If you’re planning to build, remodel, or add onto your home, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: “How long will it take to get my permits approved?” The answer depends on where you’re located, how complex your project is, and how complete your plans are when submitted — but here’s what you can expect across the Sacramento region.
In general, most cities and counties take between 2 to 6 weeks for the first round of plan review. The City of Sacramento typically takes about 3 to 5 weeks. Sacramento County is often a bit quicker, around 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re in Roseville or Elk Grove, you’re looking at 2 to 4 weeks as well. Placer County can take longer — around 3 to 6 weeks — and El Dorado County or Tahoe-area permits may stretch to 4 to 6 weeks or more depending on the season and project type. Folsom tends to be one of the fastest, averaging around 2 to 3 weeks for the first review.
It’s important to understand that these timelines only reflect the first round of review. Most projects go through at least one round of revisions, where the city sends back comments for corrections. If your plans are incomplete, missing required sheets, or don’t meet code, the city will ask for updates — and you’ll need to resubmit before they can approve your permit. This back-and-forth can add another 1 to 3 weeks, or longer if you don’t respond quickly.
The best way to avoid permit delays is to submit a complete and accurate plan set the first time. That means including everything the city expects — like a site plan, floor plans, roof plan, elevations, electrical, and Title 24 energy compliance documentation. For structural work, you’ll likely also need engineering coordination. Each jurisdiction has slightly different requirements, so working with someone who knows the local codes is critical.
At Sparrow Design & Plans, we specialize in creating permit-ready construction documents that are built to get approved. We’ve worked with cities and counties across the Sacramento area, and we know how to format plans, include the right sheets, and coordinate with engineers and energy consultants to avoid unnecessary delays.
Whether you’re building an ADU, converting a garage, remodeling, or starting a custom home from scratch — we’ll help you get through the permit process as quickly as possible.
Need help with plans? Contact us today and we’ll walk you through the process and send over a fast quote.
