Building permits in California
1 jurisdictions, each with the department that issues, its portal and its phone number. Cities issue their own permits; counties cover unincorporated areas, which is the distinction that sends most contractors to the wrong office.
1 checked against the department's own page
Licensing
A contractor license is required for any project (labor + materials) of $500 or more, issued by the CSLB.
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)