Do I need a permit to build a deck in Concord, CA?

Yes. In Concord, any attached deck or a freestanding deck that is more than 30 inches above the adjacent grade requires a building permit. You will need to submit a site plan showing the deck's location relative to property lines, the house, and any easements, along with structural drawings. Decks that are at or below 30 inches and are not attached to the house may be exempt from a building permit but could still require a zoning clearance. Always check with Concord's Building Division before starting work to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit, since unpermitted decks can create problems when you sell your home.

How long does it take to get a building permit approved in Concord, CA?

Permit timelines in Concord vary depending on project complexity. Simple projects like small sheds or water heater replacements may receive over-the-counter approval the same day. Standard residential projects such as room additions or new detached accessory structures typically go through plan review in 4 to 8 weeks. ADUs and projects in special overlay districts, such as FEMA flood zones or fire hazard areas, can take longer, especially if multiple city departments need to review the plans. Submitting a complete, accurate application with a properly prepared site plan is the best way to avoid delays and back-and-forth correction cycles.

What does Concord require on a residential site plan?

Concord's Building Division expects a residential site plan to include: the property lines with dimensions, the location and footprint of all existing structures on the lot, the proposed new construction or addition with dimensions, setback distances from all property lines, a north arrow, the scale of the drawing, driveway and walkway locations, utility connections (water, sewer, gas), any easements on the property, and the street name. For projects near Galindo Creek or other drainage areas, flood zone information and finished floor elevations may also be required. The plan should be drawn to a recognized scale, typically 1 inch equals 20 feet for standard residential lots.

Can I draw my own site plan in Concord, or do I need a licensed surveyor?

For most standard residential permits in Concord, you are not required to hire a licensed land surveyor or architect to prepare your site plan. Homeowners and contractors can draw their own site plans as long as the plan is accurate, drawn to scale, and contains all required information. However, if your project involves complex grading, a boundary dispute, or is in a flood zone requiring an elevation certificate, professional involvement may be necessary. Online tools like Site Plan Creator make it easy to produce a professional-looking, to-scale site plan that meets Concord's requirements without specialized software or drafting skills.

What are the setback requirements for a single-family home in Concord, CA?

In Concord's standard R-1 Single-Family Residential zone, typical setbacks are 20 feet from the front property line, 5 feet from each side property line, and 20 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have a larger street-side setback, often 10 feet. Detached accessory structures like sheds and garages may be allowed closer to the rear and side property lines, sometimes as close as 5 feet depending on height. ADUs benefit from California state law, which allows 4-foot side and rear setbacks in many situations. Always verify the exact setbacks for your parcel and zoning district with Concord's Community Development Department before finalizing your plans.

How much does a building permit cost in Concord, CA?

Permit fees in Concord are calculated based on the valuation of the proposed construction work. For a typical deck or small addition, plan check and permit fees combined often range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Larger projects like full room additions or ADUs can carry fees of several thousand dollars. There is also a separate plan check fee, which is typically a percentage of the permit fee, paid at the time of submittal. Fee schedules are updated periodically, so check with Concord's Building Division for the current fee schedule before budgeting your project. Fees are in addition to any costs for preparing your site plan and construction documents.

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Concord, CA?

Yes. All accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) in Concord require a building permit. California state law has significantly streamlined the ADU approval process, and Concord must comply with state mandates that limit local barriers to ADU construction. For most ADUs, the city must act on a complete application within 60 days. Your application will need a site plan, floor plans, and construction drawings. ADUs can be built as close as 4 feet from side and rear property lines in most cases. Concord also allows garage conversions and attached ADUs. Contact the Community Development Department to confirm current standards, as state ADU law continues to evolve.

What happens if I build without a permit in Concord, CA?

Building without a required permit in Concord is a code violation that can have serious consequences. If discovered, the city can issue a stop-work order immediately halting construction. You may be required to obtain a retroactive permit, which often involves more extensive inspections and can be more expensive than getting the permit upfront. In some cases, unpermitted work must be partially demolished so inspectors can verify compliance with building codes. Unpermitted structures also create complications when you sell your home, as buyers, lenders, and title companies will flag them. Penalties and fines can also be assessed. It is always safer and more cost-effective to pull the permit before you build.

Does my property in Concord fall in a FEMA flood zone, and how does that affect my permit?

Some areas of Concord, particularly near Galindo Creek and other drainage channels, are mapped within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). If your property is in a flood zone, your building permit application will require additional documentation, including an elevation certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor showing the base flood elevation and the finished floor elevation of any proposed structure. Structures in flood zones must meet FEMA and local floodplain management standards, which may affect foundation design and finished floor heights. You can check whether your parcel is in a flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Concord's Public Works Department administers the local floodplain management program.

Where do I submit a site plan and permit application in Concord, CA?

Concord accepts residential building permit applications both online and in person. The city's ePermits portal allows you to submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and track the status of your permit digitally. For in-person submissions, visit the Community Development Department counter at Concord City Hall, located at 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord, CA 94519. Counter hours may vary, so it is a good idea to call ahead or check the city's website before visiting. For complex projects, scheduling a pre-application meeting with a plan checker can help you identify any issues with your site plan or construction documents before you make a formal submittal.

Site Plan Requirements in Concord, CA (Permit Guide)

By Site Plan Creator Team • June 13, 2026

Concord, California homeowners tackling residential projects need to understand local site plan and permit requirements before breaking ground. This guide covers everything from ADU rules and setback requirements to where to submit your application and how long plan review takes in Concord.

Site plan requirements for residential properties in Concord, California

Residential Site Plans and Building Permits in Concord, CA

Concord is one of the largest cities in Contra Costa County, a dynamic East Bay community that has seen steady residential growth over the past decade. Whether you are adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your Ygnacio Valley Road property, building a deck in a Clayton Road neighborhood, or enclosing a garage near Monument Boulevard, the City of Concord requires a properly prepared site plan as part of nearly every residential building permit application. Getting that site plan right from the start saves you time, money, and the frustration of a rejected submittal.

What Is a Residential Site Plan and Why Does Concord Require One?

A residential site plan is a scaled, bird's-eye drawing of your property that shows the lot boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, easements, driveways, and utility locations. Concord's Building Division requires site plans so that plan checkers can verify your project complies with the California Building Code, local zoning ordinances, and any applicable overlay districts before a single shovel goes into the ground.

Without an accurate site plan, the city cannot confirm that your proposed structure respects required setbacks, does not encroach on drainage easements, or exceeds impervious surface limits. In short, the site plan is the foundation of your entire permit application.

Residential Projects That Trigger a Permit in Concord

Many homeowners are surprised by how many common backyard projects require a building permit in Concord. The following work almost always requires a permit and an accompanying site plan:

Decks and patios: Any attached deck or freestanding deck more than 30 inches above grade requires a building permit.
Detached sheds and accessory structures: Structures over 120 square feet require a permit. Even smaller sheds may need zoning clearance.
Swimming pools and spas: All in-ground pools and spas require a permit, and above-ground pools over 18 inches deep typically do as well.
Fences: Fences exceeding 6 feet in height require a permit. Front-yard fences over 3.5 feet in certain zones also require review.
Room additions: Any addition to the living space of a home requires full building and zoning review.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs: California state law has streamlined ADU approvals, but Concord still requires a building permit, site plan, and utility coordination for all ADUs.
Driveways and hardscape: New driveways or significant expansions that alter drainage patterns or impervious surface coverage require permits and sometimes a grading plan.
Solar panels: Rooftop solar installations require an electrical permit and often a structural review.

Local Zoning Considerations in Concord

Concord's zoning code divides the city into several residential districts, including R-1 (Single-Family Residential), R-2 (Two-Family Residential), and R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential), among others. Each district carries its own development standards. A few local quirks worth knowing:

Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones: Portions of Concord near the hills and open space corridors fall within State Responsibility Areas or local fire hazard zones. Projects in these areas may require additional fire-resistant construction standards under the California Building Code.
FEMA Flood Zones: Parts of Concord near Galindo Creek and other drainage channels are mapped in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. If your property is in a flood zone, your site plan must show base flood elevation data and finished floor elevations. Check your property on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
HOA Restrictions: Many Concord neighborhoods, particularly in the Turtle Creek and Holbrook Heights areas, have active homeowners associations. HOA approval is separate from and in addition to city permits.
Tree Preservation: Concord has a Heritage Tree Ordinance protecting certain species and sizes of trees. Any project that could impact a heritage tree requires additional review and potentially an arborist report.
Impervious Surface Limits: Stormwater management requirements mean that adding large amounts of concrete or pavement may trigger a stormwater control plan.

Typical Setback Requirements in Concord

Setbacks vary by zoning district, but the following ranges are representative of standard R-1 single-family residential lots in Concord:

Front yard setback: Typically 20 feet from the front property line.
Side yard setbacks: Generally 5 feet on each side for standard lots, though corner lots have special street-side setback requirements (often 10 feet).
Rear yard setback: Typically 20 feet, though detached accessory structures may be permitted closer to the rear property line (sometimes as little as 5 feet, depending on height).
ADU setbacks: California state law allows ADUs to be built as close as 4 feet from side and rear property lines in many cases.

Always verify setbacks against the current Concord Municipal Code and your specific zoning district before finalizing your site plan.

How to Submit a Permit Application in Concord

Concord's Community Development Department handles all residential building permits. As of 2026, Concord accepts permit applications both online through its ePermits portal and in person at City Hall.

Step 1: Confirm Your Zoning and Project Requirements

Before preparing your site plan, look up your parcel on Concord's online GIS portal to confirm your zoning district, lot dimensions, and any overlay designations such as flood zones or fire hazard areas.

Step 2: Prepare Your Site Plan and Construction Documents

Your site plan should be drawn to a standard scale (typically 1 inch = 20 feet for residential lots) and include property lines with dimensions, all existing and proposed structures with dimensions, setback distances, north arrow, easements, driveways, and utility connections. Tools like Site Plan Creator make it straightforward to produce a professional, permit-ready site plan without hiring a surveyor for simple projects.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and any required supporting documents through Concord's online portal or in person at the Community Development counter at Concord City Hall, 1950 Parkside Drive. Pay the required plan check and permit fees at the time of submittal.

Step 4: Plan Review

For straightforward residential projects, Concord's over-the-counter review can sometimes provide same-day approval. More complex projects, including ADUs, additions, and projects in special overlay districts, typically take 4 to 8 weeks for initial plan review. Projects requiring routing to multiple departments (fire, public works, planning) may take longer.

Step 5: Permit Issuance and Inspections

Once approved, your permit is issued and work may begin. Concord requires inspections at key construction milestones, such as foundation, framing, and final. Schedule inspections through the city's inspection request system. A final inspection and sign-off are required to close out the permit.

Common Reasons Permit Applications Are Rejected in Concord

Understanding why applications get kicked back can save you weeks of delay:

Incomplete or unscaled site plan: Dimensions missing, no north arrow, or structures not drawn to scale.
Setback violations: Proposed structure placed too close to property lines without variance documentation.
Missing easement information: Utility or drainage easements not shown on the site plan.
Insufficient detail on construction drawings: Structural details, material specifications, or energy compliance forms missing.
Flood zone compliance issues: Properties in FEMA flood zones missing required elevation certificates or finished floor elevation data.
Heritage tree conflicts: Proposed construction within the protected zone of a heritage tree without an arborist report.
Stormwater documentation: Projects adding significant impervious surface without a stormwater control plan.

For authoritative code references, consult the California Building Standards Commission for state-level building codes that Concord adopts and locally amends.

Start Your Concord Site Plan Today

Navigating Concord's permit process does not have to be overwhelming. A clean, accurate, and complete site plan is the single most important document you can bring to your permit application. Site Plan Creator gives Concord homeowners and contractors an easy-to-use online tool to produce professional, to-scale site plans that meet local requirements, without the cost of hiring a draftsperson for every project. Start your site plan today and move your Concord project forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Concord, CA?: Yes. In Concord, any attached deck or a freestanding deck that is more than 30 inches above the adjacent grade requires a building permit. You will need to submit a site plan showing the deck's location relative to property lines, the house, and any easements, along with structural drawings. Decks that are at or below 30 inches and are not attached to the house may be exempt from a building permit but could still require a zoning clearance. Always check with Concord's Building Division before starting work to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit, since unpermitted decks can create problems when you sell your home.
How long does it take to get a building permit approved in Concord, CA?: Permit timelines in Concord vary depending on project complexity. Simple projects like small sheds or water heater replacements may receive over-the-counter approval the same day. Standard residential projects such as room additions or new detached accessory structures typically go through plan review in 4 to 8 weeks. ADUs and projects in special overlay districts, such as FEMA flood zones or fire hazard areas, can take longer, especially if multiple city departments need to review the plans. Submitting a complete, accurate application with a properly prepared site plan is the best way to avoid delays and back-and-forth correction cycles.
What does Concord require on a residential site plan?: Concord's Building Division expects a residential site plan to include: the property lines with dimensions, the location and footprint of all existing structures on the lot, the proposed new construction or addition with dimensions, setback distances from all property lines, a north arrow, the scale of the drawing, driveway and walkway locations, utility connections (water, sewer, gas), any easements on the property, and the street name. For projects near Galindo Creek or other drainage areas, flood zone information and finished floor elevations may also be required. The plan should be drawn to a recognized scale, typically 1 inch equals 20 feet for standard residential lots.
Can I draw my own site plan in Concord, or do I need a licensed surveyor?: For most standard residential permits in Concord, you are not required to hire a licensed land surveyor or architect to prepare your site plan. Homeowners and contractors can draw their own site plans as long as the plan is accurate, drawn to scale, and contains all required information. However, if your project involves complex grading, a boundary dispute, or is in a flood zone requiring an elevation certificate, professional involvement may be necessary. Online tools like Site Plan Creator make it easy to produce a professional-looking, to-scale site plan that meets Concord's requirements without specialized software or drafting skills.
What are the setback requirements for a single-family home in Concord, CA?: In Concord's standard R-1 Single-Family Residential zone, typical setbacks are 20 feet from the front property line, 5 feet from each side property line, and 20 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have a larger street-side setback, often 10 feet. Detached accessory structures like sheds and garages may be allowed closer to the rear and side property lines, sometimes as close as 5 feet depending on height. ADUs benefit from California state law, which allows 4-foot side and rear setbacks in many situations. Always verify the exact setbacks for your parcel and zoning district with Concord's Community Development Department before finalizing your plans.
How much does a building permit cost in Concord, CA?: Permit fees in Concord are calculated based on the valuation of the proposed construction work. For a typical deck or small addition, plan check and permit fees combined often range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Larger projects like full room additions or ADUs can carry fees of several thousand dollars. There is also a separate plan check fee, which is typically a percentage of the permit fee, paid at the time of submittal. Fee schedules are updated periodically, so check with Concord's Building Division for the current fee schedule before budgeting your project. Fees are in addition to any costs for preparing your site plan and construction documents.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Concord, CA?: Yes. All accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) in Concord require a building permit. California state law has significantly streamlined the ADU approval process, and Concord must comply with state mandates that limit local barriers to ADU construction. For most ADUs, the city must act on a complete application within 60 days. Your application will need a site plan, floor plans, and construction drawings. ADUs can be built as close as 4 feet from side and rear property lines in most cases. Concord also allows garage conversions and attached ADUs. Contact the Community Development Department to confirm current standards, as state ADU law continues to evolve.
What happens if I build without a permit in Concord, CA?: Building without a required permit in Concord is a code violation that can have serious consequences. If discovered, the city can issue a stop-work order immediately halting construction. You may be required to obtain a retroactive permit, which often involves more extensive inspections and can be more expensive than getting the permit upfront. In some cases, unpermitted work must be partially demolished so inspectors can verify compliance with building codes. Unpermitted structures also create complications when you sell your home, as buyers, lenders, and title companies will flag them. Penalties and fines can also be assessed. It is always safer and more cost-effective to pull the permit before you build.
Does my property in Concord fall in a FEMA flood zone, and how does that affect my permit?: Some areas of Concord, particularly near Galindo Creek and other drainage channels, are mapped within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). If your property is in a flood zone, your building permit application will require additional documentation, including an elevation certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor showing the base flood elevation and the finished floor elevation of any proposed structure. Structures in flood zones must meet FEMA and local floodplain management standards, which may affect foundation design and finished floor heights. You can check whether your parcel is in a flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Concord's Public Works Department administers the local floodplain management program.
Where do I submit a site plan and permit application in Concord, CA?: Concord accepts residential building permit applications both online and in person. The city's ePermits portal allows you to submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and track the status of your permit digitally. For in-person submissions, visit the Community Development Department counter at Concord City Hall, located at 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord, CA 94519. Counter hours may vary, so it is a good idea to call ahead or check the city's website before visiting. For complex projects, scheduling a pre-application meeting with a plan checker can help you identify any issues with your site plan or construction documents before you make a formal submittal.

How to Create a Site Plan in Concord

Research Your Zoning and Lot: Before drawing anything, look up your parcel on Concord's online GIS map or contact the Community Development Department to confirm your zoning district, lot dimensions, applicable setbacks, and any overlay designations such as FEMA flood zones, fire hazard severity zones, or heritage tree protection areas. Knowing these constraints upfront ensures your site plan will reflect accurate, code-compliant information from the very beginning.
Prepare Your Site Plan: Create a scaled site plan that shows your property lines with dimensions, all existing structures, the proposed project with dimensions and setbacks, a north arrow, driveways, utility connections, and any easements. Use a recognized scale such as 1 inch equals 20 feet. Site Plan Creator is an online tool that makes this process straightforward for Concord homeowners, producing a clean, permit-ready drawing without the need for expensive drafting software or a professional draftsperson for standard projects.
Assemble Your Permit Application: Gather all required documents for your Concord permit application. In addition to the site plan, most projects require construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections), a completed permit application form, and any supplemental forms such as an energy compliance checklist (Title 24), a stormwater control plan for projects adding significant impervious surface, or an arborist report if heritage trees are nearby. Review Concord's submittal checklist for your specific project type to ensure nothing is missing.
Submit and Pay Fees: Submit your complete application package through Concord's ePermits online portal or in person at the Community Development counter at City Hall, 1950 Parkside Drive. Pay the plan check fee at the time of submittal. Keep your receipt and application number so you can track your review status. Incomplete applications are the leading cause of delays, so double-check every required item before you submit.
Respond to Plan Check Comments: After Concord's plan checkers review your application, they may issue correction comments requesting clarifications or revisions to your site plan or construction documents. Respond promptly and thoroughly to each comment. For minor corrections, a resubmittal can often be reviewed quickly. Clear, accurate original documents reduce the number of correction rounds. Once all comments are resolved, your permit will be approved and issued.
Schedule Required Inspections: After your permit is issued and work begins, Concord requires inspections at key construction milestones, which vary by project type but commonly include foundation, framing, rough electrical or plumbing, insulation, and final inspection. Schedule each inspection through the city's inspection request system before covering any work. A final inspection and city sign-off are required to officially close out your permit and confirm the work is code-compliant.