Permits are complicated

Let Paladin Permit Services simplify the process while saving you time and money for your next project

Starting the Permit Process

Step 1: Reaching Out

Not sure where to start? Call us! A quick phone call will allow us to understand what kind of service you’re looking for and let us know how we can help. You can also connect with us via the website by filling out our contact form.


Step 2: Site Visit

A member of our team will do preliminary research and review for the property of interest, meet you on site, and go over strategies and recommendations on how to proceed with your project. This allows us to gain a clearer understanding of the scope of the project and the necessary steps to proceed.

Step 3: Service Agreement

To move forward, sign a service agreement to retain our services, and then the real work begins! We start compiling documents needed for the project and contacting local permitting offices to start your permit application(s).

Our Experience Across Jurisdictions

We’ve worked with several city and county jurisdictions. The map below broadly indicates where we’ve worked to help obtain permits and resolve code enforcement issues. More specifically, we’ve worked with…

Counties:

  • Alameda County

  • Butte County

  • Contra Costa County

  • Lake County

  • Mendocino County

  • City of Berkley

  • City of Cotati 

  • City of Clearlake

  • City of Concord

  • Town of Danville

  • City of Fairfield

  • City of Fremont

  • City of Hayward

  • City of Healdsburg

  • Monterey County

  • Napa County

  • Santa Clara County

  • Solano County

  • Sonoma County

Don’t see your jurisdiction?

Be the one to add it to our map!

Cities:

  • City of Livermore

  • City of Los Altos

  • City of Los Angeles

  • Town of Los Gatos

  • City of Menlo Park

  • City of Oakland

  • Town of Paradise

  • City of Petaluma

  • City of Pleasant Hill 

  • City of Pleasanton

  • City of Rohnert Park

  • Salt Lake City (Utah)

  • City of San Jose

  • City of San Leandro 

  • City of San Mateo

  • City of San Pablo

  • City of San Rafael 

  • City of San Ramon

  • City of Santa Barbra

  • City of Santa Rosa 

  • City of Sebastopol 

  • City of South San Francisco 

  • City of Sunnyvale 

  • City of Vallejo

  • City of Walnut Creek 

  • City of Windsor

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started if I need a building permit?

You are in the right place! To start, connect with us via the website by filling out our contact form, or by giving us a call. If you choose to proceed, we will schedule a site visit to do preliminary research and review and go over strategies and recommendations on how to proceed with your project in-person. The site visit will be $350 due at the time of the visit. The last initial step is to sign a service agreement to retain our services to move forward with your project.

My county/city sent me a code enforcement violation letter, what do I do?

Generally, property owners have 30 days from the Code Enforcement notice letter to correct the violation. Addressing the code violation(s) is crucial. Our team will review the violation(s) and afterwards conduct a site visit to identify the actions necessary to relieve the violation(s).

How long does it take to get a building permit?

This varies largely depending on project scope and jurisdiction. Generally, it takes 3 to 6 months for a building permit, but currently many Sonoma County departments are overwhelmed. Projects may take longer to be completed and finalized.

Do I need a building permit for my ADU?

Yes. If the structure exceeds 120 square feet and includes electrical or plumbing components, a building permit is necessary.

Do I need a permit to remodel or demolish my existing house or manufactured home?

Yes. According to the California Building Standards Code, “no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.”

Am I responsible for property code violations if they occurred before I purchased the property?

Yes, permits and violations are assigned to the property and not the individual. Whoever currently owns the property is responsible for resolving the violations and associated fines.

What’s the difference between ADU vs. JADU?

The main difference between ADUs and JADUs is size. ADUs are typically up to 1,200 square feet while JADUs are up to 500 square feet. ADUs require a designated bathroom and plumbing, and may require owner occupancy. JADUs also require owner occupancy but do not require a designated bathroom.

Client Testimonials

  • Building Permit New Home - Bodega Bay CA

    "Paladin Permit Services did an excellent job securing a building permit for our home in Bodega Bay. It was a somewhat complicated project, as mid-stream, we switched from a custom stick-built home to a manufactured home. With Sonoma County and the Coastal Commission having so much red tape to sort through, we made the decision to let the professionals handle the job, and it was the smartest decision we could have made. Tom Lynch and his team at Paladin took the bull by the horns and, within a short period of time from project start to completion, secured the permit. Tom Lynch and his staff are professional, easy to communicate with, and responsive to any questions and concerns. We highly recommend them for your permitting needs, regardless of the complexity of your project."

  • Code Violation Resolution - Petaluma CA

    “I hired Paladin Permits to help permit a two decade old building violation on my property. Tom made an initial site visit, and from there Tom's years of experience in contracting and government where evident. I was confident I hired the best to handle my case given the complex path to clear the violation. Tom was professional, prompt, and had the knowledge of the country codes, laws, and regulations to guide the project through the various government channels. Tom also connected me with other professionals that oversaw the project, from drafting to electrical contractors. Tom and his staff guided the project to a successful conclusion, with my violation cleared and the building legalized. Handling complex buildings and country codes are not a DIY project. Hire the best in the business -Paladin Permits!”

  • Manufactured Home - Sebastopol CA

    "Tom Lynch helped us secure a building permit for a manufactured home we're putting on our property in Sebastopol. After struggling to do this ourselves, we quickly realized the complexity of that process was too difficult for us to do on our own. A contractor we spoke to recommended Tom to us and it was probably the best investment we made in this project. Tom and his crew were very informative, attentive and inexpensive. I don’t think we could have done it without them.”

  • Manufactured Home - Petaluma

    “After spending the past 35 years in the commercial real estate business, developing, owning, and managing warehouse and office properties, I have had my fair share of experience working with a variety of service providers. However, when it came time to assist my daughter and her fiancé with purchasing and developing a home site in Sonoma County, I quickly realized that local expertise was paramount. Paladin Permit Services was the answer, providing the knowledge and support we needed—and then some.

    From our first meeting, it was clear that Paladin was not just another service provider. The old adage "It's not what you know, but who you know" proved to be true as I witnessed firsthand the deep network of connections and relationships that Tom Lynch and his team have cultivated over the years. Their extensive experience navigating the complexities of the local permitting process, selecting qualified contractors, and choosing the right manufactured home made all the difference.

    I recommend Paladin Permit Services without hesitation to anyone looking for expert permit and residential development guidance in Sonoma County.”

  • Code Violation - Santa Rosa CA

    “I received a letter from the Santa Rosa Building and Safety informing me that a neighbor had described unpermitted work on my property. Upon inspection, the department determined that zero work during my ownership was performed without permits however it was also determined that work performed long prior to my ownership of ten years had been performed and needed to be permitted!   I called Tom Lynch at Paladin Permit Services, he promptly arrived at my home in West Sonoma County and informed me "this will be a tough one but we are up for the challenge"!

    It took Paladin only two months to assemble a professional team to do what it takes to satisfy the County.  The end result included Permits for pre-existing walls, and electrical in the basement as well as an Encroachment Permit for pre-existing installation at my driveway to divert water properly to the creek behind my home. They eliminated the assertion that work was performed without permits.  Paladin also connected me with an engineer that devised a plan for better drainage on the property with the goal of keeping the basement dry.  

    The experience was completely professional and I found the entire team at Paladin to be responsive, supportive and compassionate.  They always stayed on task and gave me the confidence that they were doing everything possible to contain costs as well as reach our goal.  I would refer Paladin to anyone in need of such services!”

  • Facilitating additions for enhanced property value and multi-generational living is an expertise of ours.

    Building Permit - Santa Rosa CA

    “If you are in need of a permit, then Tom Lynch is your guy! He is very knowledgeable, knows everyone involved in the process, and is a pleasure to talk with on the phone. I really appreciated his excellent communication skills. Whenever I called or emailed him with a question or concern, he responded and got things resolved & moving within a very short time. I can't thank Tom enough for taking the stress off me and getting my permits issued in a timely manner."

Get Started with Paladin Permit Services Today