Contra Costa County, CA Building Safety: Roofing Permits (2026)

Any reroof in unincorporated Contra Costa County that replaces more than 25 percent of the existing roof within a 12-month period requires a building permit from the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) Building Inspection Division. The County has adopted the 2022 California Building Code, California Residential Code, and California Fire Code with local amendments codified in Ordinance Code Title 7. Properties located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) as mapped by CAL FIRE, or within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) as designated in Chapter 74-6, must install Class A fire-rated roof coverings pursuant to CBC Chapter 7A. Unincorporated VHFHSZ areas include parts of Kensington, El Sobrante hills, Alhambra Valley, and Morgan Territory. Permit fees follow the County's adopted fee schedule based on valuation. Licensed C-39 roofing contractors must perform the work, and final inspection by the County building inspector is required before the permit can be closed. Partial reroofs (under 25 percent) and simple repairs generally do not require permits, but must still comply with manufacturer specifications and fire-rating requirements in WUI zones.