Rancho Cordova, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

2, "Work exempt from permit," to state that exemptions never authorize work done in violation of the code or any other city ordinance and that all structures, even exempt ones, must meet setback and height requirements set by the City Planning Department. The exempt list covers one-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds and playhouses up to 120 square feet with no more than a 12-inch eave, fences other than swimming pool barriers under 7 feet high, and a range of minor electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work such as portable heating appliances and replacement of minor parts that do not affect safety.

Sign work is exempt from a building permit only for copy changes on a painted sign, non-structural repainting or cleaning, and specific temporary signs including real estate signs, small construction signs, and political, religious and civic campaign signs, though a building-permit exemption never waives the separate zoning-code sign permit requirement. 7 so the Building Official can log inspections against it. 2, and the Building Official may refund up to 40 percent of an unused permit fee, or up to 80 percent if no plan review fee was charged, on a written request filed within 180 days of payment.