The Sacramento County CalGreen Permit Process

CalGreen for Sacramento County

The Sacramento County CalGreen permit process is confusing due to the complete lack of online information. The county website provides no guidance on the process or what if any amendments they have made to the code. The only clue is to follow the “Upcodes” link to the county municipal code. Once there, the code simply notes they have adopted the state Green Building Standards Code. 

Many jurisdictions in California publish their own version of the CalGreen Checklist. Others simply refer you to the Housing and Community Development website for the checklists published there. Sacramento County does neither. We called the head of the residential division at the Sacramento County Building department who confirmed that, yes, we should use the HCD forms.

The CalGreen Checklist

Sacramento County CalGreen permit process requires you submit the Housing and Community Development (HCD) checklist for residential projects when you submit your building plans. However, this checklist can lead the unwary into wasting thousands of dollars on unnecessary requirements. This is because the published checklist already has all of the “possible” mandatory measures checked. However, few new homes are actually required to comply with every mandatory measure! It takes a specialist in the CalGreen Code to understand which mandatory measures are not required on your project. 

The county requires you use the checklist contained in the CalGreen code for commercial projects.

It is important to understand three things about the Sacramento County CalGreen Checklist. 

The first is that the checklist is a commitment that is being made with the County building department. Each item checked becomes an obligation that the project must include. Failure to install any item on the list is cause for the building inspector to deny an occupancy permit. This can cause a costly delay for the home owner or building owner.

Second, it is important to understand that the checklist does not place an obligation on the contractor. The checklist shows the building department how the project will comply with the code. The design drawings and specifications must describe the CalGreen items called for on the checklist. 

Last, the Sacramento County CalGreen checklist does not have all the code requirements on it.  You cannot rely on your building department’s checklist for full compliance with the code. Therefore it is in your best interest to hire a CalGreen specialist who can ensure all of the code requirements are met.

We typically charge $225 for your Sacramento County CalGreen permit submittal. This ensures that CalGreen compliance does not become problem on your project.

 

Sacramento County Building Division

The Sacramento County Building Division is the agency that regulates the CalGreen Code requirements in Sacramento County. The regulations apply to both residential and commercial construction new constructions as well as to certain alterations and additions.

All new and renovation projects in the County require a CalGreen permit submittal. This applies to both residential and commercial projects.

We Work Directly With the Sacramento County Permit Department

If necessary, we will deal directly with the County Building Division to ensure your project does not get unfairly burdened with inapplicable CalGreen requirements. THIS is the difference a CalGreen specialist can bring to your project. Fewer requirements mean lower construction costs, fewer constructability issues and fewer change orders. At CalGreen Energy Services we can save your project time and money.

We respond quickly to emails and voicemails. We will put together a proposal for you right away and can typically start on your project within a couple of days.

Email or call us now to see how we can help you:

Email: gary@calgreenenergyservices.com

Phone: 707-328-5299

Download the Sacramento County Residential CalGreen Checklist here:

https://calgreenenergyservices.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/HCD-Residential-CalGreen-Checklist.pdf

Visit the Sacramento County Building Department website here:

https://building.saccounty.net/Pages/default.aspx

See the full text of the Sacramento County Municipal Code here:

https://qcode.us/codes/sacramentocounty/

CalGreen Checklist Services