We're Here to Help
The Building Services Division provides plan review, building inspections and code compliance inspections under the uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
For questions about building permits and plan check, or to make an appointment, please contact the Building Division Staff at (510) 215-4360.
Important Phone Numbers
215-4360 Building Division
215-4330 Planning Division
215-4382 Engineering Division
215-4380 Community Dev. Director
Building Division E-Mail
bldg@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
New City Hall Address
10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
For business hours, including the schedule for the alternative Friday the office is closed, see
www.el-cerrito.org/home/fridays.html
The
Building Division of the City of El Cerrito is charged with safeguarding life, limb, health, and property by setting forth minimum standards when regulating the construction of all buildings and structures in the city through the enforcement of the 2007 California Building Code. (By State law, the 2007 California Building Standards Codes became effective in California cities on January 1, 2008.)
The Codes are applicable to all construction within the City of El Cerrito and regulate Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Building Conservation, and related uniform construction codes, as well as the State Housing Law Regulations. The Code requires that no building or structure regulated by the code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved upon, converted or demolished without first obtaining a separate building permit for each building or structure.
The City Building Division enforces the building and construction codes set forth
under the El Cerrito Municipal Code and the California Codes through plan review and field inspections of new building construction and building alterations or renovations. (Similarly, the Fire Department enforces the Fire Code.)
If you are considering a construction project in El Cerrito, you are encouraged to become familiar with the City’s building codes. The 2007 California Codes are available for review at the City Offices. The El Cerrito Municipal Code is available online, go to www.el-cerrito.org/gov and click the "Municipal Code" button.
This page contains vital information regarding the permit process, applicable city and state codes and minimum requirements for anyone contemplating building projects within the City of El Cerrito.
Division Overview
The Building Services Division provides plan review, building inspections and code compliance inspections under the uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. Key services include:
- Providing timely turn-around for plan review and issuance of building permits, thereby providing quality customer service.
- Ensuring that buildings comply with State health, safety and energy codes to promote community safety and well-being.
- Ensuring compliance with Federal and State accessibility standards.
- Completing rental housing inspections to ensure compliance with the State housing codes in order to maintain a quality rental housing stock consistent with community values and to promote a supportive economic development climate and a safer community.
