Do I Need a Permit to Remodel in San Ramon? (2026 Guide)

Short answer: in San Ramon you need a building permit whenever a remodel adds or relocates electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, changes structure, or adds square footage. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet refacing, a like-for-like toilet or faucet swap in the same spot — generally does not. Green Living Remodeling prepares and pulls the permits for every project we build, so this page is here to help you plan, not to add homework.

Common San Ramon projects: permit or not?

Project	Permit?	Why
Bathroom remodel, same layout, new tile and fixtures	Usually yes	New electrical circuits, exhaust fan or plumbing alterations trigger a permit; a toilet replaced in the same location with no plumbing change does not need a plumbing permit.
Kitchen remodel	Yes	Almost always involves new circuits, lighting and plumbing; removing a wall adds structural review.
Room addition or second story	Yes	Structural, energy (Title 24), setbacks and often a soils or engineering report.
Garage conversion / ADU	Yes	Ministerial ADU review; the city must act within 60 days of a complete application.
Roof replacement	Yes	Re-roofs are permitted work; cool-roof requirements apply under Title 24.
Attic insulation only	Often no	Adding insulation alone typically does not need a permit, but a permit may be required with related electrical or mechanical work; we confirm per project.
Water heater replacement (tankless)	Yes	Plumbing, gas or electrical and venting are inspected.
HVAC replacement	Yes	Mechanical permit; new equipment must meet current Title 24 efficiency rules.
Window film, shades, paint, flooring	No	Cosmetic; no permit.

How the San Ramon permit process works

Plans and forms: the City of San Ramon Building and Safety Services accepts applications online through its permit portal (Citizen Self Service account), with plans uploaded as PDFs. Small jobs may qualify for over-the-counter review.
Plan check: staff review structural, energy (Title 24 forms), plumbing, electrical and mechanical items. Larger projects may also go through planning review; HOA approval is separate and is your community’s rule, not the city’s.
Permit issuance and fees: fees are set by city resolution and depend on the project type and valuation.
Inspections: rough plumbing, electrical and framing are inspected before walls close; final inspection closes the permit.

Permit Center: 7000 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA 94583 · (925) 973-2580.

Why unpermitted work costs more later

Home sales: buyers’ inspectors and appraisers flag unpermitted kitchens, baths and additions; sellers often have to legalize or discount.
Insurance: claims tied to unpermitted electrical or plumbing can be denied.
Safety: inspections catch the things you cannot see once the tile is on — venting, GFCI protection, drain slopes, fire blocking.

Title 24 and your permit

Any permit filed on or after January 1, 2026 is reviewed against the 2025 California energy standards. For remodels this affects lighting, insulation, windows, water heating and HVAC. We prepare the compliance forms with the plans. Plain-English Title 24 guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a permit take in San Ramon?

Simple permits can be same-day or a few days; kitchens and baths with plans usually take a few weeks; additions and ADUs longer (ADUs have a 60-day statutory limit for a complete application).

Who pulls the permit, me or the contractor?

Your contractor should pull it under the company’s name. We do, and we schedule every inspection.

Can I check whether my home’s previous remodel was permitted?

Yes — the city’s permit records for your address can be requested through the Permit Center.

Get a free estimate that includes the permit plan or call (510) 725-4073.

Sources: City of San Ramon Building and Safety Services handouts (bathroom and kitchen remodel submittal requirements) and Permit Center information; California Energy Commission 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. General information, not legal advice; requirements are confirmed per project.