Building & Permitting Services (2024)

FAQs

What do you need a building permit for in California? ›

According to the California Building Standards Code, no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.

Once you fill out your application, you should expect to receive a building permit within two weeks if you are working on a residential project. On the other hand, approval process for a commercial project can take upwards of four weeks.

Building and Safety provides building permits, review and monitoring of the design, construction, installation, demolition, and maintenance of privately-owned buildings and structures through the enforcement of the County's building codes and regulations.

Building permits can be obtained by the homeowner or a licensed contractor. The person or persons performing the work must obtain the permit. It is a violation of state law if a contractor commences work without first obtaining a permit under their state contractor's license.

Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.

California – Permit fees consider structure use, cost, square footage, and construction type. Permits to build a house range from $1,200 to $3,000 on average, depending on the city. Other fees include submission, inspection, sewer, zone check, water, park, architectural services, and transportation development impact.

A building permit for detached one and two-family units, dwellings or townhouses, as defined in the California Residential Code, and their accessory structures, shall expire two years after the date of permit issuance. A Building Permit for all other projects shall expire four years after the date of permit issuance.

Can homeowners in California do their own electrical work? Sure, as long as you do the work by code, pull a permit and is signed off by a building and safety inspector.

In Los Angeles, a building permit is mandated for a range of construction projects, which include grading work, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing installations (new, expanded, or replaced), renovations and remodels, additions to existing buildings, constructing new buildings, tenant improvements, and miscellaneous ...

Permits are also required for any installation, replacement, or substantial repair of the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, or Heating system of any building. Any re-roof requires a permit, with the exception of repairs and patching. New installation or replacement requires a plumbing permit.

How to apply for a building permit in Los Angeles? ›

Electronic Permitting and Inspections for the County of Los Angeles (EPIC-LA), is the online portal to Building and Safety Division's electronic permitting services. On this site, you can submit plans, specifications, and supporting documents for review and approval, pay permit fees, and apply for a permit.

Windows. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Electronic Permit System (e-Permit system) allows for the issuance of a building permit to replace window(s) with the same size, opening type, and location as the existing window(s).

Can I pull my permit myself as an owner/builder or do I need a contractor? In California, most construction work is required to be performed by a licensed contractor. In certain instances, the owner of the property may secure a permit as an owner-builder, but there are strict limitations on when this may occur.

Projects that change the configuration of walls, pipes, wiring, roofs, or major appliances typically DO require at least one type of building permit. Projects that DO NOT need a building permit are simple surface (cosmetic) projects; minor repairs and replacements; and minor site improvements or small structures.

A building permit must be obtained before you construct, enlarge, alter, move, replace, repair, improve, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Building permit is not required for certain work such as one-story detached accessory structure (Sheds, Playhouse, etc.)

Projects that change the configuration of walls, pipes, wiring, roofs, or major appliances typically DO require at least one type of building permit. Projects that DO NOT need a building permit are simple surface (cosmetic) projects; minor repairs and replacements; and minor site improvements or small structures.

The biggest shed you can build without a permit in the City of Los Angeles is 120 square feet, 12 feet high, with a roof not extending past 24 inches.

Do You Need A Permit To Remodel A Bathroom In California? Yes, permits are required for all aspects of remodeling a bathroom. This includes making any additions or modifications that involve construction, electrical wiring, plumbing structures, and other mechanical processes.

DIY Concrete Projects in California

In California, platforms, walkways, and driveways not exceeding 30 inches above grade and not over any basem*nt or story below do not require a building permit. However, for larger or structural projects, permits and a licensed contractor are required.