Before you remodel
Which kitchen and bath work needs a permit?
Under California’s building codes, finish work such as painting, tile, flooring, cabinets, and countertops is commonly exempt from a building permit, while electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural changes usually need one. Each city and county applies the codes through its own building department, so every guide below covers one department: who it serves, how to reach it, and what to expect. Permit needs for your project are confirmed during the free in-home consultation.
Jurisdictions
Find your building department.
City of Fresno
A plain guide to City of Fresno permits for kitchen and bathroom remodels, from what needs a permit to looking up a home’s permit history.
Read the permit guide
City of Clovis
What the City of Clovis Building Division asks for when you remodel a kitchen or bathroom, and how to research a home’s inspection records.
Read the permit guide
Fresno County (unincorporated areas)
For homes in unincorporated Fresno County, from Caruthers to Shaver Lake: who issues remodel permits, what is exempt, and how to search permit records.
Read the permit guide
City of Visalia
How Visalia’s Building Safety Division handles bathroom remodels, window change-outs, and water heaters, plus where to research a home’s permits.
Read the permit guide
City of Tulare
What the City of Tulare Building Division requires for kitchen and bath remodels, including the exempt work list it posts and how inspections run.
Read the permit guide
Tulare County (unincorporated areas)
For homes in unincorporated Tulare County, from Three Rivers to Earlimart: how the RMA Permit Center handles kitchen and bathroom remodel permits.
Read the permit guide
City of Hanford
Hanford’s Building Division lists water heaters, water treatment equipment, and new windows as permit work. Here is what that means for a remodel.
Read the permit guide
Kings County (unincorporated areas)
For homes in unincorporated Kings County, including Armona, Home Garden, Stratford, and Kettleman City: how remodel permits work with the County.
Read the permit guide
City of Madera
What the City of Madera Building Division requires for kitchen and bath remodels, and what its own guidance says about unpermitted work and resale.
Read the permit guide
Madera County (unincorporated areas)
How Madera County’s Building Division handles kitchen and bath remodel permits in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Madera Ranchos, and other unincorporated areas.
Read the permit guide
City of Merced
Merced’s kitchen renovation handout lists more permit items than many homeowners expect. Here is how the City’s Inspection Services handles remodels.
Read the permit guide
Merced County (unincorporated areas)
For homes in unincorporated Merced County, from Delhi to Santa Nella: how Building and Safety handles kitchen and bath remodel permits.
Read the permit guide
City of Sanger
How the City of Sanger Building Division handles kitchen and bathroom remodel permits, from online applications to inspection requests.
Read the permit guide
City of Selma
Selma’s Building Division publishes a list of work that needs no permit, including some faucet, toilet, and window swaps. Here is how to read it.
Read the permit guide
Get started
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Your online range is for planning purposes only. It is not a guaranteed quote or final project price.