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Shasta County, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Shasta County Code § 16.04.160
Issuing agencies
Building, Public Health, Fire Depts
Permit voids
work not started in 6 months
Completion deadline
2 years from issuance
Late-start penalty
extra fee equal to permit fee
Unpermitted work
charged as a misdemeanor

Summary

Shasta County bars anyone from erecting, altering, moving, or converting a structure or mobile home, or installing, repairing, or replacing building service equipment such as wiring or piping, without first obtaining a valid permit. Code Section 16.04.160 lets the building department, public health department, and fire department issue these permits, and unpermitted work draws a misdemeanor charge plus a penalty fee.

City-specific rules exist: Redding has its own building permits rules that differ from Shasta County's county-level regulations. If you live in Redding, check the city-specific page instead.

A. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, install, improve or convert a structure or mobile home, or any portion thereof, or install, alter, repair, replace or remodel any building service equipment regulated by this code or any code adopted by reference in this chapter, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a valid permit for such work when a permit is required by this chapter or by any code adopted by reference in this chapter, except as set forth in Section 16.04.020.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code: Supplement 22).

Full Breakdown

04, Article II of the county code. 160(B) directs the building department, department of public health, and fire department to issue permits and to standardize application forms and inspections. 160(C). 160(D). 190. 200(A). 200(B). 150 makes it unlawful to do any work requiring a permit without first obtaining one, or to occupy a structure under a changed use without a new certificate of occupancy.

Violations & Fines

Working without the required permit is a misdemeanor under Section 16.04.150(E). The code adds an administrative bite: Section 16.04.150(D) assesses an additional penalty fee equal to the amount of the original permit fee whenever work begins before a permit is issued, on top of the permit fee itself. Ignoring a stop-work order issued under this chapter, or changing a building's occupancy without a new certificate of occupancy, is also a violation the building official can cite separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I build without a permit in Shasta County?
Section 16.04.150 makes unpermitted work a misdemeanor and adds an extra penalty fee equal to the original permit fee once work begins before the permit is issued. Paying the added fee does not excuse you from every other code requirement or from any additional penalty a court imposes.
How long does a Shasta County building permit stay valid?
Under Section 16.04.200, a permit expires if the work does not start within six months of issuance. The building official can void it if work sits suspended for six straight months, and every permit lapses if the job is not finished within two years.
Which county office actually reviews my permit application?
Section 16.04.160 assigns review to the building department, department of public health, or fire department depending on the work, and Section 16.04.160(C) requires the resource management department to confirm compliance with septic, well, grading, subdivision, and zoning chapters before any building or mobile home permit is approved.
Can I get an expired Shasta County permit reissued?
Yes, Section 16.04.200(B) lets the building official reissue a permit for good cause as long as the original plans have not changed and the work was not suspended for more than a year; each reissuance is valid for one additional year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shasta County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant Restrictions

All Shasta County rules

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Building Permits in Cities Across Shasta County

Redding, CA