Santa Maria Building Permits Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

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

The City of Santa Maria says its Building Division is required by Health & Safety Code section 17960 to monitor construction activity and confirm that projects have the required permits and match approved plans. If you are selling a house with permit questions, or planning work before you list, here is what the city says.

Santa Maria building permits at a glance

What can permit technicians help with?

The city says permit technicians can answer questions about plan check status, permit history, general timelines and routing, fee estimates, plan check deposits and the number of plan sets required. Planning permits such as zoning and conditional use permits are handled by the Planning Division, not the building counter.

How do I get ready for an inspection?

The city says to finish the work so it matches the plans and relevant code, and to keep the city-stamped approved plans and the inspection card on the job site. Provide access, including a ladder if needed, and have any required tests ready.

For occupied buildings, the owner or contractor should be present. Special inspections may be required for your project. The city’s page does not state deadlines for scheduling inspections.

How permits affect selling a house in Santa Maria

Buyers and lenders often ask whether additions, garage conversions or remodels were permitted, and sellers generally have to disclose known issues. The city’s Code Enforcement Division lists building or remodeling without permits and garage conversions among the issues it handles, so see our Santa Maria code enforcement guide.

How to sell a house in Santa Maria with permit issues

1. Find out what is on record. Call the Building Division at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2241 about permit history.
2. Check for open permits. Ask what would be needed to close them.
3. Compare your options. Legalize and list, sell with a credit, or sell as-is to a cash buyer.
4. Disclose honestly. A cash offer does not change what you must disclose.

We buy Santa Maria houses as they are. Read how selling a house as-is in Santa Maria works, or see our Santa Maria cash-offer process.

What the Santa Maria Building Division can tell you

The city says its staff can give you information on business license applications, the status of current plan checks, permit history, general rules on timelines and routing procedures, permit fee estimates, the plan check deposit amount and the number of plan sets required.

For plan check status the city lists (805) 925-0951 ext. 2241, and the office is at 110 S. Pine St., Room 101. The counter is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., planning staff are available at the counter between 8 a.m. and noon, and the phones are staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are selling a house where past work may not have been finaled, a permit history request is a practical first step. The city says staff can tell you the history of permits on a property, which shows whether work was permitted and whether it was closed out. It is a faster way to learn what a buyer’s inspector or lender may ask about than guessing.

California disclosure rules when permits are in question

Permit rules are local, but disclosure rules are statewide. Under Civil Code section 1102.1, delivery of the transfer disclosure statement cannot be waived in an as-is sale, and your duty to disclose material facts affecting value or desirability stays in place.

If you know of work done without a required permit, treat it as a material fact and raise it with your agent or escrow officer. Our California as-is and unpermitted work guide explains what as-is changes and what it does not.

Need to talk it through? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Santa Maria building permits FAQ

How do I schedule a building inspection in Santa Maria?

The city says to use its Etrakit portal for construction inspections. Fire inspections go through Fire Prevention at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2502.

Where is the Santa Maria Building Division?

The city lists 110 S. Pine St., Room 101, Santa Maria, CA 93458, with counter hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Who handles zoning permits?

The city says zoning, conditional use and other discretionary permits are handled by the Planning Division, not the building permit counter.

Can I sell a Santa Maria house with unpermitted work?

Yes. It does not legally stop a sale, but it can slow a traditional one. A cash buyer can purchase the house as it is.

Can Santa Maria staff tell me the permit history of a property?

Yes. The city says staff can provide the history of permits, along with plan check status, fee estimates, the plan check deposit amount and the number of plan sets required.

What number do I call for Santa Maria plan check status?

The city lists (805) 925-0951 ext. 2241 for plan check status.

When can I reach Santa Maria building staff by phone?

The city lists phone hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the counter is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sources

• City of Santa Maria: Building Division
• City of Santa Maria: Building Inspections
• City of Santa Maria: Building Permit Processing

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm requirements with the City of Santa Maria.