Home renovations in Sonora require building permits under Title 15.10 (Ordinance 853) for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Over-the-counter permits are available for simple electrical, plumbing, re-roof, solar, and mechanical work.
The Community Development Department at 94 N. Washington Street processes renovation permits. Over-the-counter permits are generally available for simple permits including electrical, plumbing, residential re-roof, residential solar, and mechanical work. More complex renovations involving structural changes require plan check review. Design Review may be required for renovations in the Commercial or Historic Downtown zones. Ordinance 829 established expedited permitting for solar installations. Building inspections are available Tuesdays and Thursdays by scheduling at 209-532-3508 ext. 2. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors must be verified as less than 10 years old during physical interior inspections.
Renovation work without required permits may result in stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to expose and inspect concealed work.
Sonora, CA
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See how Sonora's renovation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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