Local guide
Safety first, then the permit desk
This page refuses to tell you the house is fine.
This is an independent referral guide. It connects homeowners with independent providers and may receive compensation. It is not a licensed contractor and it does not do the work.
When to stop reading and call for help
A sudden new slope, a crack that is opening, or the smell of gas is not a form on a website. Get people out of harm and call the right emergency or utility line.
For a slow problem, write down the signs and ask a qualified designer. Structural repairs inside the city go through the El Cajon building permit process.
County next door
If the parcel is in Bostonia or another unincorporated area, the county is the permit authority. Do not start with the wrong counter.
Official references
- City of El Cajon. Community Development handles building permits inside the city.
- County Building Services. Permits if the parcel is unincorporated.
- Contractors State License Board. Where a homeowner can check a license. This site does not perform that check.
These are public agency pages so you can read the source. They are not endorsements. Rules change, so confirm the current document before you rely on it.
Describe what changed
Name the doors, the rooms, and whether you are inside the city.