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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Commerce
Commerce follows California building permit rules. CSLB's statewide permit guidance states a permit is required before a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished, subject to code exemptions. Commerce's Building & Safety Division is the local permitting authority.
Code-based exemptions generally apply rather than a separate Commerce-specific exemption list on the city page.
Typical California code exemptions include certain minor one-story detached accessory structures, low-height fences, some finish work, limited plumbing fixture replacement, and minor electrical work, but exact thresholds depend on the adopted code edition and local amendments.
Commerce's Building & Safety page reviewed does not publish its own exemption checklist.
Because Commerce's official sources currently point to two different code cycles, confirm exemption thresholds with the Building & Safety Division before proceeding without a permit.
Even when a building permit is exempt, separate zoning, fire, public works, health, or utility approvals may still apply.
Sources: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/Building_Permit_Requirements.aspx
- Exempt Code-based exemptions generally apply rather than a separate Commerce-specific exemption list on the city page.
- Exempt Typical California code exemptions include certain minor one-story detached accessory structures, low-height fences, some finish work, limited plumbing fixture replacement, and minor electrical work, but exact thresholds depend on the adopted code edition and local amendments.
- Exempt Commerce's Building & Safety page reviewed does not publish its own exemption checklist.
- Exempt Because Commerce's official sources currently point to two different code cycles, confirm exemption thresholds with the Building & Safety Division before proceeding without a permit.
- Exempt Even when a building permit is exempt, separate zoning, fire, public works, health, or utility approvals may still apply.
- Exempt Sources: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/Building_Permit_Requirements.aspx
Required documents
- At minimum, expect a permit application/worksheet and plans sufficient for plan check. Commerce specifically posts a Permit Worksheet, Owner Builder Declaration, Contractor's Declaration, EV Charger Checklist, Schedule of Fees, and Permit Fee Request form. Covered construction projects must also comply with the city's C&D recycling program.
- Building code
- Commerce's Building & Safety page says plans submitted for plan check are checked under the 2020 Los Angeles County Building, Electrical, Green, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Residential Codes. However, a City of Commerce public notice dated November 14, 2025 states the City Council considered an ordinance amending Title 15 to adopt the 2025 California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Residential Codes with local amendments. Because those two official city sources conflict, verify the currently enforced code set with Commerce before final submittal.
- Permit validity
- The Commerce page reviewed does not state permit expiration. Confirm the permit-expiration rule directly with Commerce Building & Safety before filing or relying on a permit for phased work.
- Owner-builder
- Commerce requires an Owner Builder Declaration form where applicable. CSLB states an owner-builder may be exempt from licensure in limited cases, but by signing as owner-builder the property owner assumes full responsibility for permits, code compliance, inspections, supervision, and potential employer obligations.
- Contractor requirements
- CSLB states a current valid California contractor license is required for any project that requires a building permit, uses employee labor, or has combined labor and materials cost of $1,000 or more.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: City of Commerce Resolution No. 24-100 states plan check review for new construction averages four to six weeks. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4364/638725433286630000
- 01 Confirm scope with Commerce Building & Safety and collect the applicable forms from the Building & Safety page, including the Permit Worksheet and owner-builder or contractor declaration forms if applicable. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
- 02 Prepare permit documents. Commerce's page indicates plan review/plan check is part of the process, and the posted resources include a Permit Worksheet, Owner Builder Declaration, Contractor's Declaration, EV Charger Checklist, and C&D recycling materials for covered projects. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
- 03 Submit completed permit applications by email to permittechnician@commerceca.gov; for electronic plan review, use the city's linked electronic plan check path from the Building & Safety page. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
- 04 Pay assessed permit and plan check fees after city review. For eligible residential solar, first obtain SolarAPP+ automated approval, then email the SolarAPP+ permit package, checklist, and single-line drawing to the city. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
- 05 After permit issuance, call the inspection line to schedule required inspections. Commerce lists inspections Monday through Thursday, with requests made by phone at (323) 887-4455. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
Typical processing time: City of Commerce Resolution No. 24-100 states plan check review for new construction averages four to six weeks. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4364/638725433286630000
Source: City of Commerce Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Commerce building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not confirmed from a readable primary fee table in this session; verify directly from Commerce's posted Schedule of Fees or request a quote using the city's Permit Fee Request form.
02
Plan check fee
Separate plan check fee applies. Resolution No. 24-100 includes 2023 sample plan check fees of $3,837.33 for a modeled single-family example and $2,569.38 per unit for a modeled multi-family example.
03
Permit fee formula
Appears valuation-based for building permits and plan check, with additional line items depending on project type. City of Commerce Resolution No. 24-100 includes 2023 example building fees showing separate permit fee, plan check fee, plan maintenance, S.M.I.P., BSARF, and an art fee for projects with valuation greater than $250,000.
04
Reinspection fee
Not confirmed from a readable primary fee table in this session; verify from Commerce's posted Schedule of Fees before budgeting.
Commerce's Building & Safety page indicates applicants submit materials first and then pay assessed fees; SolarAPP+ submissions also require permit-fee payment as part of that workflow.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Commerce instructs applicants to request inspections by phone at (323) 887-4455. For eligible SolarAPP+ jobs, the city page still directs applicants back to Commerce Building & Safety for inspection scheduling, and PV/ESS projects also require Los Angeles County Fire final inspection coordination. Sources (online)
- https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-prevention-expeditedpvess/ (online)
- (323) 887-4455 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Commerce lists inspections Monday through Thursday. The posted office-hours block also lists Building Inspector counter/availability Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fire Department inspectors are listed Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., phone (323) 720-9913. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
- Time windows
- Commerce lists inspections Monday through Thursday. The posted office-hours block also lists Building Inspector counter/availability Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fire Department inspectors are listed Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., phone (323) 720-9913. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
Typical sequence: Not published as a single checklist on the Commerce page reviewed. Typical sequencing is rough/framing and trade inspections as applicable, then final inspection; eligible solar/PV and ESS work also requires L.A. County Fire final before use.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Commerce permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Commerce, CA? ▸
Commerce follows California building permit rules. CSLB's statewide permit guidance states a permit is required before a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished, subject to code exemptions. Commerce's Building & Safety Division is the local permitting authority.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Commerce, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Commerce, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed from a readable primary fee table in this session; verify directly from Commerce's posted Schedule of Fees or request a quote using the city's Permit Fee Request form.. Fees are calculated as: Appears valuation-based for building permits and plan check, with additional line items depending on project type. City of Commerce Resolution No. 24-100 includes 2023 example building fees showing separate permit fee, plan check fee, plan maintenance, S.M.I.P., BSARF, and an art fee for projects with valuation greater than $250,000.. Plan check fee: Separate plan check fee applies. Resolution No. 24-100 includes 2023 sample plan check fees of $3,837.33 for a modeled single-family example and $2,569.38 per unit for a modeled multi-family example..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Commerce, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Commerce, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm scope with Commerce Building & Safety and collect the applicable forms from the Building & Safety page, including the Permit Worksheet and owner-builder or contractor declaration forms if applicable. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety 2. Prepare permit documents. Commerce's page indicates plan review/plan check is part of the process, and the posted resources include a Permit Worksheet, Owner Builder Declaration, Contractor's Declaration, EV Charger Checklist, and C&D recycling materials for covered projects. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety 3. Submit completed permit applications by email to permittechnician@commerceca.gov; for electronic plan review, use the city's linked electronic plan check path from the Building & Safety page. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety 4. Pay assessed permit and plan check fees after city review. For eligible residential solar, first obtain SolarAPP+ automated approval, then email the SolarAPP+ permit package, checklist, and single-line drawing to the city. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety 5. After permit issuance, call the inspection line to schedule required inspections. Commerce lists inspections Monday through Thursday, with requests made by phone at (323) 887-4455. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Commerce, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Commerce, CA typically run City of Commerce Resolution No. 24-100 states plan check review for new construction averages four to six weeks. Source: https://www.commerceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4364/638725433286630000. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Commerce, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Commerce, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Code-based exemptions generally apply rather than a separate Commerce-specific exemption list on the city page.; Typical California code exemptions include certain minor one-story detached accessory structures, low-height fences, some finish work, limited plumbing fixture replacement, and minor electrical work, but exact thresholds depend on the adopted code edition and local amendments.; Commerce's Building & Safety page reviewed does not publish its own exemption checklist.; Because Commerce's official sources currently point to two different code cycles, confirm exemption thresholds with the Building & Safety Division before proceeding without a permit.; Even when a building permit is exempt, separate zoning, fire, public works, health, or utility approvals may still apply.; Sources: https://www.commerceca.gov/city-hall/economic-development-and-planning/building-safety ; https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/Building_Permit_Requirements.aspx. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Commerce, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Commerce, CA via: Commerce instructs applicants to request inspections by phone at (323) 887-4455. For eligible SolarAPP+ jobs, the city page still directs applicants back to Commerce Building & Safety for inspection scheduling, and PV/ESS projects also require Los Angeles County Fire final inspection coordination. Sources, https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-prevention-expeditedpvess/, (323) 887-4455.
last verified April 2026
source City of Commerce Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/commerce
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Commerce Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.