Will I need permits to build a home?

• <div><p>Yes, new home construction will always require <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-i-really-need-building-permit.htm">building permits</a>, no matter where you live. In most cases, you’ll need a general construction permit, along with plumbing and electrical permits for the utility lines in your home. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely find that you also need permits for things like connection to a sewage system or installing exterior components, like decks, driveways, patios, and curb cutouts. Leave navigating the permits required for new home construction to a professional to ensure your home is built legally and safely.</p></div>

Get matched with top land surveyors in Berkeley, CA

Q: What are the benefits of getting a land survey before buying a property?

• <div><p>A land survey provides precise property boundaries, reveals legal encroachments, and identifies rights-of-way, minimizing disputes. Understanding the exact dimensions and features of the property aids in informed decision-making and safeguards the buyer's investment.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a permit to clear land?

• <div><p>Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you&rsquo;re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/land-clearing-services/">land-clearing specialist near you</a> to see if permits are necessary for your job.</p></div>

Q: How do well drillers know where to drill?

• <div><p>Professional well contractors may use electromagnetic mapping to look for places with a high likelihood of water. Water access can vary significantly, even on the same property, so it can be difficult to know where to drill if you don&rsquo;t have specialized tools to look for water.</p></div>

Q: Can you build on undeveloped land?

• <div><p>You can&rsquo;t build on undeveloped land without preparing it for construction, which involves running utilities to the site or accounting for private utilities like wells and septic systems and grading and compacting the soil for safe construction. Once you prepare the land, you can build on it as long as the project abides by local zoning regulations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Land Surveying pros in Berkeley, CA

*The Angi rating for Land Surveying companies in Berkeley, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Land Surveying companies in Berkeley, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

Last update on December 03, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Patrick and his crew did a beautiful job painting our 1912 cedar shingle house. The shingles had years of old chipping paint and plenty of sun damage and they spent tons of time carefully prepping the surface, sanding, patching, and more, then coating with tinted primer and finally high quality...
Brannick and Associates Painting Services
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Reviewed in October 2023
After doing quite a bit of research into walkway installation companies, we selected System Pavers for our front walkway and landing project. System Pavers had great reviews and one of their Designers, CC, came to our home to help scope out the project. She has been highly communicative...
System Pavers
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Reviewed in August 2023
Joel took photos indoors and outdoors of the property, submitted them to Jesse who did the appraisal. We had the results in just two days.
JGI Appraisals
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Reviewed in April 2023
Jay is timely, helpful and really informed about how to best set up home projects. He helped install bidets, and mount several items ranging from mirrors to shelving and planters.
Jay's Handyman
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Reviewed in July 2022
JK Painting did a great job of contacting, quoting and painting our front porch and steps. Highly recommended.
JK Painting
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Reviewed in December 2020
My back yard was remodeled by JT Land last month (Nov 2020). The work was completed on time and at a good price. The suggestions made for parts of the project I had not thought about were appropriate and reasonably priced. They worked hard and showed up every day until the job was done- no...
JT Landscaping
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Reviewed in May 2018
We purchased an older home in Trestle Glen a few years back knowing that at some point we'd either have to move or bite the bullet and replace the old, worn out rear deck. After putting aside some money we started calling up contractors, and from the moment we met Todd we knew were going to be...
T James Construction
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Reviewed in May 2018
Excellent job with our backyard landscaping by Dago and his crew! We had landscaping plans drawn up last year, but there are always changes that happen once you try to turn it into reality. Dago took the extra time to meet with me more than once before we even signed the contract - to make sure...
D. Garcia's Gardening
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Reviewed in April 2017
Well. They arrived as scheduled and performed the survey to our satisfaction. It took more time than expected to complete a LOMA packet because they were very busy, but when it was finished, they overnighted it to us. We still don't have a decision from FEMA, but hope that their work will be...
TKM Land Surveyors
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Reviewed in May 2015
As a new home owner, I contacted Mr. Vegvary for land surveying. He was strongly recommended by several neighbors. He kindly pointed out that my property was surveyed in 2004 and advised to contact the original company. He even attached the survey document for my reference which he didn't need...
Vegvary Land Surveying
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Find Land surveyors in Berkeley

Hogan Land Services, Inc.

4.0(

)

Land Surveyor

Serving Berkeley, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very Professional Survey. I would hire them again"

Response time4 days

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Transit Land Surveying Inc.

2.3(

)

Land Surveyor

Serving Berkeley, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Transit Land Surveying Inc. is a premier land surveying company serving San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our #1 goal as a company is having complete customer satisfaction. There is no job that is too big or too small. If you want the job done right, call Emily today!

Response time10 mins

Response rate100%

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Milani & Associates Inc.

3.5(

)

Land Surveyor

Serving Berkeley, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"One of the companies that actually showed up for the job as agreed."

Response time3 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Berkeley, CA and surrounding areas

We guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today. \n

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Berkeley, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

At 209 Precision, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Request Quote

Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

Yes, new home construction will always require building permits, no matter where you live. In most cases, you’ll need a general construction permit, along with plumbing and electrical permits for the utility lines in your home. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely find that you also need permits for things like connection to a sewage system or installing exterior components, like decks, driveways, patios, and curb cutouts. Leave navigating the permits required for new home construction to a professional to ensure your home is built legally and safely.

A land survey provides precise property boundaries, reveals legal encroachments, and identifies rights-of-way, minimizing disputes. Understanding the exact dimensions and features of the property aids in informed decision-making and safeguards the buyer's investment.

Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.

Professional well contractors may use electromagnetic mapping to look for places with a high likelihood of water. Water access can vary significantly, even on the same property, so it can be difficult to know where to drill if you don’t have specialized tools to look for water.

You can’t build on undeveloped land without preparing it for construction, which involves running utilities to the site or accounting for private utilities like wells and septic systems and grading and compacting the soil for safe construction. Once you prepare the land, you can build on it as long as the project abides by local zoning regulations.

The Berkeley, CA homeowners’ guide to land surveying services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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