Licensed Contractors can apply for PV permits and receive instant plan review for qualifying residential projects through SolarApp+, an online review system designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist. 

Apply to SolarApp+ for instant permit approval: 

• Submit your design through SolarAPP+  
• Email SolarApp+ approval documents AND City of Albany Building Permit Application to permits@albanyca.org 
• An Albany Building Permit and Inspection Record Card will be issued and emailed to applicant to be kept on site for inspections. 

 Applicants whose projects are not eligible for or who do not wish to use SolarApp+ can apply for photovoltaics and energy storage system building permits via email using our standard submittal process. 

Large scale construction projects including but not limited to residential second story additions,  tenant improvements, and new construction are subject to plan check review for compliance with the Building Code.

Plan Check Submittal Requirements include the following: 

• A completed building permit application 
• Complete construction plans bearing the seal and signature of the architect or engineer responsible for their design as required by State Licensing Boards
• Structural Calculations
• Completed Stormwater Requirements Checklist
• Completed Fire Safety Requirements Checklist
• Soils Report & Engineer's conformance letter  
• Any supporting documents (such as project manual, product specification sheets, etc.)

Please note that prior to applications being processed, all requested information must be provided and the required plan check fees paid.  

Albany Fire Department Requirements: Applicants must contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (510) 528-5775 prior to finalizing plans to determine fire prevention requirements.

FEMA Flood Zone Regulations: Properties within the Watercourse Overlay District have been deemed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be vulnerable to flooding and may be subject to additional design regulations. If the subject property is in proximity to either Cerrito or Codornices Creeks, please check the Zoning Map to confirm whether the property is within the Watercourse Overlay District and consult with City Staff prior to finalizing your project design.

More detailed submittal information for these projects can be found on either the  Building Permit Submittal Checklist for Residential Additions or the Building Permit Submittal Checklist for ADUs . 

The City of Albany utilizes a third-party plan checking service.  To learn more about this service, click on the following link:

• Phillips Seabrook Associates

For additional questions regarding submittal requirements, please contact the Permit Technician. 

Scheduling inspections is the responsibility of the permit holder. Some typical inspections and inspection sequences are listed below. Please note that it is the responsibility of the person doing the work to provide access to and means for the inspection.

Inspections can be scheduled by calling the office at 510-528-5760 or emailing permits@albanyca.org. Although we can typically schedule next-day inspections, please allow up to 3 days lead time for inspections. If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection, please call no later than 9:00 am on the day of the inspection.

If the work is not ready for a scheduled inspection when the Building Inspector arrives, you may be charged a re-inspection fee.

Building Inspector
The Building Inspector enforces the City's building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, handicap, and energy codes, as well as all other state and local requirements relevant to the construction and occupancy of public and private structures.

Special Inspector

A special inspector may be required during certain types of construction, such as concrete, reinforcing steel, welding, high-strength bolting, structural masonry, sprayed-on fire proofing or other work which, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, involves unusual hazards or conditions. A builder can retain special inspectors upon approval by the Building Inspector.

Typical Inspections & Sequences:

• Foundation Inspection occurs after trenches are excavated, forms are erected, reinforcement and required anchor bolts are in place, and before concrete is poured. 
• Concrete Slab or Under-Floor Inspections are made after all in-slab or under floor building service equipment (conduits, piping accessories, and other ancillary equipment items) is placed, but before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing installed. It should also be inspected prior to installation of floor insulation. 
• Nailing Inspections are made when plywood sheathing is nailed on and before roofing or siding material is applied. 
• Rough Plumbing Inspections are made when framing is complete and before any interior covering is in place. All plumbing vents and gas lines must be completed and ready for testing. Waste piping shall be filled with water to the roof line at the time of inspection. Gas piping is air-pressure-tested. A separate inspection of the trap and overflow for tub/shower is required. 
• Rough Mechanical Inspections must be made when framing is complete (i.e., all ducts and flue must be in place) and prior to insulation. 
• Electrical Inspections must be made when framing and all rough electrical wiring are completed and before any interior covering or insulation is in place. All boxes must be made up and grounded. 
• Structural Frame Inspection must be made after roof sheathing, all framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place. Chimneys, vents, ducts, top-out plumbing and rough wiring must be in place before the building is insulated. Leave all diagonal bracing exposed. 
• Insulation Inspections must be made before interior lath or gypsum board is applied. (The Fire Department must inspect any fire sprinkler lines and fire alarm wires and connections prior to the insulation being installed.) 
• Lath and/or Wallboard Inspections must be made after all lathing and/or wall board, interior and exterior, or gypsum board is in place, but before plaster, stucco, tile, or taping is applied.
  Scratch Coat Inspection is required after minimum of 48 hours of moisture cure. 
• Final Inspection will be made when the building is completed. All Planning & Zoning, Fire Department, Public Works, and Environmental Resources requirements must be completed and approved by the respective department and/or staff before the building is occupied. Please note that a five (5) working day advance notice may be required for a Final Inspection. 
• Others: Additional inspections may be required.

Building Code Requirements & References:

All of the following codes and ordinances may be viewed at the Community Development Department front desk.

• California Building Standards Code
• City of Albany Building and Housing Ordinance
• City of Albany Grading Ordinance
• Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• California Health & Safety Code
• City of Albany Flood Damage Prevention Regulations Ordinance
  • see Chapter XX section 20.52 under Land Development in City Municipal Code
• Sanitary Sewer Lateral Requirements
• Drainage Policy
• Fire Prevention

All Codes and regulations may also be purchased at many booksellers and online, including the International Code Council, or Builders Booksource main store at 1817 4th Street, Berkeley or online.

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Code Enforcement:

Code Enforcement responds to concerns regarding illegal construction or deterioration of buildings that affect the quality of life of nearby residents.

Following is a listing of the most common violations that can require Code Enforcement by the City.

• Construction in violation of City noise standards
• Inspection of potentially unsafe or unhealthy buildings
• Construction of buildings in violation of building code or zoning standards
• Illegal outdoor storage
• Operation of businesses in residential districts

If you notice a violation in your neighborhood, please contact the Community Development Director to report the violation.

Senate Bill No. 721 (SB 721), which went into effect on January 1, 2019, requires the inspection and repair of balconies, decks, and stairs that rely in whole or in substantial part on wood structural support (exterior elevated elements, or 3E) in multi-family residential buildings with three or more dwelling units.  SB 326, a similar bill for condominiums, was signed into law on August 30, 2019.

Please visit our Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection Program webpage for more information. 

3E Informational Handout

3E Inspection Certification

3E Exemption Declaration

On July 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2023-04, requiring seismic retrofits of multifamily soft story buildings. The ordinance language has been added to the Albany Municipal Code as Section 12-15.  All buildings that were built before 1981, have 3 or more units, and have a wood framed target story will be required to complete a retrofit.

Please visit our Soft Story Retrofit Program page for more information on this ordinance. 

Construction contractors are responsible for any activities on the properties under construction that lead to non-stormwater discharges to the street, gutter, or storm drain. The Clean Water Program’s friendly and knowledgeable staff support businesses like yours in preventing water pollution and complying with stormwater regulations. Please see the Construction Contractor Stormwater Best Practices handout to learn how to take steps to do the right thing when working on your contracted repair, remodel, or construction project.

City of Albany has adopted a Green Building Resolution with new requirements for projects subject to zoning clearance. These requirements will make Albany’s buildings healthier, greener, and more efficient. 

Please visit the Green Building Requirements page for more detailed information. 

Forms

• Building Permit Application 
• Building Permit Extension Request
• Building Permit Submittal Checklist for Residential Additions
• Building Permit Submittal Checklist for ADUs
• Encroachment Permit
• Encroachment Permit for Reserved Parking & Storage Pods
• EV Charger Checklist
• Pre-Construction Recycling Form
• Post-Construction Recycling Form
• Reroofing Fire Code Affidavit (for reroofs using a heat source application)
• Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Affidavit
• Stormwater Requirement Checklist Small Projects

Handouts

• Work Exempt from Permit
• Owner-Builder Permits Pamphlet
• Bathroom Remodel Submittal List & Example Drawing
• Curbless Shower Guidelines
• Kitchen Remodel Submittal List & Example Drawing
• Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Information
• Window Replacement Information
• Fence Regulations
• Building Demolitions
• Building Authority List
• Drainage Policy Handout
• Grading Ordinance
• Sewer Lateral Specifications

Useful Information

• State Contractor Licensing Board
• California Building Standards Code
•  California Indoor Air Quality
•  Bay Area Air Quality Management District
•  Alameda County Vector Control
•  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Mold Facts