Sacramento Kitchen & Bath Permitting Guide

March 21, 2025

We’re excited to share that Kitchen Mart has received the prestigious Excellence in Permitting award from the Sacramento Association of Building Officials! This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to compliance, quality, and seamless permit navigation.

With nearly 50 years of experience helping Sacramento homeowners transform their kitchens and bathrooms, we’ve mastered the permit process.

Here’s what you need to know to ensure your remodeling project is fully compliant and hassle-free.

Do I Need a Permit for My Sacramento Remodel?

Projects That Require Permits:

• Structural changes: Removing or adding walls, altering room layouts
• Electrical work: Adding outlets, relocating switches, installing new lighting fixtures
• Plumbing changes: Moving sinks, toilets, or showers; modifying pipe locations
• Mechanical updates: Installing new ventilation systems, range hoods, or gas appliances
• Window/door modifications: Adding or enlarging windows or doors

Projects That Generally Don’t Require Permits:

• Painting walls
• Replacing cabinets or Cabinet Refacing (without layout changes)
• Installing new countertops (without plumbing modifications)
• Swapping out fixtures in the same location
• Installing new flooring
• Replacing mirrors or hardware

Always check with the Sacramento Building Department if you’re unsure—one quick call can prevent costly issues down the line.

Types of Remodeling Permits in Sacramento

Sacramento categorizes kitchen and bathroom remodels into two main types:

Non-Structural/Non-Floor Plan Changing Remodels

• Covers: New appliances, adding/moving cabinets, flooring, wall tile
• Requires: Basic permit and fees
• Review process: Less complex

Complete Residential Remodels

• Covers: Floor plan changes, window additions, multi-system repairs
• Requires: Plan review and additional fees
• Review process: More comprehensive with multiple inspections

Depending on your project, you may also need:

• Building/General Permit
• Plumbing Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Mechanical Permit
• Structural Permit
• Demolition Permit

The Sacramento Permit Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare documentation: project plans, site plans (if applicable), material/fixture lists, and contractor details.
2. Submit application: Online via the Sacramento Citizen Portal or in-person at 300 Richards Boulevard in Sacramento.
3. Pay fees: Costs vary based on project scope.
4. Application review: City officials check plans for code compliance; they may request revisions.
5. Approval & inspections: Keep permits and plans on-site for inspectors; inspections occur at various construction phases.

Timeline Expectations:

• Simple projects: 1–5 business days
• Kitchen/bathroom remodels: 1–2 weeks
• Complex projects: 4–6 weeks

Pro Tip: Sacramento offers expedited review for an additional fee if your project is time-sensitive.

Permit Costs in Sacramento

Permit fees vary, but typical costs include:

• Kitchen remodel: $500–$1,500
• Bathroom remodel: $200–$1,000
• Additional fees: Green Building, Tech, Plan Review, Fire Department (if applicable)

Budget Tip: Permit costs usually represent about 0.5% to 2% of your total remodeling budget—plan accordingly.

What Happens If You Skip Permits?

Remodeling without proper permits can have serious consequences:

• Fines up to $5,000 per violation
• Work stoppages if discovered
• Required removal of completed work
• Difficulty selling your home in the future
• Potential insurance claim denials
• Safety risks due to non-compliant work

Warning: Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance companies can deny claims on unpermitted work, leaving them financially responsible for damages.

Kitchen Mart’s Expert Permit Tips

After decades of experience, here’s our advice:

• Consult early: Talk to the building department before finalizing plans.
• Consider older homes: Pre-1980s homes may require asbestos or lead testing.
• Stay organized: Document all communications with officials.
• Be detailed in plans: Clear plans help avoid unnecessary revision requests.
• Schedule inspections promptly: Avoid delays by keeping inspections on track.
• Work with experienced professionals: They anticipate and prevent permit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long are permits valid in Sacramento?
A: Most permits are valid for 180 days. If work doesn’t start within this timeframe, renewal is required.

Q: Can I apply for permits myself?
A: Yes, but the process can be complex. Most homeowners prefer their contractor to handle it.

Q: What happens if my plans need revisions?
A: The city will request changes. Address them quickly to avoid delays.

Q: Do I need separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work?
A: Often, yes. These ensure compliance with safety codes.

Q: How do I verify if a wall is load-bearing?
A: It’s best to assume a wall is load-bearing until confirmed otherwise. Sacramento may require structural verification.

How Kitchen Mart Makes Permitting Simple

At Kitchen Mart, we handle the entire permitting process for you:

• We prepare and submit all documentation
• We schedule and attend inspections
• We ensure full compliance with Sacramento regulations

Our recent award from the Sacramento Association of Building Officials confirms our expertise in navigating the permitting process correctly and efficiently.

Ready to remodel with confidence?  Contact Kitchen Mart today for your free in-home consultation—we’ll handle the permit maze so you can focus on designing your dream space!