Structural engineering · Sacramento, CA
Structural Engineering Services in Sacramento, CA
Connect with engineering firms serving Sacramento and the surrounding Sacramento Valley. From load-bearing wall removals and room additions to ADUs, commercial projects and more.
Engineers
Licensed structural engineers serving Sacramento
California firms that take work in Sacramento and the surrounding Sacramento County. Contact a firm directly.
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento, CA
Gold River, CA
Gold River, CA
Fair Oaks, CA
Davis, CA
Local code & loads
Sacramento building code & ASCE 7 design loads
Sacramento enforces the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), based on the 2021 IBC. Stamped calculations submitted for permit reference the design parameters below.
Values shown for reference only — project-specific values from the ASCE 7 Hazard Tool should be used for engineering design at the actual project address.
ASCE 7 design parameters
Default values used for most residential and light-commercial projects in Sacramento. Site Class and seismic spectral values may shift based on geotechnical investigation.
| Building code | 2022 California Building Code (CBC), based on the 2021 IBC |
|---|---|
| ASCE 7 edition | ASCE 7-22 |
| Seismic Sₛ | = 0.66g |
| Seismic S₁ | = 0.24g |
| Site class | Default |
| SᴅS | = 0.65g |
| Sᴅ₁ | = 0.24g |
| Seismic Design Category | D |
| Ultimate wind speed | = 94 mph |
| Ground snow load | 0 psf on the valley floor (no ground snow at Sacramento's elevation) |
Risk Category II assumed for typical residential and light commercial use — confirm with your engineer if the occupancy or use may require a higher category.
Sacramento sits on the valley floor with low-to-moderate seismicity relative to coastal California, but liquefaction and expansive/soft soils near the rivers and Delta frequently govern foundation design. Always pull site-specific values from the ASCE 7 Hazard Tool (https://ascehazardtool.org) for the actual project address.
Common projects engineers design in Sacramento
The work engineers handle frequently in Sacramento and the surrounding Sacramento County.
- Load-bearing wall removals and open-concept remodels
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and garage conversions
- Room additions and second-story additions
- Foundation repair and underpinning (expansive/Delta soils)
- Seismic retrofit of older and soft-story homes
- Deck, balcony, and patio cover structures
- Rooftop solar array structural verification
- Retaining walls
What's different about Sacramento
Local conditions that affect structural design
City-specific factors that show up in many Sacramento calculation — and the things plan reviewers look for.
Permits
Where to submit your Sacramento permit
Stamped calculations from clearspan are submitted directly to the City of Sacramento — Community Development Department, Building Division. Most residential structural submittals are reviewed online.
Building department
City of Sacramento — Community Development Department, Building Division
300 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 808-5318
Submittal notes
Projects in unincorporated areas fall under Sacramento County Building Permits & Inspection Division (separate jurisdiction). Confirm which agency has authority for the project address before submitting.
FAQ
Structural engineering in Sacramento — FAQs
The questions Sacramento contractors and homeowners ask most often.
Do I need an engineer to remove a wall in my Sacramento home?+
Can I apply for a minor permit for a kitchen remodel?+
How quickly can I get stamped calculations for a Sacramento permit?+
Nearby cities
Structural engineers in other Sacramento Valley cities
Browse city pages for nearby jurisdictions.
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