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1. When is a permit needed?

Most major projects will require a permit of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which will protect its occupants and neighbors on a daily basis, as well as during emergencies and other disasters. However, some minor alterations are allowed without obtaining permits (California Building Code 105.2). The most common exceptions are:

• Construction of block wall less than 30 inches high.
• Construction of decks and platforms less than 30 inches high, open walkways, and driveways on grade.
• Replacement of up to 400 square feet of roofing on an existing building in any 12 month period.
• Installation of ceramic tile on floors and countertops, and on walls not more than 48 inches high.
• Replacement of any existing broken or damaged ceramic tiles.
• Plaster patching not in excess of 10 square yards.
• Construction of pools not over 2 feet in depth, without electrical or plumbing fixtures.
• Construction of cases, counters and partitions less than 5 feet high.
• Construction of retaining walls and planter boxes under 30 inches high measured from bottom of footings.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Do you need a building permit for an upcoming residential project that is going to cost over $1,000? Please be aware that as of January 1, 2011, you are now required to install battery operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home. For projects where the Building Inspector will not be accessing the inside of your home (re-roofs, patios, stucco repair), the homeowner must complete and sign this form to certify that smoke and CO detectors have been installed.

2. What types of permits can I apply for?

Construction permits are documents obtained through the Development Services Department's Building and Safety Division, which authorizes the start of construction or remodeling of a building in the City of Los Alamitos.

There are 5 common types of permits:

• Building Permit: is required to construct or modify a building or structure.
• Electrical Permit: is required to install or modify an electrical system.
• Plumbing Permit: is required to install or modify a plumbing system.
• Mechanical Permit: is required to install or modify heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and other related systems.
• Block Wall Permit: is required for any wall over 42 inches high or retaining wall over thirty inches high.

3. Who can obtain a construction permit?

A permit will be issued to:

• A property owner, for work on single family or duplex buildings, provided that the owner lives in one of the units.
• A licensed contractor.
• A non-resident property owner of a single family or commercial property if the value of the work does not exceed 10% of the building's value in any 12-month period.

When a permit is taken out, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement.

Contractors

Contractors working in the City of Los Alamitos are required to have a Los Alamitos Business License.

If a contractor has employees, a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be on file with the Development Services Department. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractors License.

4. What are the Building Permit Fees?

The cost of a plan check and inspection fees are based upon the valuation of the proposed project as determined by the type of construction, size of project and the specific use of the buildings or structures. Building plan check and permit fees are calculated to be for cost recovery of all plan checking, inspection and administrative building services. Please note that in addition to these permitting fees, there may be other constructions fees, planning fees, state fees, school fees or sewer fees.

5. What are the Building Plan Check Fees?

City engineers and planners will review the plans submitted with a permit application. This may result in design changes to comply with City and California regulations. The amount of time required for plan check depends on the size and complexity of the project.

Plan check fees prior to issuance of each type of permit are as follows:

• Building Plan Check at 65% of Building Permit fee
• Mechanical Plan Check at 25% of Mechanical Permit fee
• Electrical Plan Check at 50% of Electrical Permit fee
• Plumbing Plan Check at 65% of Plumbing Permit fee

6. How many sets of plans do I submit?

3 sets of plans, 2 sets of structural calculations and 2 sets of Title 24 energy calculations. The Title 24 energy calculations should also be copied on the plans pages.

7. What size plan page can I submit?

Please submit 36 inch by 24 inch plan pages. Solar plans should be submitted on 11 inch by 17 inch plan pages.

8. Can I download a permit application?

Yes; you can find permit application documents on the Building and Safety Division page.

9. What is your plan check turnaround time?

For the majority of projects we provide a 10 business day turn around for first review. We provide a 5 business day turn around for second review.

10. Can I submit for plan check or check plan status online?

Yes, create an account with our Permit Center.

11. Can I check submittal status via email?

Yes. Fee free to email the Building and Safety Division.

12. What are your design criteria?

Design criteria are as follows:

• Climate zone: 8
• Design wind speed (commercial): 110 miles per hour (mph)
• Design wind speed (residential): 85 mph
• Exposure: C
• Seismic zone: D

13. What building codes are you using?

• 2019 California Building Code
• 2019 California Electrical Code
• 2019 California Energy Code
• 2019 California Fire Code
• 2019 California Green Building Standards Code
• 2019 California Mechanical Code
• 2019 California Plumbing Code
• 2019 California Residential Code

California building codes can be found online at the California Building Standards Commission website.

14. Does the City require an authorization letter?

Yes. For tenant improvement projects we require a letter from the building owner authorizing the project before a permit will be issued. We also require an authorization letter for agents pulling permits on behalf of a contractor. These letters should be on company letterhead, but do not need to be notarized.

15. Do contractors need a business license?

Yes, and if the general contractor has sub-contractors working for them, then the sub-contractors will be required to get business licenses as well. See our Business License page for more information.

16. Do I need Title 24 energy calculations?

If you are adding or modifying any part of a lighting system, mechanical system or building envelope, it is likely you will need to provide Title 24 documents. The state now has a handy website, Energy Code Ace, that can help you determine what you need. Please find the Trigger sheets on the state website to help you determine if you need to fill out Title 24 documents. Also visit the Forms pages on the state website to figure out which forms you will need.