City of Compton

Compton Building and Safety issues permits for new construction, alterations, repairs, and improvements to existing structures. The municipal code adopts permit requirements through the City's construction codes, and project handouts also confirm permits are required before work for covered scopes.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 square feet and 12 feet high
• Exempt Masonry fences less than 5 feet high; wood or similar fences less than 6 feet high
• Exempt Oil derricks
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
• Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons meeting ratio limits
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Exempt Certain above-ground prefabricated residential pools under the code thresholds
• Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
• Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings not exceeding 8 feet high
• Exempt Certain window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies
• Exempt Certain nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions
• Exempt Minor electrical repair work such as lamp replacement and connection of approved portable equipment to approved receptacles
• Exempt Portable heating appliances and other limited gas, mechanical, and plumbing repair items listed in Compton Municipal Code Section 15-4.2

Note: Exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws, and separate Planning, zoning, accessibility, public works, or utility approvals may still apply.

Permit validity

Under Compton Municipal Code Section 105.5 as amended in Chapter 15, a permit becomes invalid unless work starts within 365 days after issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. The Building Official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each for justifiable cause.

Owner-builder

City forms and checklists show owner-builder status is recognized. Published forms require either contractor information or owner designation, and at least one current checklist references an Owner Builder Form.

Contractor requirements

Published Compton forms require contractor license information when work is performed by a contractor, and current sign-permit submittal materials also list a Compton Business License among required items for that permit type.

1. 01
   Start by confirming whether Planning review is required. The City portal states "Start with Planning" for new residential construction or ADUs above 800 square feet, residential additions, commercial or industrial additions, new commercial or industrial work, signs or awnings or trash enclosures, paint permit variances, and administrative modifications.
2. 02
   Create a CitizenServe portal account or contact the Building and Safety counter if the project is being handled over the counter or requires in-person coordination.
3. 03
   Submit a completed building permit application with project-specific plans and supporting documents. City handouts show typical submittals include a completed application, plan sets, and project details tailored to the scope; some projects also require Planning approval stamps before Building intake.
4. 04
   The application is routed for interdepartmental review as needed. Compton guidance shows Building, Planning, Engineering, and Fire review may be required depending on project type.
5. 05
   Respond to corrections, obtain all required approvals, and pay remaining permit fees before issuance. Compton handouts state permit fees may be calculated after review and before permit pickup or issuance.
6. 06
   After permit issuance, schedule inspections through the City account or by the City inspection request process. Final approval is required before certificate of occupancy or project closeout.

Typical processing time: No general citywide timeframe was identified in the published sources reviewed. Compton does publish limited over-the-counter plan check hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday and Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, for certain qualifying project types.

Source: City of Compton Building and Safety Department ↗

Compton guidance indicates remaining fees are due before permit issuance. The portal supports account-based permit management, but the city materials reviewed do not clearly state whether all building permit payments can be completed fully online for every permit type.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Compton guidance states inspections are scheduled by logging in through the City portal account and entering the permit number when prompted. Building and Safety also directs customers to call the inspection office line at (310) 605-5509 between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection to speak with the inspector for a narrower arrival window. Portal (online)
• (310) 605-5509 (phone)

Inspection hours

Published Compton guidance states customers may request AM inspections from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or PM inspections from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to accommodation and staff workload. Building and Safety counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time windows

Published Compton guidance states customers may request AM inspections from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or PM inspections from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to accommodation and staff workload. Building and Safety counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: After permit issuance, inspections begin as work progresses. All required trade and departmental inspections must be completed before final approval and, where applicable, before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.