Residential (Standard Primary)
Introduction
Typical residential development applies to traditional, site-built homes designed for year-round living. These homes are built entirely on the property where they will remain, using standard construction methods that meet California Building Code requirements.
This category is different from:
- Manufactured Homes – factory-built dwellings that are transported to the site and installed.
- Alternative Owner Builder (AOB) Residences – structures built under Humboldt County’s AOB Ordinance, which allows alternative methods and materials under specific conditions.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – smaller secondary homes on the same property as a primary residence, often used for rental or family housing.
If your project is a new site-built home, an addition to an existing home, a remodel, or legalizing unpermitted work on a traditional residence, this section explains the minimum documents you’ll need for permit review.
Minimum Documents for Permit Submittal
Every project falls into one of four main categories of development: New Construction, Addition, Remodel, and Existing (Unpermitted) work. Each category has different requirements based on the scope and condition of your project. On this page you’ll find the minimum documents required for each type of development.
NOTICE: Other documents will likely be required depending on where and how complex of a structure you are building. For example, if your energy calculations specify a minimum photovoltaic (PV) size you will be required to submit PV plans. See the Construction Documents page to see if other documents may be required for your permit submittal.
If you’re building a home on a vacant lot or replacing an existing home with a completely new structure, your project is considered new construction. This process requires a complete set of plans and documents so we can ensure the home meets all building, zoning, energy, and safety requirements from the ground up.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- Survey Form
- Sediment & Erosion Control BMP's
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans
- Energy Calculations
- Fire Sprinkler Plans
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
An addition involves expanding your home’s footprint or adding new floors or rooms, such as a bedroom, bathroom, or living space. We’ll need detailed plans showing how the new work will connect to and impact the existing structure.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- Survey Form
- Sediment & Erosion Control BMP's
Design Documents
- Construction Plans
- Energy Calculations
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
A remodel changes the interior or exterior of an existing home without increasing its overall size. Examples include kitchen and bathroom renovations, changing walls or windows, or upgrading finishes and systems. Depending on the work, you may need to provide structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing details.
Forms
Design Documents
- Construction Plans (include before and after floor plan)
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
If your home has work that was done without permits—whether by a previous owner or yourself—this category is for you. Permitting unpermitted work helps ensure it is safe, code-compliant, and recognized as legal for insurance, resale, and financing purposes. You’ll need to provide plans and details so we can inspect and approve the work.
Forms
- Building Application
- Construction Waste Management Plan
- Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Form
- Survey Form
- As-Built Forms
Design Documents
- Site Plan
- Construction Plans
- Energy Calculations
See the Construction Documents page to learn more about these documents and how you can get them.
Safe Home Program Overview
Humboldt County’s Safe Home Program lets property owners voluntarily legalize unpermitted residential buildings or accessory structures without paying the usual investigation or penalty fees. The opportunity runs from December 31 2022 through December 31 2027. A “no-jeopardy” consultation is available before you decide to apply.
What the program waives
- Investigation fees and code-compliance penalties
- Most R2 soils or geologic reports—only required when the site’s slope exceeds 15 percent or it lies in Slope-Stability Zones 2–3 and a licensed professional certifies stability
What applicants must still pay
- All standard permit, plan-check, and development fees
- Any staff costs already accrued in an active code-enforcement case
Eligibility at a glance
- Work must have been completed before October 25 2017
- Commercial buildings do not qualify
Technical certification pathways (choose one option per trade)
Structural
- Option A: Architect or engineer certifies that the foundation and structure fully meet current code.
- Option B: Strip finishes so the Building Division can perform full inspections (no partial engineering sign-off).
Plumbing & Mechanical
- Engineer’s certification or
- Detailed report from a licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor or
- Exposure of all concealed work for inspection.
Electrical
- Engineer’s certification or
- Electrical contractor’s report or
- Exposure of concealed wiring (fished wiring may remain covered).
Energy-code compliance
Applicants may either design to the current Title 24 Energy Code or demonstrate that the building met the energy regulations in effect at the time of original construction (proof of construction date required).
Quick Steps to Permit Issuance
Follow the below steps to start a permit application for a new residence.
- Register for an Accela account (see our Accela Support Resources).
- Upload your required documents (see our Accela Support Resources and Step 3 on First Time Applying for Building Permit).
- Move through step 4 Preliminary Site Inspection and step 5 Plan Check described on First Time Applying for a Building Permit webpage.
- Once the permit is issued use the Inspections page to schedule inspections and change your issued permit if necessary.