Building Department

The Building Department is located at 938 Fresno Street and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The Building Department is closed on Fridays.

Building Department

The Building Department is here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have and to enforce various building and building-related codes in order to protect you, your family and your property.

California state law requires local jurisdictions to provide comprehensive building code enforcement services to promote a minimum safety standard for all aspects of the building construction, fire and structural items, as well as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Below is a list of a few projects that require a building permit by the city:

  • Patio Covers – attached or detached.
  • New backyard sheds over 120 sq.ft. (zoning permit needed for sheds under 120 sq.ft.)
  • Swimming Pools
  • House Additions
  • Re-Roofing
  • HVAC units (new or replacement)
  • Water Heaters (new or replacement)
  • Water Softeners
  • Various plumbing projects (excluding minor repairs or clearing stoppages)
  • All electrical projects (excluding receptacle or fixture replacement)
  • Solar Systems (streamline solar submittals can be sent to buildingdepartment@cityofnewman.com)

As these are just a few of the projects that require a permit, please call the Building Department at (209) 862-3725, option 8, if you are not sure if your project requires a permit. We would be happy to speak with you to answer any questions or concerns. With the constant changes to the codes and regulations, a type of project that was previously approved and completed without a permit may need one today. Our goal is to ensure your safety and limit any damage to your property.