Building Permits

The City of Martinez Building Division has two ways in which you can submit your permit, online or in-person.

Do not use the building permit email account as this email is intended for general inquiries only and applications submitted through this portal will not be accepted.

Online Portal

The City has launched an Online Portal for SPECIFIC  residential permit types, as listed below.

All other permit types should be submitted in person at City Hall to avoid experiencing a delay in processing.

• Mechanical Permit
  • A/C & FURNACE REPLACEMENT
  • FURNACE REPLACEMENT
  • HVAC REPLACEMENT
• Electrical Permit
  • ELECTRICAL: EXISTING SERVICE PANEL REPLACEMENT OR UPGRADE, NOT EXCEEDING 200A. INCLUDE EXISTING MAIN SERVICE PANEL AMPERAGE
• Plumbing Permit
  • WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT
• Re-Roof Permit
• Solar through SolarAPP+ Only

If you are requesting one of the above, you may submit your permit application by clicking the link below:

https://aca-prod.accela.com/martinez/Default.aspx

Reminder: All other permits should be submitted in person to avoid experiencing a delay in processing.

In-Person 

Building Permit applications may be submitted over the counter during normal business hours. Plan check and permit fees will be determined when the application is submitted.

The International Building codes are followed not only to protect your health and safety, but that of your property investment as well.

• Building Permit Application
• Fee Schedule
• Business License Required for Contractors
• Building Forms and Handouts

Discover a variety of rebates and incentives for residential and commercial construction projects.

The City is accepting permit applications in person, email or uploaded to the City’s Hightail account for larger attachments.  View permit applications along with step-by-step instructions on how to submit applications:

Permit Applications

Fee Schedule 

Permit Applications

Instructions

Engineering Standard Details

Encroachment Permit

Grading Permit

Sidewalk Repair Rebate Application

Site Development Permit

Transportation Permit

Street Tree Replacement Permit & Tree List 2025

To schedule a building inspection, please call the Building Inspection Request Recorder at (925) 372-3596 no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the requested inspection.

 The following information should be contained in your message:

1. Name and Address
2. Phone Number
3. Permit Number
4. Type of Inspection being requested
5. Inspection preference (morning or afternoon) We will do our best to accommodate your request, but cannot guarantee.

C & D Waste Management

The City of Martinez now uses the web-based Green Halo System to document and monitor compliance with state mandated standards for Construction and Demolition Waste.

Participation through Green Halo is mandatory for all applicable projects. See the C & D Waste Management Overview link below for covered projects.  Use the following link to start the process: www.martinez.wastetracking.com/city/martinez/

1. C & D Waste Management Overview
2. Contractor Guide - Creating Account
3. Contractor Guide - Submitting Plan
4. Contractor Guide - Adding Tickets

The Building Department issues building permits to homeowners and licensed contractors to regulate construction within the City limits. We work closely with the Planning and Engineering Divisions to help maintain a small-town feeling while ensuring that modern-day building safety requirements are met.

Building Forms and Handouts to help guide you through your building project in the City of Martinez.

Contact Information

Permit Center  
525 Henrietta Street 

Permitting Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., closed for lunch, and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Permit Technicians 

Lisa Luna
Aaron Hauswirth

Permits Line (925) 372-3515
Email: buildingpermits@cityofmartinez.org (Effective 2026: General questions only, Do NOT submit building applications or plan submittals as they will not be processed)

Plan Checker 
(925) 372-3529

Building Inspectors

Dennis Williams - (925) 372-3526
Jeff Taylor - (925) 372-3549

Chief Building Official

Mike Leontiades - (925) 372-3565

Building Inspection Request Recorder - (925) 372-3596

Planning Mainline - (925) 372-3515

Engineering Mainline (925) 372-3516

Please observe the City's holiday schedule when planning your project.

2026 City Holidays

Recent state housing laws encouraging Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) have raised important questions for homeowners in flood hazard areas—particularly around garage conversions. The good news: converting an existing garage to a JADU does not automatically trigger new flood compliance requirements under FEMA rules. A change in use alone is not the issue. Flood regulations are only triggered if the project qualifies as a Substantial Improvement, meaning the total cost of construction equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure being improved.

How FEMA rules apply depends on whether the garage is attached or detached. For detached garages, the 50% threshold is calculated using only the value of the garage itself—meaning flood compliance applies only if that threshold is met, and the main home is unaffected. For attached garages, the calculation is based on the value of the entire building, including the house. If improvements remain under 50%, no flood upgrades are required for either the home or the JADU conversion. The City of Martinez reviews flood zone status and construction costs on a case-by-case basis and encourages property owners to contact the Building Division early to confirm requirements. 

The City of Martinez is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of its residents by ensuring compliance with California Senate Bill 326 (SB 326), which mandates the regular inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in residential multi-family and condominium buildings. SB 326 was enacted to identify and address potential safety hazards—such as water intrusion, decay, or structural deterioration—that could compromise the integrity of balconies, decks, walkways, and other elevated structures.

Balcony Hazard Reporting Form

Property owners and homeowners associations are required to complete these inspections within specified timeframes and report any hazards identified.

• Buildings permitted before January 1, 2020:
  • First inspection due by January 1, 2025
  • Subsequent inspections required every 9 years thereafter
• Buildings permitted on or after January 1, 2020:
  • First inspection must occur no later than 6 years after the Certificate of Occupancy is issued (with following inspections every 9 years)