Small Business Liaison

Opening a small business can be a significant undertaking. To assist you in navigating the process, the following provides an overview of the steps required to obtain a building permit and complete construction within the City of Sacramento.

Step 1: Before signing a lease

Before committing to a lease, we recommend the following steps to ensure your proposed business location is suitable for your business needs:

Use the New Tenant Guidance Checklist

Contact Planning department

Email Planning and include:

Note: If your business involves the sale of alcohol, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements may apply.

Accessibility requirements

  • Accessibility upgrades are required with each permit until the building meets full compliance
  • Ask property owner about recent tenant improvements
  • Ask property owner if they have a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) report

Step 2: Determine if Planning Entitlement is required

Some projects require additional review by the Planning Division to ensure compliance with zoning and design standards.

Common scenarios requiring Planning review

Below are some instances that would require Planning review.

Exterior modifications

  • Changes to the building’s exterior (e.g., façade remodels, new windows, doors, fencing, or parking improvements) may require a Site Plan and Design Review
  • Minor changes may be reviewed at staff level or exempt from review

Learn more about Site Plan and Design Review

Alcohol sales

  • Off-site consumption: requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Planning and Design Commission
  • On-site consumption: a CUP is required only for bars, not restaurants

Historic properties

Projects involving:

  • Designated historic landmarks
  • Properties in historic districts
  • Structures over 50 years old (if demolition is proposed)

Must be reviewed by Historic Preservation staff through a Site Plan and Design Review application.    

Tree removal

Removing a tree on private property or in the public right-of-way requires a tree permit and may involve a public hearing.

Step 3: Before submitting for a Building Permit

Ensure you're ready to begin the building permit process:

Determine permit requirements

Ready to submit?

Once your construction plans are complete and any required Planning Entitlements are approved, you can begin the Building Permit Submittal process.

Permit issuance requirements

Building permits may be issued to either the property owner or a licensed contractor.

Before a permit can be issued, several requirements may need to be resolved. Once your plans are approved, City staff will provide a complete, itemized list specific to your project.

Below are common items that may apply:

Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer)

Sewer impact fees

A receipt from the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is required prior to permit issuance. This may include payment of sewer impact fees or confirmation that no fees are due.

  • Contact SacSewer with your permit number(s) to obtain a statement
  • Pay any required fees to SacSewer
  • Email receipt to City staff

Offsite Improvements & Encroachment Permits

Public Works

If your project includes offsite improvements or work in the public right-of-way, you must complete the Public Works application and approval process before your building permit can be issued.

View more information on Public Works permits

Construction Debris Recycling

Solid Waste

All projects covered by CALGreen and building permits require a C&D Permit, which mandates that 65% of all debris generated during the course of a project be recycled.

View C&D recycling requirements

Air Quality Clearance

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Projects must comply with Rule 902 Asbestos.

Visit Sac Metro Air District for more information on asbestos requirements

School district impact fees

Once plan review is nearly complete, you will receive a School District Certification Form from City staff.

  • Complete Part 1
  • Submit to the appropriate school district for fee payment
  • Return the completed form with proof of payment

View school district contact information

Flood risk

Hold Harmless Agreement

If your project is in a flood zone, a Hold Harmless Agreement must be signed by the property owner and notarized. Documentation may be required to verify ownership (e.g., LLC Statement of Information).

View Flood Zone Construction Requirements for additional information

Request an address

If the current address is to change, you must submit an Address Request form to Addressing before occupancy or submission of tenant improvement plans.

View addressing information and forms

Inspection process overview

At your first inspection, speak with your building inspector about:

  • The full scope of work 
  • Which inspections will be required 

Each inspection must be scheduled separately by discipline:

  • Building 
  • Plumbing 
  • Mechanical 
  • Electrical 
  • Planning 
  • Fire 

Tip: Early coordination with inspectors helps avoid delays and rework.

View building inspection information 

Shareable URL: www.cityofsacramento.gov/buildingsmallbusiness

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