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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Monrovia
Monrovia states that in California you "more than likely do need a permit" and emphasizes checking before work starts. Emergency repair permits must be submitted by the next working business day. Ordinary repairs are exempt only in narrow cases and do not include structural work, changes affecting egress, or most plumbing, electrical, gas, or mechanical work affecting public health or safety.
One-story detached accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 square feet; any associated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work still requires a permit
Decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Above-ground prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons
Listed cord-and-plug temporary decorative lighting
Reinstallation of attachment plugs and receptacles, but not the outlets themselves
Replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location
Low-voltage electrical work operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
Stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent piping, unless concealed defective piping must be removed and replaced
Clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures, and removing/reinstalling toilets, so long as the work does not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
Replacement of a minor gas-equipment part that does not alter approval of the equipment or make it unsafe
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 square feet; any associated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work still requires a permit
- Exempt Decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Above-ground prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Listed cord-and-plug temporary decorative lighting
- Exempt Reinstallation of attachment plugs and receptacles, but not the outlets themselves
- Exempt Replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location
- Exempt Low-voltage electrical work operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
- Exempt Stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent piping, unless concealed defective piping must be removed and replaced
- Exempt Clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures, and removing/reinstalling toilets, so long as the work does not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
- Exempt Replacement of a minor gas-equipment part that does not alter approval of the equipment or make it unsafe
Note: Monrovia stresses that repair exemptions are narrow; structural work, egress changes, and most plumbing/electrical/mechanical/gas changes still require permits. Emergency repair permits must be filed by the next working business day. Public right-of-way work is handled separately by Public Works, and Fire review may be needed for work such as decks in high fire zones.
Required documents
- At minimum, the City posts a permit application and, where required, a plan review application. Depending on scope, the City's forms call for project valuation, scope description, plans, structural/truss/soils/energy calculations as applicable, owner and contractor information, workers' compensation information, and any related Planning, Fire, Public Works, or outside-agency approvals.
- Building code
- There is a timing conflict on the City's materials. The posted plan review form is still labeled "2022 California Codes" effective 01/01/2023, but the City's December 12, 2025 Building Code Update states that the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Monrovia's related local amendments apply starting January 1, 2026. As of March 21, 2026, that later City notice appears to be the current rule, but some permit webpages/forms have not yet been updated.
- Permit validity
- The Building Division posts a permit extension request form, but the general building permit webpage does not publish the underlying expiration period. Applicants should confirm the active expiration window and extension rules with Building & Safety before permit issuance or if work will be delayed.
- Owner-builder
- The City says a permit may be obtained by the property owner, a licensed contractor, or an authorized person with an owner authorization letter. The permit form includes an owner-builder declaration referencing California Business and Professions Code sections 7031.5 and 7044.
- Contractor requirements
- The City recommends that a licensed contractor obtain the permit. The permit form requires the contractor's state license number and City business license number. The owner-builder declaration states that applicants must either be licensed under the Contractors State License Law or identify the basis for exemption.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No general Building Division turnaround is published on the standard building permit page. For eligible residential rooftop solar submitted through SolarAPP+, the City describes the process as automated/instant permitting after SolarAPP+ approval and fee payment.
- 01 Check zoning and property constraints first with the Planning Division before applying.
- 02 Complete the City's building/mechanical/plumbing/electrical permit application. The posted permit form asks for project valuation, permit type, scope, owner/contractor/designer information, and related approvals.
- 03 Submit for plan review if required. The City says to meet with Building & Safety staff to determine whether plan review is required; the separate plan review application form is effective 01/01/2023 and asks for drawings, valuation, occupancies, project type, and supporting calculations as applicable.
- 04 Obtain any related approvals noted by the City or forms, including Planning, Fire, Public Works, and outside agencies such as Los Angeles County Health Department when applicable.
- 05 After permit issuance, request inspections by phone before 3:00 p.m. on the prior business day. The City says it strives for next-day inspections.
- 06 Complete all required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy/use of the finished work.
Typical processing time: No general Building Division turnaround is published on the standard building permit page. For eligible residential rooftop solar submitted through SolarAPP+, the City describes the process as automated/instant permitting after SolarAPP+ approval and fee payment.
Source: City of Monrovia Community Development Department, Building Division / Building & Safety ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Monrovia building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$47.18 for the first $500 of valuation under the FY 2025-2026 schedule
02
Plan check fee
Regular building plan review is 100% of the building permit fee; regular plan review for all other permits is 50% of the building permit fee; fast-track review is 150% of the building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for major building permits; the FY 2025-2026 schedule lists a base fee for the first $500 of valuation and then incremental charges per additional $1,000 depending on valuation band
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee $166; inspection outside normal business hours $568; permit renewal $65; plan review/permit extension $33; work-without-permit fee $166, and the City's permit guidance also warns that a stop-work situation can result in a double permit fee
The standard Building Division permit pages do not publish detailed payment instructions. SolarAPP+ notes that permit fees are paid through SolarAPP+ and that SolarAPP+ charges its own processing fee for plan review. The City's fee schedule also includes an $8 technology cost recovery fee plus variable state surcharges where applicable.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- inspection information page (online)
- (626) 932-5581 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- before the requested day; City says it strives for next-day inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Request by 3:00 p.m. before the requested day; City says it strives for next-day inspections. Normal inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Building & Safety is open Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for limited services.
- Time windows
- Request by 3:00 p.m. before the requested day; City says it strives for next-day inspections. Normal inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Building & Safety is open Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for limited services.
Typical sequence: The City does not publish a single universal sequence on its general inspection page. In practice, inspections are requested as each required stage of permitted work is ready, followed by final inspection; the permit holder should identify all work areas to be inspected when calling.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Monrovia permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Monrovia, CA? ▸
Monrovia states that in California you "more than likely do need a permit" and emphasizes checking before work starts. Emergency repair permits must be submitted by the next working business day. Ordinary repairs are exempt only in narrow cases and do not include structural work, changes affecting egress, or most plumbing, electrical, gas, or mechanical work affecting public health or safety.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Monrovia, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Monrovia, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $47.18 for the first $500 of valuation under the FY 2025-2026 schedule. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for major building permits; the FY 2025-2026 schedule lists a base fee for the first $500 of valuation and then incremental charges per additional $1,000 depending on valuation band. Plan check fee: Regular building plan review is 100% of the building permit fee; regular plan review for all other permits is 50% of the building permit fee; fast-track review is 150% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Monrovia, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Monrovia, CA, follow these steps: 1. Check zoning and property constraints first with the Planning Division before applying. 2. Complete the City's building/mechanical/plumbing/electrical permit application. The posted permit form asks for project valuation, permit type, scope, owner/contractor/designer information, and related approvals. 3. Submit for plan review if required. The City says to meet with Building & Safety staff to determine whether plan review is required; the separate plan review application form is effective 01/01/2023 and asks for drawings, valuation, occupancies, project type, and supporting calculations as applicable. 4. Obtain any related approvals noted by the City or forms, including Planning, Fire, Public Works, and outside agencies such as Los Angeles County Health Department when applicable. 5. After permit issuance, request inspections by phone before 3:00 p.m. on the prior business day. The City says it strives for next-day inspections. 6. Complete all required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy/use of the finished work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Monrovia, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Monrovia, CA typically run No general Building Division turnaround is published on the standard building permit page. For eligible residential rooftop solar submitted through SolarAPP+, the City describes the process as automated/instant permitting after SolarAPP+ approval and fee payment.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Monrovia, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Monrovia, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 120 square feet; any associated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work still requires a permit; Decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Above-ground prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5,000 gallons; Listed cord-and-plug temporary decorative lighting; Reinstallation of attachment plugs and receptacles, but not the outlets themselves; Replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location; Low-voltage electrical work operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts; Stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent piping, unless concealed defective piping must be removed and replaced; Clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures, and removing/reinstalling toilets, so long as the work does not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures; Replacement of a minor gas-equipment part that does not alter approval of the equipment or make it unsafe. Note: Monrovia stresses that repair exemptions are narrow; structural work, egress changes, and most plumbing/electrical/mechanical/gas changes still require permits. Emergency repair permits must be filed by the next working business day. Public right-of-way work is handled separately by Public Works, and Fire review may be needed for work such as decks in high fire zones. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Monrovia, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Monrovia, CA via: inspection information page, (626) 932-5581. before the requested day; City says it strives for next-day inspections..
last verified April 2026
source City of Monrovia Community Development Department, Building Division / Building & Safety ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/monrovia
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Monrovia Community Development Department, Building Division / Building & Safety before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.