Building & Grading Plan Check

Instructions and Forms related to construction plans that will be reviewed by the Building or Grading Plan Check sections of Permit Sonoma.

View additional instructions and forms related to:

• Building inspections
• Grading inspections and permits

• BPC-001 Residential Handrail Requirements

  This page provides the requirements for the 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)

• BPC-002 Residential Plan Checklist

  Partial list of required checklist items for residential plans submissions. (Version 01/01/2023)

• BPC-004 Nonresidential & Multifamily Housing Submittal Guidelines

  Guidelines to ensure a complete and accurate review of the proposed scope of work for construction and alterations of nonresidential buildings, commercial buildings, public buildings, transient lodging, and multifamily housing projects. (Version 01/11/2023)

• BPC-005 When is a Building Permit Not Required?

  This page provides a list of work that does not require a building permit in unincorporated Sonoma County. (Version 08/05/2020)

• BPC-007 Temporary Occupancy Procedures

  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)

• BPC-009 Partial Building Permit Agreement (PDF)

  This form is to be used when an applicant requests the issuance of a partial building permit such as a foundation only.  (PDF: 182 kB) (Version 01/01/2020)

• BPC-013 Third-Party Plan Check

  An applicant may choose to use a third-party building plan check (TPPC) consultant to reduce building plan review processing time. (Version 03/15/2022)

• BPC-015 Application for Unreasonable Hardship Determination for Accessibility Upgrades - Under Valuation Threshold (PDF)

  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: 466 kB) (Revised 01/21/2022)

• BPC-016 Retaining Wall Designs

  There are five approved retaining wall designs. They may be used in lieu of a retaining wall designed by an engineer or architect. (Revised 05/18/2018, Reviewed 01/2020)

• BPC-018 Third-Party Plan Check Notification (PDF)

  This form is to notify Permit Sonoma of the consultant selected to review building plans under the Third Party Plan Check Process (PDF: 204 kB) (Version 04/20/2022)

• BPC-019 Third-Party Plan Check Approved Consultants

  List of approved consultants for applicants utilizing Third Party Plan Check (TPPC). Other consultants may also be qualified if pre-approved by the Chief Building Official prior to use. (Version: 09/28/2021)

• BPC-020 Structural Peer Review Process (PDF)

  To provide information and requirements for building permit submittal under the Structural Peer Review Process.  (PDF: 265 kB) (Version 01/01/2020)

• BPC-021 Residential Building Permit for Projects that Require Plans

  Building permits for a new house, addition to an existing house, a new garage, or other new residential accessory building(s) are issued by Permit Sonoma for any property located within the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County (outside the city limits of the nine cities). (Version: 04/22/2020)

• BPC-022 Sample House Plans (PDF)

  These house plans are an example and for reference only.   (PDF: 583 kB) (Revised 12/27/2018, Reviewed 01/2020)

• BPC-023 Fence Requirements

  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)

• BPC-026 Egress Components for Manufactured Homes

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

• BPC-032 Application for Unreasonable Hardship Determination for Accessibility Upgrades - Over Valuation Threshold (PDF)

  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: 421 kB) (Version 01/21/2022)

• BPC-033 Fixture Count Declaration (PDF)

  This form is used to provide a template for applicants to summarize all proposed plumbing, electrical, and mechanical equipment.  (PDF: 425 kB) (Version 01/01/2020)

• BPC-061 Declaration of Use (PDF)

  Declaration of Use Application (PDF: 276 kB) (Version: 01/01/2020)

• BPC-065 2019 CALGreen Checklist Residential New Construction (PDF)

  This checklist applies to building permit applications received on or after January 1, 2020, for residential new construction with or without a common toilet or cooking facilities. (PDF: 452 kB) (Version 01/05/2020)

• BPC-066 2019 CALGreen Checklist Residential Additions and Alterations (PDF)

  For building permit applications received on or after January 1, 2020. The provisions of this checklist apply to projects with an Increase in Conditioned Area, Volume, or Size of existing low-rise residential buildings, including hotels, motels, lodging houses, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing, and other types of residential occupancies where the addition or alteration increases the building’s conditioned area, volume, or size. (PDF: 435 kB) (Version 01/05/2020)

• BPC-067 Letter of Intent for Accessibility Compliance

  The information provided is intended to address the identified mandatory correction requirements to be submitted to the County for consideration by County staff for outstanding and unresolved code and accessibility issues and violations…(PDF: 477 kB) (Version 02/28/2020)

• BPC-068 2019 CALGreen Checklist Non-Residential New Construction (PDF)

  This checklist applies to building permit applications received on or after January 1, 2020, for newly constructed non-residential buildings without sleeping accommodations. (PDF: 736 kB) (Version 05/13/2020)

• BPC-069 2019 CALGreen Checklist Nonresidential Additions and Alterations (PDF)

  This checklist applies to building permit applications received on or after January 1, 2020, for nonresidential building additions of 1,000 square feet or greater and/or building alterations with a permit valuation of $200,000 or above, and only applies to the portions of the building being added to or altered within the scope of the permitted work. (PDF: 467 kB) (Version 05/13/2020)

• CNI-002 Site Evaluation Procedures for Building and Grading Permits

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

• CNI-003 Substantial Improvement / Substantial Damage Valuation Summary for FEMA Compliance (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-004 Building Inspection Procedures

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

• CNI-008 Code Modifications & Alternate Materials, Designs or Methods (PDF)

  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 approval. (Version: 03/08/2023)

• CNI-010 Special Inspection & Testing Procedure

  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)

• CNI-014 Special Inspection Agency Recognition List

  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: 12/17/2021)

• CNI-016 Board of Building Appeals Form (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-017 Standard Carport Design

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

• CNI-019 Agreement for Early Release of Utilities (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-026 Flood Damage Electrical Circuit Megohmmeter Testing Form (PDF)

  To check the condition of conductor insulation using a minimum 500v DC megohmmeter. 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)

• CNI-027 Flood Damaged Electrical Requirements

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

• CNI-031 Building Site Evaluation Waiver  (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-032 Swimming Pool Safety Required Upgrades (PDF)

  Use this form to provide information on the State law requirement to upgrade existing swimming pools, toddler pools, and spas by installing an anti-entrapment cover designed to eliminate safety hazards over the suction outlet.  (PDF: 265 kB) (Revised 10/10/2018)

• CNI-033 Statement of Special Inspections (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-033A Statement of Special Inspections: Steel Appendix (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-033R Statement of Special Inspections Residential (PDF)

  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)

• CNI-036 Tankless Water Heaters

  Building permit applicants of the specific items that may be required when replacing an existing storage-tank water heater with an on-demand tankless water heater. Background: On-demand tankless water heaters require substantially more natural gas than standard. (Revised 04/28/2009)

• CNI-037 Smoke / Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Self Verification Form (PDF)

  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: 178 kB) (Version 02/05/2020)

• CNI-038 Water Conserving Plumbing Fixture Self Verification Form (PDF)

  In order to grant final approval on your permit, it is necessary to verify the replacement of non-compliant plumbing fixtures with compliant fixtures. This form provides the property owner the ability to self-verify compliant fixtures when work for which the permit is issued does not allow convenient access to the interior of the dwelling (e.g., re-roof, electrical service upgrade, or other exterior work). (PDF: 169 kB) (Version 03/11/2020)

• CNI-039 Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures

  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)

• CNI-044 Swimming Pool Safety Regulations

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

• CSS-019 Minimum Standard Site Plan Requirements

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

• CSS-020 Building Permit Application - Revised Information  (PDF)

  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)

• CSS-027 Notice to Recipients of Ministerial Permits

  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)

• CSS-030 Expedited Plan Review Request (PDF) 

  Form to request an expedited review of plans. (PDF) (Version: 01/25/2020)

• DRN-005 Waterway Setback Requirements

  This document summarizes waterway setback information from assorted sections of the Sonoma County Code (SCC). When multiple setbacks apply to a waterway, the most protective setback shall generally govern land use and development. (Revised 01/31/2019)

• GRD-002 Grading Permit Questionnaire (PDF)

  Use this Questionnaire to assist in determining when a grading permit is required. (PDF: 304 kB) (Version 05/27/2020)
  Use with Flood Prone Urban Area (FPUA) Map.

• GRD-004 Grading Permit Required Application Contents

  Lists submittal requirements for grading permit applications and a checklist for grading plans. (Version 05/04/2022)

• GRD-008 Grading Permit Required Inspections (PDF)

  Identifies grading permit inspections required to be performed by Permit Sonoma inspection staff and, when applicable, by the project civil engineer and soils engineer.  (PDF: 332 kB) (Version 04/10/2020)

• NPD-002 Protection of Stormwater Quality on Construction Sites

  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)

• NPD-003 State Water Resources Control Board General Permit Requirements

  The purpose of this document is to provide information to the development community on their responsibility to protect stormwater quality during construction and to inform them of the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Construction Permit requirements for construction projects disturbing one (1) or more total acres of soil. (Version 03/16/2023)

• NPD-007 Best Management Practices for Construction Sites

  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)

• PJR-008 Temporary Occupancy of Travel Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, and Mobile Homes

  Permit requirements for temporary occupancy of travel trailers, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes allowed. (Revised 10/13/2010)