Short answer: in the City of Sacramento, finish work such as cabinets, countertops, tile and paint does not need a building permit, but most real remodels do. Replacing a shower or tub enclosure, a water heater or windows, or working on plumbing and electrical systems all require a permit. A bathroom remodel that only replaces fixtures and finishes in kind can use a simpler Minor Bathroom Remodel Permit.
What does not need a permit
The City’s Required Building Permits page lists “painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work” as exempt. The same page notes that relocating electrical fixtures to accommodate new cabinets or counters does need a permit, so a kitchen refresh with new lighting layout is not “just cabinets.”
What needs a permit
- Shower and tub enclosure replacements
- Water heaters
- Window replacements
- Repairs to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems
For a typical kitchen remodel this means the permit is triggered by the electrical and plumbing work: new circuits for appliances, moved outlets, a relocated sink or a new gas line.
Bathroom remodels: minor permit or full plan review
The City’s Bathroom Remodel Handout (CDD-0418, revised January 1, 2026) describes two paths:
- Minor Bathroom Remodel Permit — when the work only removes and replaces fixtures or finishes in kind. Plans are not required; the work is checked in the field.
- Full plan review — when the work creates or relocates openings in the perimeter walls. The submittal follows the City’s residential remodel/addition handout (CDD-0253).
Code items the inspector will look for in a bathroom
- Toilets of 1.28 gallons per flush or less, lavatory faucets of 1.2 gpm or less and showerheads of 1.8 gpm or less.
- Pressure-balanced or thermostatic shower valves when the surround is removed or the valve is replaced.
- A nonabsorbent finish at least 6 feet above the floor in showers, on cement board or approved gypsum backing (the handout says greenboard is not acceptable).
- A mechanical exhaust fan controlled by a humidity control (50 cfm intermittent or 20 cfm continuous).
- At least one 20-amp GFCI-protected circuit for the bathroom receptacles, tamper-resistant outlets and arc-fault protection for new circuits.
- Safety glazing near tubs and showers, and high-efficacy lighting with at least one fixture on a vacancy sensor.
How to apply
The City says California licensed contractors can get certain minor permits through its Public Permit Portal; projects with plans go through electronic plan check, and there is also a public counter. The Community Development help line listed on the handout is (916) 264-5011.
How Tenax handles permits
Permits and inspections are included in our kitchen and bathroom remodels in Sacramento. The scope we design in 3D decides which permit path your project takes, and that is reflected in your itemized estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops in Sacramento?
Not for the cabinets and countertops themselves; the City lists them as exempt finish work. Moving electrical fixtures, adding circuits or relocating plumbing does need a permit.
Do I need plans for a bathroom remodel?
Not if you only replace fixtures and finishes in kind; that can use the Minor Bathroom Remodel Permit. If you create or move openings in exterior walls, plans and full plan review are required.
Is a water heater replacement a permit item?
Yes. The City lists water heaters among the work that requires a permit.
Sources
Checked against the city’s own pages in November 2026. Permit rules and code editions change; always confirm your exact scope with the building department before you start. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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