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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.

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.

Permit FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Building Permit process.

New Rental Inspection Program
Information on the City's Residential Rental Inspection Program.

Plan Submittal Checklist
Requirements for Residential and Commercial Buildings: New Dwellings, Additions, Remodels, Alterations, and Repairs. (PDF)

New Stormwater Control Plan Requirements for Projects Over 10,000 square feet
New Contra Costa County Stormwater Runoff Requirements.

Green Building Information
Information on green building programs and resources

Permits are required for all buildings or structures which are to be altered, repaired, enlarged, improved upon or converted, or where any change in the size of a room takes place or any electrical or plumbing work is involved. Some examples of projects requiring permits are:

• Room Additions
• Interior Remodel
• Decks/Fences
• Spa/Swimming Pool
• Foundation Repair
• Termite Repair
• Roof Replacement
• Water Heater Install
• Electrical Upgrades
• Siding

Before commencing construction it is recommended that you contact the City Building Division to make certain that a permit is required. Additionally, before a building permit can be issued by the Building Division, information concerning zoning regulations must be obtained and adhered to from the Planning Division for those projects requiring zoning clearance prior to a permit being issued (new dwellings, additions, fences, decks, carports, garages). Zoning regulations include but are not limited to minimum distances or setbacks from the property lines for buildings/accessory structures, fences/decks as well as maximum height restrictions.

The hours of work are limited to:

• 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
• 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays
• Work is prohibited on Sundays and holidays.
• Work may be prohibited during inclement weather upon the order of the City Building Official.
• For work in the public right-of-way, contact the Public Works Department at 510-215-4382 for hours of work.

All work must be controlled to prevent causing a public nuisance such as dust, noise, vibrations, and traffic congestion.