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

Before any structure or mobile home in unincorporated Shasta County is erected, enlarged, altered, moved, or converted, and before building service equipment such as wiring, plumbing, or mechanical systems is installed or replaced, the applicant must secure a permit under Chapter 16.04, Article II of the county code. Section 16.04.160(B) directs the building department, department of public health, and fire department to issue permits and to standardize application forms and inspections. No permit for a building, mobile home installation, or septic system is approved until the resource management department confirms in writing that the project complies with Chapter 8.41 (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems), Chapter 8.56 (Water Wells), Chapter 12.12 (Grading, Excavating and Filling), and Titles 15, 16, and 17 of the county code, per Section 16.04.160(C).

The fire department must also clear the application for compliance with the Uniform Fire Code and county development standards under Section 16.04.160(D). Fees are set by board of supervisors resolution under Section 16.04.180, and valuation for fee purposes follows International Code Council data unless the board adopts its own policy, per Section 16.04.190. A permit becomes null and void if work does not begin within six months of issuance, if it is suspended or abandoned for six consecutive months, or if it is not completed within two years, per Section 16.04.200(A).

The building official may reissue an expired permit for good cause, with each reissuance running for one year, under Section 16.04.200(B). Section 16.04.150 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.