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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Covina
Covina's handout says permits are required for room additions; patio covers; pools/spas; retaining walls; all block walls over 30 inches high; fences over 7 feet high; sheds over 120 square feet; all tenant improvements; all roof material or roof pitch changes; all new structures; all window or door changes when size changes; demolition; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work; and similar regulated construction. The city also notes that all sheds regardless of size require Planning approval before building permit review, even though some very small accessory structures may be exempt from a building permit under the handout/code.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 8 feet
Water tanks supported on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons and height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
Exterior painting, papering, and similar finish work
Flat work / landscape work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 8 feet
- Exempt Water tanks supported on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons and height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
- Exempt Exterior painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Flat work / landscape work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Note: Covina's handout says Planning Division approval is still required for some items even where a building permit is not required. The permit page separately states Planning approval is required before building permit review for all sheds regardless of size, exterior/site modifications, walls/fences, pools/spas, and similar projects. Permit exemptions do not override zoning, planning, fire, HOA, or utility-clearance requirements.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- site plan for all projects
- project-specific plans/checklists from Covina handouts
- Planning approval clearance when applicable
- owner-builder form and ID for owner applicants
- contractor license and ID for contractor applicants
- contractor authorization letter for agents
- and, per the city's 2026 handout, current City of Covina business license and proof of workers' compensation for contractors. Additional ownership/trust/LLC/HOA authorization documents may be required depending on title/ownership form.
- Building code
- Covina adopted the 2022 California Building Code by reference, with local amendments, and Title 14 also references locally adopted chapters for the Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building Standards, Existing Building, Energy, Historical Building, Wildland-Urban Interface, and Referenced Standards codes. The city's permit page states the 2022 California Building Codes apply to new permit applications beginning January 1, 2023.
- Permit validity
- The Building & Safety page states permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if the project goes 180 days without passing inspection; reactivation requires renewal fees. The same page also states permits are good for 365 days after issuance. Covina's extension form states plan check applications expire if not issued within 180 days of approval and permits expire if work is not commenced within 12 months after issuance unless extended. Because the city's public materials use both 180-day inactivity language and 365-day validity language, applicants should confirm the specific expiration standard with Building & Safety for the permit type at issue.
- Owner-builder
- A residential property owner may pull a permit. Covina requires photo ID, proof of ownership if recently transferred, and a completed/signed Notice to Property Owner / owner-builder documentation. If an agent acts for the owner, the city requires notarized authorization plus the agent's ID. Residential or commercial tenants cannot pull permits unless properly authorized as an agent for the owner or contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Covina's handout says permits may be pulled by a California licensed contractor. Required contractor documents include photo ID, current State of California contractor license and classification, current City of Covina business license, and proof of valid workers' compensation insurance.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Average response time for room additions and other minor construction projects is about 10 working days after plan submittal to the plan review consultant. For inspections, requests submitted before 3:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. SolarAPP+ inspections are to be scheduled in a timely manner, and Covina's code says the city will use best efforts to schedule qualifying small residential rooftop solar inspections within two business days of request.
- 01 Confirm the property is actually inside City of Covina jurisdiction using the LA County jurisdiction/address tool; Covina mailing addresses in county territory are not processed by the city.
- 02 Determine whether the project is an express permit or a plan-check project. Covina states express permits generally include like-for-like reroof, minor mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and like-for-like window/door change-outs; most other work will require plan check.
- 03 Check whether Planning approval is required first. Covina states Planning clearance is required before building permit submittal for work including exterior modifications, added square footage, new structures, all sheds, new pools/spas, tenant improvements with change of use, and all walls/fences.
- 04 Review the project-specific city handout/checklist and assemble the submittal package. Covina requires a completed application form, a site plan for all projects, and project-type-specific plans/documents. Standard permit applicants must currently submit hard copies.
- 05 Provide applicant authorization documents. Homeowners need owner-builder paperwork and ID; contractors need license and ID; agents need contractor authorization. The city's current handout adds that contractors also need a current City of Covina business license and proof of workers' compensation.
- 06 Submit at the Building & Safety counter. For express permits, staff may assist with over-the-counter issuance. For permits requiring plan check, staff routes the hard-copy package for review.
- 07 Respond to corrections, pay fees, and obtain permit issuance. Covina states average initial response time for room additions and other minor construction projects submitted to the plan review consultant is about 10 working days.
- 08 Schedule inspections after permit issuance. For standard permits, inspection requests are made by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov; for qualifying SolarAPP+ permits, applicants can schedule through the city portal.
Typical processing time: Average response time for room additions and other minor construction projects is about 10 working days after plan submittal to the plan review consultant. For inspections, requests submitted before 3:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. SolarAPP+ inspections are to be scheduled in a timely manner, and Covina's code says the city will use best efforts to schedule qualifying small residential rooftop solar inspections within two business days of request.
Source: City of Covina Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Covina building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Stand-alone mechanical plan check is listed at $176 current fee; supplemental plan check fee is listed at $176 per hour; many other categories use their own listed plan review fees. For broader building projects, the exact plan-check amount depends on project type and the fee schedule line item.
02
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Covina's public schedule uses many flat permit-type fees for mechanical/electrical/plumbing items, hourly supplemental review/inspection charges, and some valuation- or cost-based formulas for public works / infrastructure review items. Applicants should expect additional state-mandated and local surcharge components depending on permit type.
03
Trade permit fee
Mixed. Covina's public schedule uses many flat permit-type fees for mechanical/electrical/plumbing items, hourly supplemental review/inspection charges, and some valuation- or cost-based formulas for public works / infrastructure review items. Applicants should expect additional state-mandated and local surcharge components depending on permit type.
04
Reinspection fee
The public fee schedule lists code compliance inspections/reinspection at $292 current fee; re-check fee at $99 for the first half hour plus $86 for each additional half hour; reinspection fee at $99 for the first half hour plus $86 for each additional half hour; and a separate hourly reinspection line at $153.
05
Penalty (no permit)
For unpermitted work, the municipal code authorizes a special investigation fee based on time expended by city officials at the city's hourly recovery rate.
Covina's public pages do not clearly publish a single universal building-permit payment method for all permit types. Standard permits are still described as hard-copy submittals handled at the counter, while SolarAPP+ / portal permits direct applicants to pay online through the city permitting portal. Because the city is transitioning systems, applicants should confirm accepted payment methods for non-solar building permits with Building & Safety before submittal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Standard building inspections are requested by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov with project address, permit number, inspection code, inspection type, and contact name/phone. Confirm route/status at (online)
- Standard building inspections are requested by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov with project address, permit number, inspection code, inspection type, and contact name/phone. Confirm route/status at https://covinaca.gov/city-departments/community-development/building-inspections/daily-inspection-route/ . Inspectors are available by phone at (626) 384-5460 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on normal business days. Qualifying SolarAPP+ permits can request inspection through the city portal at (online)
- bldinspections@covinaca.gov (email)
- (626) 384-5460 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Covina lists inspection hours as approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday on the Building & Safety page. The inspection page states field inspection times are approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, split into AM/PM route order. No inspections are scheduled Friday through Sunday or on holidays.
- Time windows
- Covina lists inspection hours as approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday on the Building & Safety page. The inspection page states field inspection times are approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, split into AM/PM route order. No inspections are scheduled Friday through Sunday or on holidays.
Typical sequence: Request inspection after work reaches the required stage; keep approved plans and the orange inspection card on site; ensure an adult 18 or older can provide access; keep work exposed until inspected; then proceed through rough/final or other permit-specific inspection stages shown on the permit/job card. A certificate of occupancy is issued for commercial structures after inspections are completed.
Source: City of Covina Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Covina permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Covina, CA? ▸
Covina's handout says permits are required for room additions; patio covers; pools/spas; retaining walls; all block walls over 30 inches high; fences over 7 feet high; sheds over 120 square feet; all tenant improvements; all roof material or roof pitch changes; all new structures; all window or door changes when size changes; demolition; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work; and similar regulated construction. The city also notes that all sheds regardless of size require Planning approval before building permit review, even though some very small accessory structures may be exempt from a building permit under the handout/code.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Covina, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Covina, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Covina's public schedule uses many flat permit-type fees for mechanical/electrical/plumbing items, hourly supplemental review/inspection charges, and some valuation- or cost-based formulas for public works / infrastructure review items. Applicants should expect additional state-mandated and local surcharge components depending on permit type.. Plan check fee: Stand-alone mechanical plan check is listed at $176 current fee; supplemental plan check fee is listed at $176 per hour; many other categories use their own listed plan review fees. For broader building projects, the exact plan-check amount depends on project type and the fee schedule line item..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Covina, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Covina, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is actually inside City of Covina jurisdiction using the LA County jurisdiction/address tool; Covina mailing addresses in county territory are not processed by the city. 2. Determine whether the project is an express permit or a plan-check project. Covina states express permits generally include like-for-like reroof, minor mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and like-for-like window/door change-outs; most other work will require plan check. 3. Check whether Planning approval is required first. Covina states Planning clearance is required before building permit submittal for work including exterior modifications, added square footage, new structures, all sheds, new pools/spas, tenant improvements with change of use, and all walls/fences. 4. Review the project-specific city handout/checklist and assemble the submittal package. Covina requires a completed application form, a site plan for all projects, and project-type-specific plans/documents. Standard permit applicants must currently submit hard copies. 5. Provide applicant authorization documents. Homeowners need owner-builder paperwork and ID; contractors need license and ID; agents need contractor authorization. The city's current handout adds that contractors also need a current City of Covina business license and proof of workers' compensation. 6. Submit at the Building & Safety counter. For express permits, staff may assist with over-the-counter issuance. For permits requiring plan check, staff routes the hard-copy package for review. 7. Respond to corrections, pay fees, and obtain permit issuance. Covina states average initial response time for room additions and other minor construction projects submitted to the plan review consultant is about 10 working days. 8. Schedule inspections after permit issuance. For standard permits, inspection requests are made by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov; for qualifying SolarAPP+ permits, applicants can schedule through the city portal.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Covina, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Covina, CA typically run Average response time for room additions and other minor construction projects is about 10 working days after plan submittal to the plan review consultant. For inspections, requests submitted before 3:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. SolarAPP+ inspections are to be scheduled in a timely manner, and Covina's code says the city will use best efforts to schedule qualifying small residential rooftop solar inspections within two business days of request.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Covina, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Covina, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 8 feet; Water tanks supported on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons and height-to-width ratio not over 2:1; Exterior painting, papering, and similar finish work; Flat work / landscape work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep. Note: Covina's handout says Planning Division approval is still required for some items even where a building permit is not required. The permit page separately states Planning approval is required before building permit review for all sheds regardless of size, exterior/site modifications, walls/fences, pools/spas, and similar projects. Permit exemptions do not override zoning, planning, fire, HOA, or utility-clearance requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Covina, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Covina, CA via: Standard building inspections are requested by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov with project address, permit number, inspection code, inspection type, and contact name/phone. Confirm route/status at, Standard building inspections are requested by email to bldinspections@covinaca.gov with project address, permit number, inspection code, inspection type, and contact name/phone. Confirm route/status at https://covinaca.gov/city-departments/community-development/building-inspections/daily-inspection-route/ . Inspectors are available by phone at (626) 384-5460 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on normal business days. Qualifying SolarAPP+ permits can request inspection through the city portal at, bldinspections@covinaca.gov, (626) 384-5460.
last verified March 2026
source City of Covina Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/covina
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Covina Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.