Merced County Community and Economic Development Department, Building & Safety Division

Building Permit (unincorporated area)

The county's Building & Safety page says the Division 'is responsible for the issuance of building permits and inspection of all construction within the unincorporated areas of Merced County'. Its Guide to Building Permits & Inspections (Updated December 2025) says 'all new construction, remodel, additions, alterations, repairs, improvements, conversion of use, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, or demolitions require a building permit', with exceptions for minor repairs listed in the codes. Zoning approval from Community & Economic Development (Planning) comes first, and the guide says that 'With a few exceptions, only a Property Owner, or a Licensed Contractor may obtain a Building Permit, in accordance with state law.' After the final inspection a Certificate of Occupancy is issued before the building is occupied or used. County Code §16.12.090 says the applicant 'shall pay a fee as required. Fees will be established by the county of Merced County board of supervisors pursuant to resolution.' No fee is published in Title 16 or on the Division's pages, so contact Building & Safety at (209) 385-7477. Work inside Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos or Merced goes to that city's building department.