The Department issues building permits and performs professional plan checks and inspections to ensure conformance with the appropriate state and local building codes. The services include helping applicants through the system in an expeditious manner without violating important safety laws and regulations.
General Information
Building permit fees vary according to the type of construction. General building permit fees are based on the valuation of the project. Itemized fees are charged for subcontract permits, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire permits.
Permits may be obtained from the Department of Building & Safety located on the third floor of City Hall, 2000 Main Street. Public counter hours are from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Applications for permits will be processed until 4:30 pm. To apply for a building permit you will need to submit two sets of wet signed (original signature) construction drawings, complete the necessary application(s), and pay the necessary plan check fees. Permits may be obtained by a properly licensed contractor (state license card and proof of workers' compensation must be shown) or the property owner (owner-builder verification form must be completed). Appointments are available for over the counter Building Plan Review please call the Building Department to schedule an appointment. For further information, please contact the Department of Building & Safety at (714) 536-5241 and press 0 to speak with a Permit Technician.
Available Now-Apply & Pay for Permits By Fax
This service is available for miscellaneous electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and re-roofing permits. Payment by credit card only (Visa and Mastercard accepted). Permit application, credit card authorization, and permit disclosure form required. Please check with the Building and Safety counter staff for further information.
New Business-New Buildings & Tenant Improvement Construction
Two sets of wet (original) signed plans must be presented to the Planning Counter for review. If the plans are complete and in conformance with land use requirements, the Planning Department will sign the plan submittal application and refer you to the Department of Building & Safety for structural review (currently, plan check is running approximately 15 working days for first review). Once the plans are accepted, fees are collected for the plan review process. You will also be asked to submit an application for a Certificate of Occupancy which will be held until completion of all construction and final inspection approval. There is no additional cost for a Certificate of Occupancy which is part of construction permits, however, if a need for a temporary Certificate of Occupancy should occur prior to full completion of construction requirements, approval from the Inspection Manager is required and a fee must be paid. Plan check submittal check-list.
New Business-No Construction (CofO Application)
A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all new businesses. This application must receive zoning clearance prior to being accepted by the Department of Building & Safety; fee is required. Inspection of the proposed location is required to verify that the premises and use are in compliance with the provisions of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code and other applicable laws at the time of issuance. Once the inspection is performed and approved, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued and mailed to the new business. A business may require approval and/or permits from the Fire Department, South Coast Air Quality Management, and Orange County Health. Please check with those agencies prior to submitting your application. For further information about our Certificate of Occupancy process, please contact the Department of Building & Safety at (714) 536-5241 and press 0 to speak with a Permit Technician.
Building Permit (Application)
The Planning Department is responsible for reviewing all building permits for compliance with the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Many projects require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, or similar zoning entitlement, prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please contact the Planning Department at (714) 536-5271 for additional zoning information. The Department of Building & Safety is responsible for the issuance of all building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, sprinkler & fire permits. Building permits are required to erect, enlarge, alter, remove, demolish, or repair a structure in the City of Huntington Beach. This includes tenant improvements, signs, fences (block wall/fence permit package), and re-roofing. There are, however, some instances where Building permits are not required (building permit exemptions).
Electrical Permit (Application)
Electrical permits are required for the installation of a new electrical service, service upgrade or relocation, new circuits or extensions to existing circuits, fixed appliances, and equipment connections.
Mechanical Permit (Application)
Mechanical permits are required for the installation and repair of heating, ventilating, cooling and refrigeration systems.
Plumbing Permit (Application)
Plumbing permits are required for the installation, removal, alteration, or replacement of any plumbing fixture, gas, water, or drainage piping work, or water heating equipment. Plumbing permits are not required for plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks that are replaced and maintained in the same location as the previous fixture.
Swimming Pool/Spa Permit (Application) and (Guidelines)
Swimming pool/spa permits are required for new in-ground pools/spas and above-ground pools/spas. Equipment replacement requires the appropriate electrical or mechanical permit. Demolition of Swimming Pools have separate (Guidelines). A separate permit is required for the installation of Solar System (Solar Guidelines)
Fire Permit (Application)
Fire Permtis are reviewed and issued by the Fire Department. Building additions of 200 square feet or more will need to be reviewed by the Fire Department. Full payment is due at the time of plan approval and issuance.
Solar Permit (Application)