- Home
- Government
- City Departments
- Building Department
- Building Permits
Building Permits
Applying for a Building Permit
TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDER USING ONLINE SERVICES
To protect the health and safety of our community and employees, the City Services counter at City Hall will continue to have public access. It is highly recommended that those needing to speak directly with City staff call ahead of an office visit to confirm availability.
The Building Department accepts residential permit application submittals via email to help serve our customers. Online submittals are accepted for the following scope of work:
- Electrical service upgrade to an existing main panel
- Gas insert
- HVAC repair, replacement, new installation
- Patio/Pergola structure
- Include two site plans showing the location of the proposed patio in relation to the house
- Patio dimensions
- Dimensions to adjacent structures, pools
- Property lines and setbacks must be clearly marked
- Residential Roof/Fascia Connection Sheet
- Re-roof
- Sewer, minor plumbing, fixture replacement
- Water Heater install, replace
- Window retrofit
To apply for a building permit, complete the Project Identification Worksheet and submit with corresponding plans and drawings and email to: buildinginspection@shafter.com or submit in person or by mail to
NOTE: Online application submittals are restricted exclusively to permits outlined above. Any work beyond this scope will not be accepted online. Application submittal does not constitute approval or permit issuance.
Work Requiring a Permit
The Building Department is responsible for issuing building permits and performing building inspections.
A permit is required for most construction and/or repair projects, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Permits are necessary for, but not limited to: residential and business additions, alterations, solar installations, patios, decks, gardens, and retaining walls, swimming pools, spas, air conditioners, all electrical and plumbing installation, including sprinklers, water heaters, and gas lines.
To obtain a Building Permit, complete the Project Identification Worksheet and submit with corresponding plans or drawings in person or by mail to:
City of Shafter
C/O Building Department
336 Pacific Avenue
Shafter, CA 93263
If the project requires Kern County Fire Department approval, please complete Application for Permit Request for Service.
The Building Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and will occasionally close between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please call 661-746-5002 prior to arrival to ensure availability.
Obtaining a Permit
A homeowner can obtain a permit to make improvements on their own home. You can do your own design and prepare your own plans, as long as they show compliance with all the applicable codes, including, but not limited to structural, energy, and fire, life, and safety items. You will be responsible for these items.
For additional information regarding the requirements for obtaining a permit, please visit the Home Additions page.
Scheduling Residential Inspections
Inspection appointments can be scheduled by emailing: buildinginspection@shafter.com and providing the following information:
- Project Address or Location of Inspection
- Day/Date Inspection is Requested
- Type of Inspection, please note if it is a RE-INSPECTION
- Permit Number
- AM or PM (time frame)
- If applicable, include special instructions (side gate open, entry code, etc.)
If submitting inspections for multiple addresses, please ensure they are listed clearly.
Residential inspection schedule is as follows:
- AM inspections are between 8:30 am and 12 pm
- PM inspections are between 1:30 pm and 4 pm
Although every effort is made to keep appointments as scheduled, due to heavy inspection activity, inspections may be delayed or rescheduled without further notice
Commercial Inspections
- Complete a Commercial Inspection Request Form
- Email inspection request form to buildinginspection@shafter.com
- Request must be received during business hours and 24 hours in advance of the requested date of inspection. Requests received outside of this requirement will be scheduled on the next business day.
Re-inspections and Corrections
If a correction notice is given by the inspector, a re-inspection is necessary. Email buildinginspection@shafter.com to reschedule an inspection once the corrections have been made. Fees may be collected for excessive re-inspections of the same scope.
Qualified Personnel
It is recommended in most cases to use the services of a qualified professional. This may be required if minimum code requirements are not complied with. Licensed individuals must be bonded and provide their own workers compensation and liability insurance.
This could potentially be a burden for a homeowner not normally covered for these types of exposure. It is recommended you contact your insurance agent and review your coverage before taking on a project.
Priority Permitting and Inspections
For information on priority permitting and inspections for affordable housing projects click here (English/Spanish).
Additional Information
For more information or to apply for a building permit, please contact the Building Department at 661-746-5002.
Contact Us
-
City Hall
336 Pacific Ave.
Shafter, CA 93263
Finance Department
Ph: 661-746-5001
Fx: 661-746-1002
Community Services
Ph: 661-746-5002
Fx: 661-746-9125
Manager's Office
Ph: 661-746-5000
Fx: 661-746-0607
Human Resources
Ph: 661-746-5003
Fx: 661-746-2645
Public Works
Ph: 661-746-5004