Clovis Building Permits Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Information comes from City of Clovis Building Division pages and the Clovis Municipal Code; sources are listed at the end.

Under the Clovis Municipal Code, it is unlawful to start work on a building until the required permits have been obtained, and the city handles applications, payments and inspection requests through its online Citizen Self Service portal. If you are selling a Clovis house that has had a remodel, reroof, pool, patio cover or added room, the permit history can shape the sale.

This guide explains how the city’s process works and what it means for sellers.

Clovis building permits at a glance

When is a building permit required in Clovis?

Chapter 9.52 of the municipal code says that before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting or demolishing a structure, or adding to one, a building permit must be secured from the Building Inspection Division and a zoning clearance from the planning department, by the owner or an agent. Work may not begin until all required permits are in hand.

In practice, homeowners should expect to need a permit for additions, new rooms, garage conversions, structural changes, electrical panel work, plumbing and gas changes, water heaters, HVAC replacement, re-roofing, swimming pools, patio covers and sheds above the exemption size, and solar systems.

The city publishes short handouts on several of these, including patio covers, shed requirements, pool safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and re-roofing, which are a good starting point before you apply.

How to get a building permit in Clovis

1. Prepare your submittal. The Building Division publishes minimum submittal requirements for single-family dwellings, and for additions, alterations and remodels, plus a plot plan form and instructions. Roof-mounted solar, reroofs and EV charger projects each have their own checklist.
2. Register and apply. Create a Citizen Self Service account, or submit through the process the division describes for your project. Owner-builders must use the in-person or online options and complete the owner-builder disclosure forms.
3. Plan review. Residential plans are checked against the city’s residential plan check list. An expedited plan review policy exists for qualifying projects.
4. Pay fees and receive the permit. Payments are made online through the portal.
5. Inspections. After the permit is issued, inspections are arranged by phone with the inspector assigned that day. The city warns that inspectors may not be able to accommodate every requested time because of workload.

Owner-builders and contractors

Clovis allows owner-builders but requires a Notice to Owner-Builder and an Owner Builder Disclosure and Authorization form with the application. Using a licensed contractor is the usual route, and the division links to the California Contractors State License Board for checking a license and filing complaints.

If you are buying or selling a house that was improved by an owner-builder, ask for the final inspection record, since a missing final is the most common reason a permit stays open.

Solar, reroofs and other common permits

The city offers three ways to submit a residential solar permit: in person, through the online process for projects that meet its eligibility list, or through a SolarAPP application available to contractors only. Owner-builders must use the first two. Reroofs have their own cool roof requirements and a published procedure for inspections. Waste management plans and an approved hauler list apply to larger construction and demolition projects.

How permits affect selling a house in Clovis

Permit issues usually surface during escrow, when a buyer’s inspector, appraiser or lender compares the house to city records. California sellers generally must disclose known problems, including work done without a permit. See our guide to California seller disclosures.

On a traditional listing the usual choices are to close out the permit, apply after the fact, give a credit, or accept a lower price. Each adds time or cost.

Clovis municipal code also treats building violations seriously: a violation is a misdemeanor, each day can be a separate offense, and the city can use administrative citations, court citations or a civil action. See our Clovis code enforcement guide.

How to sell a house in Clovis with unpermitted work or open permits

1. Check the permit status. Search your address in the Citizen Self Service portal, or contact the Building Division.
2. Gather what you have. Receipts, plans, photos and inspection cards help show what was done and by whom.
3. Compare your options. Finish and finalize the permit, sell with a credit, or sell as-is to a cash buyer who prices in the risk.
4. Check the unit rules. If the work created a living space, see our Clovis zoning and ADU guide.
5. Disclose honestly. A cash offer does not change what you must disclose, but it removes repair requests, appraisal and financing delays.

We buy Clovis houses as they are. Read how selling a house as-is in Clovis works, or see our Clovis cash-offer process. For the statewide picture, read our guide to selling as-is with unpermitted work.

Permit cancellations and refunds

The Building Division publishes a Permit Cancellation and Request for Refund form for projects that will not go forward, plus a public records request form for obtaining plans and permit history. Requesting records is often the quickest way for a seller to learn what the city has on file before talking to a buyer.

Not sure what your permit history means for a sale? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Clovis building permits FAQ

Where do I apply for a Clovis building permit?

Through the city’s Citizen Self Service portal or the submittal option the Building Division lists for your project. Download the residential application and plot plan form from the Building Division page.

How do I schedule a Clovis inspection?

Open the portal, click Today’s Inspections, find your permit number, note the inspector listed for the day, and call that inspector to see what times are available.

Can I pull my own permit in Clovis?

Yes, as an owner-builder, with the owner-builder notice and disclosure forms. Solar permits submitted through SolarAPP are for contractors only.

Can I sell a Clovis house with an open permit?

Yes. An open permit does not legally stop a sale, but it can slow a traditional one. A cash buyer can purchase the house with the permit still open.

Sources

• City of Clovis: Building Division
• Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 9.52: Building Permits and Zoning Clearances
• Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 8.1: Building Code

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Permit rules, fees and procedures change; confirm requirements with the City of Clovis.