Applying for a Building Permit

The City of Half Moon Bay uses the online community development platform Cloudpermit for Building Permits and Inspections. So, you can complete the entire building permit process online on your phone, tablet, and laptop. You can:

• Apply for building permits at any time, from anywhere
• Check the status of your building permit or building inspection (when your application status changes, you’ll automatically receive an email letting you know)
• Schedule or cancel building inspections
• Communicate with your building department with time-stamped messages
• Request and submit changes to an existing building permit
• For Residential PV Solar, ESS permits please apply through this link (Symbium)

How To Get Started

To start, create your Cloudpermit account by visiting https://ca.cloudpermit.com/login. Once registered, you can apply for building permits and track their progress online.

How-to videos and support materials:

Cloudpermit has a variety of resources to help you – check out Cloudpermit Support for instructions on the basics and watch the instructional videos below to learn how to use the software.

How to:

• Applying for a Building Permit on behalf of Property Owner or Contractor
• Contractor Registration and applying for a permit as a Contractor
• Creating a Permit as a Property Owner

Videos

• How to Submit a Building Permit Application – Video
• How to Send a Message on Cloudpermit – Video
• How to Request Inspections – Video

If you have any problems, please call Building Services at 650-726-8270 or come to City Hall Monday through Thursday, and use our computer terminal at the counter. Staff will be available to assist you.

As always, we recommend that you review the Submittal Checklist pdf before beginning your Building Permit application.

Note to Contractors: Contractors should “Register as a Contractor” in Cloudpermit. To do this, follow the instructions in the “How to Submit a Building Permit Application Video” to create an application. At minute one in the video, and at this step in our online process, you can click “Register as a Contractor” or “Building Permit.” Register as a contractor first, then go back and create an application for a building permit.

Solar Permits (PV Systems)

The Solar Permit Application system has not yet been integrated into Cloudpermit, so please follow the steps below.

Solar Permits are required for the installation of solar panels / Photovoltaic Systems. View the Solar Photovoltaic System Guidelines (PDF). 

You can apply for Residential PV Systems, Batteries and Energy Storage System via this link. If you prefer the regular plan review, please email the permit application and associated files to the Permit Technician at bcorrales@hmbcity.com