Modesto, California Building Permit Guide

The City of Modesto Building Safety Division issues building permits from City Hall, 1010 10th Street, Suite 3100, Modesto, CA 95354 (mail: PO Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353); phone 209-577-5232. Hours are Monday through Friday, phones 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and office 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plans and applications can be submitted online through the eTRAKiT Online Permits Portal.

This guide covers the Modesto Building Safety Division, its fees for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, its fast-track options, the Planning Division’s Pre-App Express and the Fire Prevention plan check.

What requires a building permit in Modesto?

Online, homeowners can get water heater and reroof permits, and licensed contractors can also get service upgrade and HVAC permits. Most reroof, water heater, HVAC, electrical service, swimming pool, patio and other minor residential remodel permits are also issued over the counter. Before covering up or building over any permitted work, request an inspection.

Modesto’s local design criteria: 0 PSF snow load, 85 MPH wind speed, Seismic Design Category D, 12 inch frost line depth and very heavy termite damage.

California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments

Who handles permitting in Modesto?

Fast-track options in Modesto

• Counter appointments, Permits Express and pre-submittal conferences: book between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. by calling 209-577-5232, extension 0. Permits Express (TI Tuesdays) is a one-on-one tenant-improvement review with Building, Planning and Fire plan review staff.
• Pre-App Express: a joint early-feedback meeting with Building, Planning, Engineering, Parks, Utilities and Fire every other Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; call Planning at 209-577-5267.
• Third-party plan review by preapproved consultants.
• Early foundation-underground permits for new commercial buildings and commercial additions.
• PASS program for approved designers who complete its training.

Modesto permit costs and fees

Building Safety Fees effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 are flat by project:

• Accessory dwelling units and small dwellings up to 1,200 sf: $2,429.00
• Additions up to 500 square feet, including mechanical, plumbing and electrical: $1,896.00
• Garage: $954.00; re-roofing: $349.00; water heater replacement: $139.00
• Residential photovoltaic: $333.00; minor mechanical, plumbing or electrical: $242.00; swimming pools: $550.00
• Inspections or reinspections: $216.00 per hour

Fire plan check: $148.00 per 1,000 sf for a complete building and $71.00 per 1,000 sf for sprinkler systems. A 2.4% service fee has applied to credit card payments since September 1, 2017.

How to get a building permit in Modesto

A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with Modesto’s Building Safety Division on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California

Inspections in Modesto

Request inspections through the eTRAKiT Online Permits Portal. Modesto building inspectors do not take inspection requests over the phone or in the field, and inspection appointments cannot be accommodated. The fee schedule lists inspections and reinspections at $216.00 per hour.

Official Modesto permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Modesto Building Safety Division
• Modesto building permits
• Modesto expedited permits
• Modesto Building Safety Fees
• Modesto building inspections
• Modesto design requirements
• Modesto Fire Prevention

Frequently asked questions

Can I call a Modesto inspector to book an inspection?

No. Inspectors do not take requests over the phone or in the field; request inspections in eTRAKiT.

How much is a reroof permit in Modesto?

$349.00 under the fees effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

What is TI Tuesdays?

Permits Express: one-on-one appointments with Building, Planning and Fire Department plan review staff for tenant improvements, booked at 209-577-5232, extension 0.

Simplify Modesto permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Work out which city counters and outside agencies the project has to go through
• Prepare and upload the application, plans and forms in the city’s portal
• Book the inspections and follow the permit through to final

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Modesto permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.