On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Artesia
Artesia requires building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, or equip a building, structure, or portion thereof. The city lists examples including garages, room additions, pools, sheds, patio covers, fences or block walls, storage buildings, retaining walls, and reroofing. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas piping permits are required for listed systems and equipment installations.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, shade structures, and similar uses, if not over 120 square feet, not over 12 feet high, and with roof projection not over 24 inches
Certain fences and monument signs up to stated height limits
Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids
Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Certain shallow prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply
Minor electrical repair work such as replacing lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar devices
Plumbing leak repairs and stoppage clearing where no trap, drainpipe, soil, waste, vent pipe, valve, pipe, or fixture is replaced or rearranged
Portable heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, shade structures, and similar uses, if not over 120 square feet, not over 12 feet high, and with roof projection not over 24 inches
- Exempt Certain fences and monument signs up to stated height limits
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids
- Exempt Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Certain shallow prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply
- Exempt Minor electrical repair work such as replacing lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar devices
- Exempt Plumbing leak repairs and stoppage clearing where no trap, drainpipe, soil, waste, vent pipe, valve, pipe, or fixture is replaced or rearranged
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work
Note: Los Angeles County states separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt, and exempt work must still comply with zoning and all other applicable laws. Artesia's Building & Safety page also lists work types that commonly require permits, so applicants should confirm exemptions before proceeding.
Required documents
- Typical submittals include a plot/site plan, elevation plan, floor plan, structural plan for construction over 400 square feet, and electrical/plumbing plans. One- and two-family dwelling projects require a Certification of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Compliance form. Artesia also requires Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion program forms, and construction of 500 square feet or more requires school fees before building permit issuance. Contractors must hold a City of Artesia business license before permit issuance.
- Building code
- Artesia materials state AMC Section 8-1.01 adopts Los Angeles County Code Title 26, Building Code, and the city's 2024-25 fee resolution says Artesia adopted by reference the Los Angeles County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes. City materials also state code enforcement applies the Artesia Municipal Code and California Building Code. City planning materials state Artesia adopted the 2022 Green Building Standards Code into the municipal code effective January 1, 2023.
- Permit validity
- Because Artesia contracts for Los Angeles County Building & Safety services, county permit rules are the clearest published expiration standard for this contract-city workflow: a permit expires if work has not started within 12 months of issuance or if work lapses for more than 180 days after starting; written 180-day extensions may be available. Los Angeles County also states a permit application expires if no permit is issued within one year after application initiation, with up to two 180-day extensions upon written request.
- Owner-builder
- Artesia says permits are generally issued to duly licensed contractors, but a homeowner or the homeowner's relatives may obtain a permit for construction or alteration of a one- or two-family dwelling if the work will be performed by the homeowner. Artesia's building plans page also says electrical and plumbing work may be performed by the homeowner if the project is residential; otherwise it must be done by a licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Artesia says permits shall be issued to duly licensed contractors. In addition, all contractors hired by the owner and all subcontractors hired by the general contractor must obtain a City of Artesia business license before any building permit is issued.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Artesia's current Building & Safety pages do not publish a general turnaround time for standard building permits. Los Angeles County notes that only simple over-the-counter plan checks are reviewed immediately; other permit issuance depends on plan approval and outside agency clearances.
- 01 Confirm zoning/planning requirements first. Artesia's Required Building Plans page says Planning Department approval and building permits are required before starting construction work.
- 02 Create or sign in to an OpenGov account at the city's permitting portal.
- 03 Select the Building & Safety Department and the correct permit type, then complete the application.
- 04 Upload the required plans and supporting documents. Depending on scope, Artesia calls for plot/site, elevation, floor, structural, and electrical/plumbing plans, plus any required forms.
- 05 Respond to correction comments and agency requirements. Artesia says applicants can track review status and receive correction comments in OpenGov.
- 06 Pay permit fees through OpenGov once plan review is complete and any required approvals are in place.
- 07 After permit issuance, schedule inspections by phone at least 24 hours in advance and keep approved plans and the inspection card available on site.
Typical processing time: Artesia's current Building & Safety pages do not publish a general turnaround time for standard building permits. Los Angeles County notes that only simple over-the-counter plan checks are reviewed immediately; other permit issuance depends on plan approval and outside agency clearances.
Source: City of Artesia Building & Safety Department, within Community Development ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Artesia building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Artesia's 2024-25 schedule adds a $38.83 permit issuance fee to all building permits. Published minimums otherwise vary by permit category and valuation table rather than a single citywide minimum permit amount.
02
Plan check fee
For building permits, the published minimum plan check fee for a standard plan is $423.63. For electrical permits, plan check is 70% of the permit fee with a $308.01 minimum. For mechanical permits, plan check is 50% of the permit fee with a $308.01 minimum. For plumbing permits, plan check is 40% of the permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees use the 2024-25 City of Artesia Building Valuation Fee Table and Los Angeles County-based fee schedule. The city council states Artesia adopted Los Angeles County building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code fees by reference using a factor of 2.0 plus annual CPI increases.
04
Trade permit fee
Building permit fees use the 2024-25 City of Artesia Building Valuation Fee Table and Los Angeles County-based fee schedule. The city council states Artesia adopted Los Angeles County building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code fees by reference using a factor of 2.0 plus annual CPI increases.
05
Reinspection fee
One specific published reinspection line item is $615.16 for inspection or reinspection of Group A, Division 4 structures.
06
Penalty (no permit)
Artesia publishes an investigation fee for work done without a required permit equal to the permit fee, but not less than $947.34, with a reduced $473.67 minimum for one- or two-family dwellings when work is performed by an owner-builder. The schedule also lists noncompliance fees of $284.50 for one- and two-family dwelling occupancies and $569.44 for other occupancies.
Artesia's OpenGov page says applicants can pay permit fees securely through the online portal. Separate city entitlement checklists state in-person submittals use checks payable to the City of Artesia, but the Building & Safety page does not publish separate card or check restrictions for standard online permit payments.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- EPIC-LA (online)
- 562-865-6262 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Artesia requires at least 24 hours advance notice. Artesia's inspection page directs applicants to call 562-865-6262 at least 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Artesia requires at least 24 hours advance notice. The city does not publish AM/PM inspection windows on the inspections page. For permit counter access, Building & Safety permit hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and every other Friday 8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.; plan checker hours are Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Artesia requires at least 24 hours advance notice. The city does not publish AM/PM inspection windows on the inspections page. For permit counter access, Building & Safety permit hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and every other Friday 8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.; plan checker hours are Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Artesia lists common inspections as foundation, concrete slab/under-floor, framing, insulation, lath/drywall, and final inspection. Additional inspections may be required depending on the project.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Artesia permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Artesia, CA? ▸
Artesia requires building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, or equip a building, structure, or portion thereof. The city lists examples including garages, room additions, pools, sheds, patio covers, fences or block walls, storage buildings, retaining walls, and reroofing. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas piping permits are required for listed systems and equipment installations.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Artesia, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Artesia, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Artesia's 2024-25 schedule adds a $38.83 permit issuance fee to all building permits. Published minimums otherwise vary by permit category and valuation table rather than a single citywide minimum permit amount.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees use the 2024-25 City of Artesia Building Valuation Fee Table and Los Angeles County-based fee schedule. The city council states Artesia adopted Los Angeles County building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code fees by reference using a factor of 2.0 plus annual CPI increases.. Plan check fee: For building permits, the published minimum plan check fee for a standard plan is $423.63. For electrical permits, plan check is 70% of the permit fee with a $308.01 minimum. For mechanical permits, plan check is 50% of the permit fee with a $308.01 minimum. For plumbing permits, plan check is 40% of the permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Artesia, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Artesia, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning/planning requirements first. Artesia's Required Building Plans page says Planning Department approval and building permits are required before starting construction work. 2. Create or sign in to an OpenGov account at the city's permitting portal. 3. Select the Building & Safety Department and the correct permit type, then complete the application. 4. Upload the required plans and supporting documents. Depending on scope, Artesia calls for plot/site, elevation, floor, structural, and electrical/plumbing plans, plus any required forms. 5. Respond to correction comments and agency requirements. Artesia says applicants can track review status and receive correction comments in OpenGov. 6. Pay permit fees through OpenGov once plan review is complete and any required approvals are in place. 7. After permit issuance, schedule inspections by phone at least 24 hours in advance and keep approved plans and the inspection card available on site.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Artesia, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Artesia, CA typically run Artesia's current Building & Safety pages do not publish a general turnaround time for standard building permits. Los Angeles County notes that only simple over-the-counter plan checks are reviewed immediately; other permit issuance depends on plan approval and outside agency clearances.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Artesia, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Artesia, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, shade structures, and similar uses, if not over 120 square feet, not over 12 feet high, and with roof projection not over 24 inches; Certain fences and monument signs up to stated height limits; Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding specified liquids; Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Certain shallow prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply; Minor electrical repair work such as replacing lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar devices; Plumbing leak repairs and stoppage clearing where no trap, drainpipe, soil, waste, vent pipe, valve, pipe, or fixture is replaced or rearranged; Portable heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment and other listed minor mechanical work. Note: Los Angeles County states separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt, and exempt work must still comply with zoning and all other applicable laws. Artesia's Building & Safety page also lists work types that commonly require permits, so applicants should confirm exemptions before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Artesia, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Artesia, CA via: EPIC-LA, 562-865-6262. Artesia requires at least 24 hours advance notice. Artesia's inspection page directs applicants to call 562-865-6262 at least 24 hours in advance..
last verified April 2026
source City of Artesia Building & Safety Department, within Community Development ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/artesia
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Artesia Building & Safety Department, within Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.