Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Campbell: Permits, Fees and Inspections
Do you need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Campbell?
Yes, in almost every case. The City of Campbell's Building Division puts it plainly: you must have a building permit to do construction. Its Single-Family Residential Remodel Application Guide specifically covers interior remodels, including kitchens, bathrooms and minor or whole-house projects. Plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are handled as trade (sub) permits alongside the building permit.
Campbell started out as a fruit-shipping town, with drying yards and canneries near the railroad. Today it is mostly homes, and according to the city's Housing Element the largest share of them was built between 1960 and 1979. About 58 percent of the city's housing is single-family and about 40 percent is multifamily, so condo and townhome remodels are common here too.
How do you apply for a remodel permit in Campbell?
All building permit applications are submitted electronically through the city's MGO Connect portal. You need a user account before the first submission, and an application is not considered submitted until all materials are in and the plan check fee is paid.
| Step | What Campbell's remodel guide asks for |
|---|---|
| Plans | One combined, unlocked PDF. For kitchen and bath remodels, the floor plan only needs to show the affected rooms. |
| Typical sheets | Coversheet, Blueprint for a Clean Bay sheet, floor plan, mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans and Title 24 energy forms. Smoke detectors must be shown on the electrical plan. |
| Structural | Calculations are needed only if significant structural alterations are proposed. |
| Construction waste | A Waste Management Plan through the Green Halo system, diverting 65% of non-hazardous debris from landfill. |
| Fees at submittal | Initial plan check fee; the emailed invoice is due within two business days or the application is rejected. |
| Review time | A minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for the first check and 2 to 4 weeks for later rounds. |
Building, Planning, Land Development Engineering and the Santa Clara County Fire District review plans at the same time. If you live in a condo or townhome, the city also asks for an HOA approval letter on official letterhead for interior work.
How much is a building permit in Campbell?
There is no flat kitchen or bath fee. Under the city's Master Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2025, the building permit fee is 2% of project valuation for the first $500,000, with a $232 minimum. Plan check is 33% of the building permit fee, and each plumbing, electrical or mechanical sub-trade permit has a $232 base fee. Small valuation-based fees for technology and general plan maintenance are added on top.
As a rough illustration, a remodel valued at $100,000 would carry a $2,000 building permit fee and a $660 plan check fee before trade permits and add-ons. The fee schedule also lists a 3.36% processing fee for card payments. Skipping the permit is the expensive option: the schedule charges work started without a permit at twice the permit fee. Fees change each fiscal year, so confirm current amounts with the Building Division.
What inspections does a Campbell remodel need?
The inspections required for your job appear in your MGO account once the permit is issued. For a typical kitchen or bath, Campbell's inspection sequence includes:
- Rough plumbing, mechanical, electrical and gas, with all trades complete before the frame inspection
- Rough frame, then wall and ceiling insulation
- Sheetrock nailing
- Interior lath, cement board and shower pan inspection
- Final plumbing, mechanical and electrical, plus final Planning, Public Works, Fire and the California energy compliance form
- Building final
Schedule through MGO or by phone at (866) 957-3764, and note an AM (8:00 to 12:30) or PM (12:30 to 5:00) preference in the notes field. At its discretion, the city may do some inspections by video. According to the city, construction hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, with no work on Sundays or holidays. The city notes that a permit expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days of issuance.
What makes remodeling in Campbell different?
- 1960s and 1970s houses. Homes from this era can hide original wiring, tired drain lines and old ceiling textures. Our guide to hidden issues in older Bay Area homes explains what to test before demolition.
- Lots of shared walls. With so many condos and townhomes, get the HOA letter early. It is a city submittal item, not just a courtesy. Our condo remodel and HOA guide explains what associations usually ask for.
- Downtown logistics. Homes near Campbell Avenue and the Pruneyard deal with busier streets and tighter parking. If you have ever hunted for a spot during the Sunday farmers' market downtown, you already know why delivery timing matters.
- Later start times. Work cannot begin before 8 a.m. on weekdays, so crews plan their days around it.
Budgeting? Start with our kitchen remodel cost guide, and compare Campbell's process with San Jose remodel permits or neighboring Los Gatos and Saratoga.
Working with ProRock in Campbell
ProRock Remodeling is a licensed general contractor (California CSLB #1154078) with more than 20 years in business, $1M in general liability insurance and a 2-year workmanship warranty. We focus on kitchen and bathroom remodels, and also handle whole-home remodels, ADUs, design and permits, serving homeowners from San Jose to South San Francisco, Campbell included. See finished work in our project gallery, call (408) 991-4744 or request a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Campbell?
Yes. Campbell requires a building permit for construction, and its Single-Family Residential Remodel Application Guide covers kitchen and bathroom remodels. Plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are handled as trade permits.
How long does plan review take in Campbell?
The city's remodel guide lists a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for the first plan check and 2 to 4 weeks for later reviews. Building, Planning, Engineering and the County Fire District review at the same time.
How are Campbell building permit fees calculated?
Under the fee schedule effective July 1, 2025, the building permit fee is 2% of valuation for the first $500,000, with a $232 minimum. Plan check adds 33% of that fee, and each trade permit has a $232 base fee.
How do I schedule an inspection in Campbell?
Use the MGO portal or call (866) 957-3764, and note an AM or PM preference in the notes field. The required inspections for your permit are listed in your MGO account.
Do I need HOA approval to remodel a condo in Campbell?
Yes, for interior work in condos and townhomes the city's remodel guide asks for an HOA letter on official letterhead as part of the submittal. Check your association's own process too, since timelines vary.
Planning a remodel in the Bay Area?
ProRock Remodeling is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1154078) working from San Jose to South San Francisco, with $1M liability coverage and a 2-year workmanship warranty. Call (408) 991-4744 or request a free estimate.
Sources
- City of Campbell: Building Division
- City of Campbell: Single-Family Residential Remodel Application Guide (PDF)
- City of Campbell: Building Inspections
- City of Campbell: Building Sequence of Inspections (PDF)
- City of Campbell: Master Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2025 (PDF)
- City of Campbell 2023-2031 Housing Element draft, via HCD (PDF)