Building and Safety FAQ

PERMITS AND SUBMITTALS

• 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.
• What size plan page can I submit?
  Please submit 36″ x 24″ plan pages.  Solar plans should be submitted on 11″ x 17″ plan pages.
• Can I download a permit application?
  Yes.  You can find that on our Building Department page.
• 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. 
• Can I submit for plan check or check plan check status online?
  Sorry.  Not at this time, but hopefully in the future.
• Can I check submittal status via email?
  Yes.  Feel free to send us an email at building@cityoflosalamitos.org
• What are your design criteria?
  Design wind speed (residential): 85mph
  Design wind speed (commercial): 110mph
  Seismic zone: D
  Climate zone: 8
  Exposure: C
• What Building Codes are you using?
  2016 California Building Code
  2016 California Residential Code
  2016 California Mechanical Code
  2016 California Electrical Code
  2016 California Plumbing Code
  2016 California Fire Code
  2016 California Energy Code
  2016 California Green Building Standards Code.

  Here is a link to the California Building and Standards Commission web page to view or download these California codes.

• 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. 
• 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.  
• 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 web site, energycodeace.com, that can help you determine what you need.  Please find the Trigger sheets on the state web site to help you determine if you need to fill out Title-24 documents.  Also visit the Forms pages on the state web site to figure out which forms you will need.