what you need to know about roofing permits in California

When Permits ARE Required:

Most California cities require permits for:

• Full roof replacements (re-roofing)
• Roofing work exceeding 100 square feet
• Structural changes to the roof framework
• Adding features like skylights or solar panels
• Replacing 8 or more sheets of plywood
• Energy efficiency upgrades (Title 24 compliance)

When Permits May NOT Be Required:

Minor repairs typically don't need permits:

• Replacing a few shingles
• Small leak repairs
• Cosmetic fixes under 100 square feet

However, this varies by city—some jurisdictions (like Palm Desert) require permits for any roofing work.

Important Details:

• It varies by city/county - Each municipality has different thresholds and requirements
• Who gets the permit: Usually the contractor obtains it, but the homeowner pays the fees
• Costs vary by location
• Inspections required - Projects typically need at least one inspection before final approval

Consequences of Skipping Permits:

• Fines and penalties
• Insurance claims may be denied
• Property value issues when selling
• May need to redo work to meet code
• Safety risks if work doesn't meet California's earthquake/fire standards