Building permits · May 2026
California Building Permits
Monthly residential building permits for California from the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey — 10,196 units authorized in May 2026, 109,688 over the last 12 months.
| Structure type | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family (1-unit) | 4,697 | 46.1% |
| 2-unit structures | 394 | 3.9% |
| 3–4 unit structures | 93 | 0.9% |
| Multifamily (5+ units) | 5,012 | 49.2% |
| All units | 10,196 | 100% |
Building permits across the U.S.
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California permits by county
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By units permitted in the last 12 months.
California building permits — FAQ
How many building permits were issued in California?+
10,196 new residential housing units were authorized in California in May 2026, and 109,688 over the trailing 12 months, per the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey.
Is homebuilding rising or falling in California?+
In May 2026, California permitted units were up 9.1% versus the same month a year earlier. Over the trailing 12 months, 109,688 units were authorized.
What share is multifamily?+
53.9% of California's May 2026 permitted units were in multifamily (2+ unit) structures; 46.1% were single-family.