On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Claremont
Claremont states permits are required when constructing, remodeling, or enlarging a building or structure, and for other property improvements. The City's examples include accessory structures, demolition, additions, garage conversions, remodels involving wall/window/door changes, window and door installation, decks and balconies, electrical panel/circuit work, plumbing, water heater work, water or sewer line replacement, HVAC installation or replacement, reroofing, and pools/spas.
Cosmetic work such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and interior trim.
Repairing electrical fixtures on existing wiring and replacing switches, plugs, and light ballasts.
Pumping out contents of a septic system.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the building is designed as portable, can be easily disassembled or removed without demolition, and contains no utilities.
Fences or walls not over 36 inches high.
- Exempt Cosmetic work such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and interior trim.
- Exempt Repairing electrical fixtures on existing wiring and replacing switches, plugs, and light ballasts.
- Exempt Pumping out contents of a septic system.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the building is designed as portable, can be easily disassembled or removed without demolition, and contains no utilities.
- Exempt Fences or walls not over 36 inches high.
Note: Claremont says its exemption list is not all-inclusive and should be used only as a guideline. Even exempt work must still comply with applicable setbacks, fire-resistive standards, and other City code requirements. The City has locally deleted some otherwise broader CBC/CRC permit exemptions.
Required documents
- Building Permit Worksheet/Application
- contractor declaration/workers' compensation declaration
- plan sets and supporting documents for projects requiring plan check
- and project-specific checklists such as the demolition checklist where applicable.
- Building code
- Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 currently adopts the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, with local amendments. Title 15 also contains local adoptions for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire prevention, and green building standards.
- Permit validity
- The application form states the permit/plan review becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days of permit issuance, if the permit is not obtained within 180 days of plan submittal, or if work is suspended, abandoned, or shows no progressive work verified by a City inspector for 180 consecutive days.
- Owner-builder
- The owner-builder declaration states an owner may self-perform with employees or personal effort if the structure is not intended or offered for sale, or may act as owner-builder by contracting exclusively with licensed contractors. If the improvement is sold within one year of completion, the owner-builder bears the burden of proving it was not built for sale. The form also states that, except for the owner's personal residence occupied for at least one year before completion, an owner-builder cannot legally sell a structure they built unless it was constructed entirely by licensed contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- The contractor declaration requires the applicant to affirm that the contractor is licensed under Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code and that the license is in full force and effect. The permit worksheet requests contractor name, state license number, license type, expiration date, and workers' compensation expiration date.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Check with the Planning and Engineering divisions first to determine whether the project also needs planning or engineering approvals.
- 02 Complete the Building Permit Worksheet/Application and, if applicable, the contractor declaration/workers' compensation form.
- 03 For projects with plan sets, submit the worksheet/application, plans, and supporting documents electronically to buildingapplications@claremontca.gov. For permits without plans, Claremont says they may still be processed over the counter.
- 04 If applying online, complete the worksheet/application first, then upload the permit application and related plans through the City's OpenForms permit application form.
- 05 Respond to any plan check comments or revision requests. Claremont performs plan review to confirm compliance with state and local building codes before issuance.
- 06 Pay fees at permit issuance and obtain the permit.
Source: City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Claremont building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Published permit issuance fee is $59.60 per permit; total permit cost is typically higher because valuation-based and other add-on fees apply.
02
Plan check fee
80% of the building permit fee where valuation exceeds $1,000; incomplete plan checking revisions are billed at $119.55 per hour.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based for residential and non-residential occupancies, plus fixed issuance fees and percentage add-ons. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees also include unit/item-based components.
04
Trade permit fee
Building permit fees are valuation-based for residential and non-residential occupancies, plus fixed issuance fees and percentage add-ons. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees also include unit/item-based components.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Additional inspection fee $71.55 each; reinspection fee $120.55 each; investigation fee for work without a permit is equal to the permit fee but not less than $534.95, with an owner-builder exception floor of $248.40 when approved by the Building Official.
Claremont Municipal Code Section 15.04.020 states permit fees are paid at the time of permit issuance. The City pages reviewed do not publish separate online payment instructions for standard building permits.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online inspection request form (online)
- inspection status lookup (online)
- buildingapplications@claremontca.gov (email)
- (909) 399-5471 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice.
- Inspection hours
- Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice. General inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The inspection request page says AM requests are scheduled within 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and PM requests within 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to schedule availability. Daily route information with estimated 3-hour windows is posted after 6:00 p.m. on the Building Inspections page.
- Time windows
- Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice. General inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The inspection request page says AM requests are scheduled within 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and PM requests within 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to schedule availability. Daily route information with estimated 3-hour windows is posted after 6:00 p.m. on the Building Inspections page.
Typical sequence: The City states inspections occur at various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and California codes. Exact stages depend on project scope, but final inspection is required; for new buildings, structures, and remodeling work, the application form states a certificate of occupancy must be obtained before use and occupancy.
Source: City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Claremont permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Claremont, CA? ▸
Claremont states permits are required when constructing, remodeling, or enlarging a building or structure, and for other property improvements. The City's examples include accessory structures, demolition, additions, garage conversions, remodels involving wall/window/door changes, window and door installation, decks and balconies, electrical panel/circuit work, plumbing, water heater work, water or sewer line replacement, HVAC installation or replacement, reroofing, and pools/spas.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Claremont, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Claremont, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Published permit issuance fee is $59.60 per permit; total permit cost is typically higher because valuation-based and other add-on fees apply.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based for residential and non-residential occupancies, plus fixed issuance fees and percentage add-ons. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees also include unit/item-based components.. Plan check fee: 80% of the building permit fee where valuation exceeds $1,000; incomplete plan checking revisions are billed at $119.55 per hour..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Claremont, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Claremont, CA, follow these steps: 1. Check with the Planning and Engineering divisions first to determine whether the project also needs planning or engineering approvals. 2. Complete the Building Permit Worksheet/Application and, if applicable, the contractor declaration/workers' compensation form. 3. For projects with plan sets, submit the worksheet/application, plans, and supporting documents electronically to buildingapplications@claremontca.gov. For permits without plans, Claremont says they may still be processed over the counter. 4. If applying online, complete the worksheet/application first, then upload the permit application and related plans through the City's OpenForms permit application form. 5. Respond to any plan check comments or revision requests. Claremont performs plan review to confirm compliance with state and local building codes before issuance. 6. Pay fees at permit issuance and obtain the permit.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Claremont, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Claremont, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic work such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and interior trim.; Repairing electrical fixtures on existing wiring and replacing switches, plugs, and light ballasts.; Pumping out contents of a septic system.; One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the building is designed as portable, can be easily disassembled or removed without demolition, and contains no utilities.; Fences or walls not over 36 inches high.. Note: Claremont says its exemption list is not all-inclusive and should be used only as a guideline. Even exempt work must still comply with applicable setbacks, fire-resistive standards, and other City code requirements. The City has locally deleted some otherwise broader CBC/CRC permit exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Claremont, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Claremont, CA via: Online inspection request form, inspection status lookup, buildingapplications@claremontca.gov, (909) 399-5471. Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice..
last verified April 2026
source City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/claremont
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.