Development Services

Building & Safety

Building Permits

Why do I need a building permit?
The City of Turlock requires building permits to ensure that specific minimum standards are met in construction, altering, or repairing buildings.

When do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required for the following:

- New residential housing
- New commercial buildings
- Remodel
- Additions
- Detatched garages
- Shed or storage buildings greater than 120 square feet
- Tenant Improvements
- Re-roofs (Submit Online)
- Window Placements
- Water Heater Replacements
- Electrical Service Change (Submit Online)
- HVAC changeouts (Submit Online)

Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit?
The property owner is responsible for obtaining a building permit. A licensed contractor or any other person authorized by the owner may submit and sign the application and building permit. Work begun without a permit or work that differs from an obtained permit will be stopped. Before resumption, a stop work order penalty must be paid and a permit that accurately describes the work must be obtained. Un-permitted work violates building and zoning codes.

When do I apply for a building permit?
A building permit must be obtained before beginning any work. Sufficient lead-time should be provided for plan examination, making corrections, and permit issuance. In emergency cases, such as fires or to correct hazardous conditions, the waiting period may be waived.

What is required to apply for a building permit?
Applicants should know the legal address of the property. They should know the name, address, and license number of a contractor listed on the application, and the estimated value of the work.

Any supporting documents for this project, such as plans, structural, and energy calculations should be submitted at this time.

What happens after I obtain a building permit?
Inspections are required at various stages of construction. A final inspection is required on all permits. After you have obtained a building permit and would like an inspection, we have a 24 hour inspection line at (209) 668-5542 ext 2223. The contractor or owner may call in inspections. Inspection requests must be received by 4pm on the business day prior to inspection.

Where do I apply for a building permit?
Building permits are available at City Hall or in Adobe Acrobat format here.

Is there a plan check fee?
Most projects will require a plan check deposit. This deposit will be applied to the cost of your building permit. Cash or check is the only method of payment.

Download a building permit application