Building Division FAQs

FOSTER CITY BUILDING DIVISION 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. How do I request a building inspection?

  • Online: Visit Foster City’s Building Division online portal at eTRAKiT and log into your account.
  • Required Information: Permit number, project address, type of inspection, preferred date, and contact information.

Please Note: All permits require a Pre-inspection.  Please schedule the pre-inspection prior to the required inspections.

2. How do I submit for a building permit?

For a video walk through of how to apply for a Building Permit on our eTRAKiT portal, click here: Foster City - Building Permit eTRAKiT Application Walk Through

DO NOT PAY FEES until you have been contacted by the City to do so.

3. How can I check the status of my building permit?

  • Online: Log in to your eTRAKiT account and view the “My Active Permits” section for current status updates.  All linked permits will appear here.  If the permit is not linked, search by Address or Permit Number.

Be sure to have your permit number and/or address to search permit information.

4. How can I find out my inspection time?

  • Online: Go to the eTRAKiT portal after 8:30 AM on the day of inspection (after 8:30 AM) to see your assigned hour window.

Please Note: Inspections are scheduled with either an AM (8:30 AM–12:00 PM) or PM (12:00 PM–4:00 PM) time frame.

5. How do I check fees for a building permit?

  • Online Fee Schedule: To verify building permit fees please see the Master Fee Schedule
  • Estimate Tool: Use the City’s online permit fee calculator for rough estimates before applying.
  • Final Fees: Will be determined after your application is reviewed based on project valuation, plan review hours, and applicable City and State fees.

Step by Step Guide to paying fees in eTRAKiT

6. What documents do I need before scheduling an inspection?

  • Approved/Issued permit card/job card (on site).
  • Approved plans (on site).
  • Any special inspection reports (if required).

7. Do I need a Business License to perform work in Foster City?

YES, any person engaged in business in Foster City is required to obtain and maintain a valid Foster City Business License.

8. What are the construction hours?

Operating any tools or equipment used in construction, repair, alteration, demolition or landscape maintenance is permissible in a residential district or within 100 yards of a residential district between the following hours:

7:30 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays
9:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekends and legal holidays

Major projects are subject to more stringent work hours limitations in their conditions of approval.

9. What documents do I need to apply for a permit?

 

Additional documents may be required depending on the scope of your project. If you are unsure what to submit, please contact the Building Division at building@fostercity.org for guidance.

10. How do I make a revision to a permit after it’s been issued?

Additional documents may be required depending on the revision to the project. If you are unsure what to submit, please contact the Building Division at building@fostercity.org for guidance.

11. Where can I get more help?

  • Phone: (650) 286-3227
  • Email: building@fostercity.org
  • In Person: City Hall – Building Division Counter, 610 Foster City Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (counter); inspectors available by phone until 4:00 PM.
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