Building Inspection

This page provides the requirements for construction and placement of handrails for stairways and ramps in residential construction. These requirements are based on Chapter 10 California Building Code and Section R311.7 of the California Residential Code. (Version 02/05/2020)

This page provides a list of work that does not require a building permit in unincorporated Sonoma County. (Version 05/26/2023)

This page explains the procedures for obtaining temporary occupancy of a building or a portion of a building prior to the building being completed and the permit being finaled. (Revised 08/31/2018, Reviewed 01/2020)

This form is used to request a hardship exemption for accessibility upgrades on projects with a construction cost less than the current valuation threshold. (PDF) (Version 01/17/2024)

Fences are regulated by building and zoning codes and may require a building permit and a use permit depending upon the fence height and location. (Version 02/05/2020)

This page provide the requirements for egress components for manufactured homes. (Version: 01/07/2020)

This form is used to request a hardship exemption for accessibility upgrades on projects with a total valuation that exceeds the current year's valuation threshold. (PDF) (Version 01/17/2024)

This page provides information about the required application materials and procedures for building and grading permit site evaluations. (Version: 01/30/2020)

This form is to be completed for all permits issued to reconstruct, rehabilitate, alter, repair or make additions to buildings located in designated flood areas.  (PDF: 179 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

Instructions for scheduling building inspections after a building permit has been issued. (Version: 09/23/2021)

Under California Building Code (Section 104.11), the Building Official may approve the use of an alternate material, method of construction or design not specifically prescribed by the building codes. This form is used to request such an approval. (Version: 03/08/2023)

Requirements for projects requiring special inspection and structural observation per Chapter 17 of the California Building Code (CBC). (Revised 07/30/2019, Reviewed 01/2020)

Special Inspection Agencies approved to perform services in unincorporated Sonoma County in the following categories: Reinforced Concrete, Prestressed/Post-tensioned Concrete, Structural Masonry, Structural Steel Welding/Bolting, Spray-Applied Fireproofing Tests Only, Unreinforced Masonry Push/Torque (Version: 07/31/2023)

This form is used to request an appeal to the Board of Building Appeals of a determination by an authorized Sonoma County official related to the application and interpretation of the building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing and related model codes.  (PDF: 184 kB) (Version: 03/11/2020)

Deviations from this design will require the submission of engineered plans. (Revised 06/28/2005, Reviewed 01/2020)

The purpose of this form is to document and approve the early release of utilities for projects that are under construction. (PDF: 189 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

Basements of dwelling units, habitable attics, and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable window or door approved for emergency escape and rescue opening. (Version 02/05/2020)

This form is to be completed by a licensed roofing contractor participating in the Sonoma County Self Certification Reroofing Program. (PDF: 176  kB) (Revised 09/01/2018)

To check the condition of conductor insulation using a minimum 500v DC megohmeter. This test must be performed by a licensed electrician on all inundated, and not yet replaced, power and control circuits. (PDF: 256 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

Requirements for the repair and replacement of flood damaged electrical wiring and equipment. (Revised 01/11/2006)

Identify required inspections during the construction of a gunite or fiberglass swimming pool/spa. (Version 02/05/2020)

Procedures for processing agricultural building permit exemptions. (Revised 04/21/2009, Reviewed 01/2020)

This form is used to request the waiver of a building site evaluation under Permit Sonoma Policy No. 4-0-2. (PDF: 269 kB) (Version: 03/11/2020)

The Schedule of Special Inspections summarizes the special inspections and tests required. Special inspectors shall refer to the approved plans and specifications for detailed special inspection requirements.  (PDF: 530 kB) (Version 01/01/2020)

The Schedule of Special Inspections Steel Appendix summarizes the special inspections and tests required. Special inspectors shall refer to the approved plans and specifications for detailed special inspection requirements.  (PDF: 567 kB) (Version 04/27/2020)

The Schedule of Special Inspections for Residential Properties summarizes the special inspections and tests required. Special inspectors shall refer to the approved plans and specifications for detailed special inspection requirements. (PDF: 374 kB) (Version 04/27/2020)

This handout is to inform building permit applicants of the specific codes that may be required when replacing an existing water heater with another water heater or heat pump. (Version 08/30/2023)

By signing this document, the property owner certifies to Permit Sonoma that both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have been installed on site.  (PDF) (Version 11/28/2022)

Guidance regarding when building inspection staff should verify the replacement of non compliant water-conserving plumbing fixtures within existing single-family dwellings. (Revised 02/28/2014, Reviewed 01/2020)

Prior to submitting any plans or projects as a CALGreen Special Inspector for Sonoma County, a CALGreen Inspector shall be listed as an approved inspector or Agency on the Sonoma County CALGreen Special Inspector Agency Recognition List. (PDF: 173 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

CALGreen Special Inspection Agency Recognition List (Version 11/02/2020)

On September 1, 2015, CALGreen field verification shifted from a Permit Sonoma field inspector duty to that of a CALGreen Special Inspector. (PDF: 106 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

Verification for that the work has been inspected and documented sufficiently in accordance  the requirements set forth in the California Green Building Standards Code as adopted and amended by the Sonoma County Code. (PDF: 148 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

CNI-044 Swimming Pool Safety Regulations (Updated 09/26/2018, Reviewed 01/2020)

Minimum standard site plan requirements for most applications at Permit Sonoma. (Planning applications have different site plan requirements.) (Revised 12/09/2020)

This form must be completed when there has been a change in owner or contractor on an issued building or grading permit (PDF: 310 kB) (Version 05/29/2020)

Assembly Bill 2335, 2008 amended California Health and Safety Code, Section 19825, regarding disclosures and verifications required for all applicants seeking Owner-Builder construction permits. These application requirements provide an enhanced level of consumer awareness and protection for property owners accepting the risks associated with Owner-Builder construction permits.  (PDF: 352 kB) (Revised 05/27/2020)

The County’s issuance of this permit is a ministerial act. Permit Sonoma bases permit issuance on compliance with the County Code. The agency does not withhold permit issuance for other agency permits or approvals. (Revised 02/04/2016)

Information for owners and contractors regarding their responsibility to protect stormwater quality during construction and recommendations for protecting stormwater quality. Responsible and proper construction management at the job site is essential for the protection of stormwater quality. (Version 03/16/2023)

The purpose of this document is to provide information about Best Management Practices that construction site managers shall implement to keep pollutants from entering the storm drain system or nearby waterways. (Version 03/16/2023)