What Drawings Are Required for Permits in California?

If you’re planning a remodel, addition, or new build in California, permits are not optional and neither are the drawings required to obtain them. One of the most common questions we hear is “What exactly do I need to submit to the city?”

The answer depends on the scope of your project, but most California jurisdictions require a coordinated set of drawings that clearly demonstrate life safety, structural integrity, and code compliance.

Below is a clear breakdown of the drawings typically required for residential permits in California.

1. Architectural Drawings

These form the foundation of your permit set and show what is being built.

Typical architectural sheets include:

• Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures

• Floor plans with dimensions, room labels, doors, and windows

• Exterior elevations indicating heights, finishes, and overall appearance

• Building sections showing ceiling heights, roof structure, and vertical relationships

• Door and window schedules with sizes and types

These drawings allow the city to confirm zoning compliance, egress, and general building layout.

2. Structural Drawings and Calculations

If your project involves removing walls, adding square footage, or altering the structure in any way, structural drawings are required.

These are typically prepared by a licensed structural engineer and include:

• Foundation plans

• Framing plans for floor, wall, and roof

• Structural details for beams, posts, shear walls, and connections

• Structural calculations demonstrating compliance with seismic and gravity loads

In California, seismic requirements are taken seriously. This set is critical for approval.

3. Title 24 Energy Compliance Documentation

California’s energy code, known as Title 24, ensures homes meet strict efficiency standards.

Depending on the scope, this may include:

• Energy compliance forms

• Lighting efficiency calculations

• Insulation and glazing performance documentation

Some cities require these forms as part of the drawing set, while others accept them as a supplemental submittal. They are almost always required.

4. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Plans

For kitchens, bathrooms, additions, or whole home remodels, MEP drawings are often required to show how systems will function safely.

These plans may include:

• Electrical plans showing outlets, lighting, and panel loads

• Plumbing plans for supply, waste, and venting

• Mechanical plans for HVAC equipment, ducting, and ventilation

Smaller projects may allow a simplified layout, but larger remodels usually require full coordination.

5. Additional Jurisdiction Specific Requirements

Each city or county may have its own additional requirements, such as:

• Fire sprinkler plans

• Truss calculations

• Soil reports

• Green building checklists

• Coastal or hillside review documents

This is where local experience matters. Requirements can vary widely even between neighboring cities.

Why a Coordinated Permit Set Matters

Incomplete or poorly coordinated drawings are one of the biggest causes of permit delays. When architectural, structural, and energy documents do not align, plan check comments increase and timelines stretch.

At Studio Eight Design Build, we manage this entire process for our clients. From coordinating architects and engineers to reviewing drawings before submittal, our goal is to make permitting as smooth and predictable as possible.

Planning a Project in California?

If you are early in the planning phase or unsure what your project requires, we are happy to guide you. Understanding the permit process upfront saves time, money, and stress down the line.

Reach out to Studio Eight Design Build to start your project with clarity and confidence.