required when structural work or added floor area is involved. |
| Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work | Trade permits may be required depending on the scope. |
| Garage / accessory structure | Size, use, location, setbacks and construction type affect requirements. |
| Grading | A separate grading permit may be required. Grading inspection clearance can be required before building inspections begin. |
| ADU / JADU | The County publishes a dedicated ADU/JADU application and project guidance. |
| Solar / battery storage | Eligible residential systems may use the County’s automated Symbium permitting process. |
The County publishes its current permit exemptions, project checklists and submission guidance. Check the project-specific guidance before preparing final drawings.
How to Apply for an El Dorado County Building Permit
El Dorado County uses eTRAKiT for online permit functions, although not every permit type is available through the online system.
Step-by-step permit process
- Confirm jurisdiction. Make sure the parcel is within the County Building Division’s authority.
- Check zoning first. For setbacks, allowed uses, parcel development questions or planning approvals, contact Planning Services at 530-621-5355.
- Open the County checklist page. Go to the official submission requirements and select your project type.
- Get the correct application. Use the County’s Applications and Forms page.
- Prepare the plans and supporting documents. Do not submit a partial package if the checklist requires additional plans or reports.
- Use eTRAKiT when the permit type is supported. Open El Dorado County eTRAKiT. New public users can select Setup an Account and then Public Registration.
- Submit the application. Keep your application or permit number once one is assigned.
- Monitor plan review. Respond carefully to correction notices. An incomplete submission can delay the review and may be returned to the review queue after missing information is supplied.
- Pay required fees. Confirm what is due at application and what is due before issuance.
- Wait for permit issuance before starting regulated work. A submitted application or plan approval step is not the same as an issued permit.
What to Prepare Before Submitting Plans
Requirements vary by project, but the County’s residential structure checklist shows how much detail can be needed for a complete new-home or substantial residential submission.
A residential package can include:
- site or plot plan showing the entire parcel;
- property lines and dimensions;
- north arrow and drawing scale;
- easements;
- distances between proposed structures and property lines;
- existing and proposed structures;
- driveways and parking areas;
- floor plan with dimensions and room uses;
- foundation plan;
- floor and roof framing information;
- building sections and structural details;
- building elevations;
- electrical and mechanical plans;
- energy compliance documentation;
- CALGreen documentation;
- erosion or stormwater information when applicable;
- fire-sprinkler or fire-safe information when applicable; and
- Tahoe-related documentation for projects within the Tahoe Basin.
The site plan can also need wells, septic systems, propane tanks, pools, accessory structures, easements and driveway/fire-access information where applicable.
El Dorado County Building Permit Fees in 2026
There is no single flat El Dorado County building permit price. Costs depend on the type and value or size of the project and can include charges from multiple agencies.
The County currently publishes Ordinance 5238 as its Planning and Building Department fee schedule. It also provides sample home-fee estimates by geographic fee zone.
When are fees collected?
The County states that:
- half of the building permit fee is collected when the application is submitted;
- the entire planning fee is collected at application;
- the remainder of the building fee and other agency charges are generally collected at permit issuance; and
- card payments are accepted with a currently published 3% service fee.
Depending on the project, separate payments may be required for school fees, Air Quality Management District fees, Department of Transportation encroachment permits or other agencies.
Do not confuse a building fee with total development cost
A new house can also trigger traffic, school, fire, water, sewer or other impact charges. For example, El Dorado County’s 2026 Traffic Impact Fee schedule effective August 15, 2026 lists the following TIF amounts for a 2,000–2,999-square-foot single-family dwelling:
| Traffic Impact Fee Zone | 2026 TIF for 2,000–2,999 sq. ft. SFD |
|---|---|
| Zone A | $13,968 |
| Zone B | $30,153 |
| Zone C | $38,739 |
These are traffic impact fees, not the building permit fee. They are included here because a homeowner budgeting only for the Building Division charge can otherwise underestimate the actual amount due for a new home.
How to Schedule an El Dorado County Building Inspection
The published inspection request number is 530-621-5377. The County also lists inspection@edcgov.us for inspection requests and assistance.
Micro-step inspection guide
- Make sure the permit has actually been issued.
- Complete only the work required for the inspection stage.
- Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, pipes or other work that still needs to be examined.
- Have the permit number and property address ready.
- Call 530-621-5377 to request the inspection. County construction guidance directs applicants to request inspections about one day in advance.
- Keep approved plans available at the job site.
- Check the County’s published daily inspection schedule when available.
- If an inspection fails, correct the listed items before requesting reinspection.
Common inspection stages
| Inspection | When it normally occurs |
|---|---|
| Foundation / footing | After excavation, forms, reinforcing and required embedments are ready, but before concrete is placed. |
| Roof sheathing | After roof framing and sheathing are installed with required structural connections. |
| Exterior shear | After shear materials, nailing and required hardware are installed. |
| Rough framing | After framing and required rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing work are ready and before concealment. |
| Insulation | After required thermal insulation is installed and before it is covered. |
| Final | After permitted work is complete and all required correction items and related approvals are resolved. |
If grading is part of the project, the County warns that required grading inspections and initial grading clearance may need to be completed before building construction inspections can proceed.
Check Permit Status, Inspection History or Old Property Records
For a current permit
- Open eTRAKiT.
- Use the permit or property search function.
- Enter the cleanest information you have, preferably the permit number or exact property information.
- Open the matching record.
- Review available application, permit and inspection information.
- If the status is unclear, call 530-621-5315 and provide the permit number.
For older permit records
El Dorado County also publishes a Parcel Research Request. The form requires an Assessor’s Parcel Number; the County says research cannot be completed without the APN.
The form allows requests for records such as:
- all permits;
- dwelling permits;
- grading permits;
- plot plans and floor plans;
- manufactured-home records;
- accessory-structure records;
- swimming-pool permits;
- inspection records; and
- certain older septic records.
Published parcel research fees
| Record period | County’s published research charge |
|---|---|
| 1988 and newer | No charge listed for the research tier |
| 1975–1988 | $39 |
| Before 1975 | Time and materials at the County’s published hourly rate |
The County states that research requests may be submitted in person, mailed or emailed to BuildingResearch@edcgov.us. For septic systems installed after 1978, the form directs users to Environmental Management at 530-621-5300.
Which Building Code Applies in El Dorado County in 2026?
For new plan-review and permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, El Dorado County uses the 2025 California Building Standards Code, together with applicable County ordinances and local requirements.
The current code framework includes:
- 2025 California Building Code;
- 2025 California Residential Code;
- 2025 California Electrical Code;
- 2025 California Mechanical Code;
- 2025 California Plumbing Code;
- 2025 California Energy Code;
- 2025 California Fire Code;
- 2025 California Green Building Standards Code;
- 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code;
- 2025 California Existing Building Code; and
- other applicable Title 24 provisions and El Dorado County ordinances.
Applications initiated before January 1, 2026 may remain under the prior 2022 code cycle, depending on the permit history and County determination.
How long is an issued permit valid?
The County currently states that a building permit is generally valid for two years from issuance. If construction is progressing appropriately and required inspections are being approved, the permit may be eligible for renewal. The County’s current guidance describes up to two additional one-year renewals, with applicable renewal fees.
An expired or reactivated permit can trigger additional review and possibly newer code requirements, so do not ignore the expiration date on a slow project.
Special Note for Lake Tahoe Basin Projects
Tahoe projects deserve extra attention because County building requirements may overlap with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency standards, stormwater rules and other location-specific requirements.
The County’s residential checklist specifically directs Tahoe Basin projects to review applicable TRPA requirements. Do not prepare a Tahoe project from a West Slope checklist alone.
For Tahoe-area projects:
- Confirm whether the parcel is actually under El Dorado County permitting jurisdiction.
- Contact the South Lake Tahoe County office at 530-573-3330 if County jurisdiction applies.
- Review whether TRPA approval or documentation is required.
- Check Tahoe-specific stormwater and coverage requirements.
- Complete those requirements before assuming the County building permit alone authorizes the work.
Residential Solar: Faster Permit Option
El Dorado County offers automated permit review through Symbium for qualifying residential photovoltaic and energy-storage projects under California’s automated solar permitting requirements.
The County says eligible applicants can receive automated plan-review approval through the system. Parcels in certain airport review areas, flood areas or locations requiring additional eligibility review may not qualify for instantaneous permitting and may need the traditional County process.
If you do not use the automated system, the County lists traditional permit categories including residential roof-mounted PV, residential energy storage and combined PV with storage.
Check El Dorado County’s official residential solar permitting instructions.
When to Contact Planning Instead of Building
Building and Planning are connected, but they answer different questions.
| Your question | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Does my construction meet building-code requirements? | Building Division · 530-621-5315 |
| How do I request an inspection? | Inspection line · 530-621-5377 |
| What is my zoning? | Planning Division · 530-621-5355 |
| What setbacks or land-use rules apply? | Planning Division |
| What is happening with my permit review? | eTRAKiT first, then Building Division |
| I am getting conflicting instructions | Planning & Building liaison |
The County maintains a Planning and Building liaison specifically for applicants who are having difficulty with the process, do not understand a requirement or are receiving conflicting information. The published liaison contact is 530-621-6548.
El Dorado County Building Department FAQs
1. Who issues building permits in unincorporated El Dorado County?
The El Dorado County Planning and Building Department’s Building Division handles building and grading permit review, issuance and inspections for unincorporated areas of the county.
2. What is the El Dorado County Building Department phone number?
The main Building Division number is 530-621-5315. The published inspection request number is 530-621-5377.
3. Can I apply for an El Dorado County building permit online?
Yes, qualifying permit types can be handled through eTRAKiT. The County notes that not every permit category is available online, so check the project guidance and application page first.
4. How do I schedule an El Dorado County building inspection?
Call 530-621-5377 or use the County’s published inspection contact process. Have the permit number, address and required inspection type ready, and request the inspection before covering the work.
5. What building code applies in El Dorado County in 2026?
New permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 use the applicable 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, together with County ordinances and project-specific requirements.
6. How much does an El Dorado County building permit cost?
There is no one flat price. Fees depend on project type, size or valuation and required reviews. Additional school, fire, traffic, air-quality, planning, utility or other charges can apply. Use the County’s current fee page and fee estimator for budgeting.
7. How long is an El Dorado County building permit application valid?
The County currently states that a building permit application remains valid for 365 days. Applicants should monitor the deadline because an expired application generally requires a new application.
8. How long is an issued El Dorado County building permit valid?
The County’s current guidance states that the permit is generally valid for two years from issuance. Qualifying projects that continue to make progress may be eligible for additional one-year renewals.
9. How do I find old El Dorado County building permits?
Start with eTRAKiT for available permit history. If the needed record is not online, use the County’s Parcel Research Request. The research form requires the property’s Assessor’s Parcel Number.
10. Do Tahoe Basin projects follow the same permit process?
Not always. Tahoe Basin projects can involve additional TRPA, coverage, stormwater and other regional requirements. Confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction and contact the County’s South Lake Tahoe office when County permitting applies.
Before You Submit
A good El Dorado County permit application starts with three checks: confirm the jurisdiction, confirm the project requirements, and submit a complete package. Those steps can save more time than rushing directly into eTRAKiT.
For a simple permit, use the County’s current forms and online system. For a new house, major addition, commercial project or Tahoe Basin project, review planning, grading, fire, stormwater and other agency requirements before finalizing the plans. Keep your application number, monitor the review, and do not start permit-regulated construction until the permit has actually been issued.
USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not El Dorado County or a government agency. Permit requirements, fees, office procedures and portal availability can change. Use the linked official County resources for the final application, payment, inspection request or property-specific determination.