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.

Quick Steps to Permit Issuance

Follow the below steps to start a permit application for a new residence.

  1. Register for an Accela account (see our Accela Support Resources).
  2. Upload your required documents (see our Accela Support Resources and Step 3 on First Time Applying for Building Permit).
  3. Move through step 4 Preliminary Site Inspection and step 5 Plan Check described on First Time Applying for a Building Permit webpage.
  4. Once the permit is issued use the Inspections page to schedule inspections and change your issued permit if necessary.