Permits by job in California
Direct answers to “do I need a permit to {job} in California, and how does it work?” — general California code and process for the most common contractor jobs. City-specific fees and timelines are confirmed with the local building department on each job's page.
Electrical
Battery storage
In California, installing a home or small-commercial battery energy storage system (ESS) requires an electrical permit — and residential installs are reviewed against the ESS location and clearance rules in the California Residential Code (R328) and Fire Code. The system must carry a UL 9540 listing, and the utility interconnection is a separate, parallel process. A C-10 (Electrical) or C-46 (Solar) licensed contractor generally pulls it.
EV charger install
In California, a hardwired Level 2 EV charger (EVSE) install needs an electrical permit because it adds a dedicated circuit and load — generally pulled by a licensed C-10 contractor under the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3, Articles 625 and 220). Most California cities now offer streamlined or instant residential EV-charger permitting under SB 1222 / AB 1236.
Electrical panel upgrade
In California, an electrical service or panel upgrade always needs an electrical permit and an inspection, and almost always requires utility coordination for the temporary disconnect. It is pulled by a licensed C-10 contractor under the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3). Common drivers: EV chargers, heat pumps, solar/battery, ADUs, and replacing legacy/recalled panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic).
Solar interconnection
In California, installing a grid-tied solar PV system needs an electrical permit (often called a PV or solar-interconnection permit), pulled by a licensed C-10 or C-46 contractor. The work follows the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3, Article 690) and California's expedited residential solar permitting (most cities use SolarAPP+). Battery-storage interconnection (Article 706) adds further scope.
Plumbing
Gas line installation
In California, installing, extending, or modifying gas piping requires a plumbing permit, and the new or altered piping must pass an inspector-witnessed pressure test before it goes into service. The work is governed by the fuel-gas provisions of the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), and is generally performed by a C-36 (Plumbing) licensed contractor.
Whole-house repipe
In California, a whole-house repipe needs a plumbing permit, pulled by a licensed C-36 contractor under the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5). The permit covers replacing existing supply (and sometimes drain/waste/vent) piping; common drivers include failing galvanized or polybutylene supply, slab leaks, low-pressure complaints, and pinhole leaks in copper.
Sewer line replacement
In California, replacing a sewer lateral or building drain needs a plumbing permit, pulled by a licensed C-36 (Plumbing) or C-42 (Sanitation) contractor under the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5). The work often coordinates with the city's wastewater utility, and an encroachment / right-of-way permit is generally required when work extends into the public right-of-way.
Water heater replacement
In California, replacing a water heater almost always requires a plumbing permit (and often a mechanical or electrical permit too) because the work involves gas or electrical connections, venting, seismic strapping, and a T&P/expansion device. It is governed by the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) and the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4), and is generally pulled by a licensed C-36 contractor.
HVAC
AC changeout
In California, replacing a central AC condenser, coil, or furnace needs a mechanical permit (and often electrical for the condenser circuit), pulled by a licensed C-20 contractor. The work is governed by the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) and the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), and most residential replacements require third-party HERS testing for duct leakage and refrigerant-charge verification.
Furnace replacement
In California, replacing a furnace — even like-for-like — requires a mechanical permit because the work involves gas piping, venting, combustion air, and electrical connections. It is governed by the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4), and the changeout triggers Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) alteration measures — commonly duct sealing verified by a third-party HERS rater. A C-20 (HVAC) licensed contractor generally pulls it.
Mini-split installation
In California, installing a ductless mini-split heat pump requires a mechanical permit plus electrical scope for the new dedicated circuit and disconnect — even for a single-zone unit. The work falls under the California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4), the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), and the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). A C-20 (HVAC) licensed contractor generally pulls it.
Roofing
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