Building Permits

The Albany Building Department is transitioning to an online permitting portal for building permit processing. Currently, single-trade or small-scale permits can be submitted through Cloudpermit. Applications for larger projects that require Plan Check should still be emailed to permits@albanyca.gov for processing. 

Apply for a building permit online:

The City of Albany uses the online community development platform Cloudpermit for building permits and inspections. So, you can complete the entire building permit process online on your phone, tablet, and laptop. With Cloudpermit, you can:

• Apply for building permits at any time, from anywhere
• Check the status of your building permit or building inspection (when your application status changes, you’ll automatically receive an email letting you know)
• Schedule or cancel building inspections for permits issued through Cloudpermit
• Communicate with your building department with time-stamped messages
• Request and submit changes to an existing building permit issued through Cloudpermit

How to get started:
Create your Cloudpermit account by visiting https://us.cloudpermit.com/login.

Once registered, you can apply for building permits and track their progress online.

Cloudpermit has a variety of resources to help you – check out Cloudpermit Support for instructions on the basics and watch the instructional videos below to learn how to use the software (watch more here):

How-to videos and support materials:

• 'Cloudpermit - How to Submit a Building Permit Application' - video
• 'How to Send a Message on Cloudpermit' - video
• 'How to Request Inspections' - video

Check to see if you need a permit for the work you are going to do.

• Work Exempt from Permit(PDF, 264KB)

• Contractors - State-licensed Contractors may apply for and pull all necessary building permits
• Agents - Third Party representatives can act on behalf of the property owner, with their written authorization, and apply for and pull building permits. The state-licensed contractor performing the work needs to be listed on the application.
• Owners - Property Owners can apply and pull building permits, either listing the hired contractor on the application, or as an Owner-Builder, acting as their own general contractor.
  • To pull a permit as an Owner-Builder, the applicant MUST own the property, consider the property their primary residence for a minimum of 12 months prior to completion of work, and complete work themselves.
  • For more information on state law regarding acting as Owner-Builder, see Contractors State License Board website.
  • Contractors State License Board Owner Builder Brochure(PDF, 171KB)

Any contractor or handyman hired to perform work in Albany must have a current Albany business license at the time of permit issuance. Please see the Business License page for more information on how to apply for or renew a business license.

Other projects that do not qualify for an Over-the-Counter permit will typically require Plan Review.

For detailed information on Building Permit Submittal Requirements for projects requiring Plan Review, see Plan Review page.

Information regarding building designs and plan sets can be found in:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Handout(PDF, 552KB)
• Building Permit Submittal Checklist(PDF, 229KB)
• Building Design Authority List(PDF, 26KB)
• Bathroom Remodel Submittal List(PDF, 118KB)
• Kitchen Remodel Submittal List(PDF, 292KB)

Smaller residential projects limited to only minor or no structural changes can typically be issued within 1-2 business days, such as:

• Furnace Replacements
• Water Heater Replacements
• Electrical Panel Change-outs and Upgrades
• Siding Replacement or Repair

Other documents in addition to the Building Permit Application may be required for Over-the-Counter Permits such as:

• Window Replacements(PDF, 188KB)
  • Photos of existing windows
  • Illustration or spec sheet showing appearance and dimensions of new window(s)
  • Site Plan showing location of windows to be replaced
• HVAC installations
  • Site Plan showing location of condenser or outdoor unit and distance to property lines
• Re-Roofs
  • Fire Code Section - Open Flames(PDF, 137KB)
• Sewer Laterals
  • An Encroachment Permit(PDF, 157KB) is needed for any work in the Public Right-of-Way and must be completed by a licensed contractor

Licensed Contractors can apply for PV permits and receive instant plan review for qualifying residential projects through SolarApp+, an online review system designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist. 

Apply to SolarApp+ for instant permit approval: 

• Submit your design through SolarAPP+  
• Email SolarApp+ approval documents AND City of Albany Building Permit Application to permits@albanyca.org 
• An Albany Building Permit and Inspection Record Card will be issued and emailed to applicant to be kept on site for inspections. 

 Applicants whose projects are not eligible for or who do not wish to use SolarApp+ can apply for photovoltaics and energy storage system building permits via email using our standard submittal process.