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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Paramount
Paramount's Building and Safety Division reviews and issues permits for construction, alteration, demolition, and relocation of buildings and structures. Under the California Building Standards Code, permits are generally required before a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
Paramount relies on the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code section 105.2, as locally adopted and amended.
Paramount specifically exempts prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies when they are installed entirely above ground, are less than 18 inches deep, and do not exceed 5,000 gallons.
Paramount specifically exempts detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
- Exempt Paramount relies on the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code section 105.2, as locally adopted and amended.
- Exempt Paramount specifically exempts prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies when they are installed entirely above ground, are less than 18 inches deep, and do not exceed 5,000 gallons.
- Exempt Paramount specifically exempts detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
Note: Permit exemption does not waive zoning, fire, utility, environmental, health, or other code requirements. If there is any question about whether state section 105.2 exemptions apply, applicants should confirm with Paramount Building and Safety before starting work.
Required documents
- Online application fields include property information, applicant name and email, description of work, project address, valuation, permit type, work type, and planning approval status. Uploads may include plans, contractor license information, authorization letters, and a Paramount business license. Contractors also need workers' compensation information. Owners pulling permits need photo ID and may need deed evidence if ownership is not yet reflected in assessor records.
- Building code
- Paramount Municipal Code section 15.04.010 adopts the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Parts 1 through 12 of Title 24, plus related local adoptions and amendments. Paramount Municipal Code section 15.04.011 amends permit expiration and certain permit exemptions.
- Permit validity
- Permit expires if work is not started within 1 year of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. The Building Official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each. Paramount Municipal Code states the extension fee is 25% of the permit fee.
- Owner-builder
- Paramount says a permit may be issued to an owner-builder residing in the single-family residence for which the permit is sought. Commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects are issued only to California licensed contractors. The city's permit form also includes California owner-builder declarations under Business and Professions Code section 7044.
- Contractor requirements
- A California licensed contractor is required for commercial, industrial, and multifamily work. Expired licenses are not eligible for online submittal. Contractors must provide CSLB license information, workers' compensation coverage if applicable, and a current City of Paramount business license. Agents pulling permits need an original notarized authorization letter on company letterhead.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: First submittals about 10 business days; resubmittals/revisions about 5 to 7 business days
- 01 Confirm whether Planning approval is required for the project. The online application asks whether Planning Department approval has been obtained.
- 02 Submit the permit application online through the iWorQ form or submit plans in person at the Planning and Building and Safety counter.
- 03 Provide the required project and applicant information, including property information, contractor selection, applicant email, work description, project address, valuation, and permit/work type.
- 04 Upload supporting documents as needed, including plans, contractor license information, authorization letters, and a current Paramount business license. Owners pulling permits should be prepared to show ID, and recently acquired owners may need a recorded or certified deed.
- 05 City staff performs plan check. Typical first review is about 10 business days; resubmittals or revisions are typically 5 to 7 business days.
- 06 After the City assigns the permit number, use the permit portal to pay fees, monitor plan check status, and request inspections.
- 07 Schedule inspections online or by phone. Requests made before 4:00 PM are scheduled for the next available day; requests after 4:00 PM are scheduled two business days later.
Typical processing time: First submittals about 10 business days; resubmittals/revisions about 5 to 7 business days
Source: City of Paramount Planning and Building Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Paramount building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
The master fee schedule states a permit issuance fee of $57 is added to all permit fees. In the building valuation table, the smallest published building permit amount is $60.34 for very low valuation work, before the separate $57 issuance fee and applicable surcharges.
02
Plan check fee
Valuation-based when plans are required. The table starts at $108.94, and for valuation above $190,000 the City adds $7.18 per additional $1,000. Expedited plan review is 125% of the plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit and plan check fees are valuation-based when plans are required. For valuation over $190,000, the schedule adds $8.45 per additional $1,000 to the building permit fee and $7.18 per additional $1,000 to the plan check fee. Trade permits also use flat and unit-based charges. The schedule separately applies state surcharges and a 7.5% technology fee.
04
Trade permit fee
Building permit and plan check fees are valuation-based when plans are required. For valuation over $190,000, the schedule adds $8.45 per additional $1,000 to the building permit fee and $7.18 per additional $1,000 to the plan check fee. Trade permits also use flat and unit-based charges. The schedule separately applies state surcharges and a 7.5% technology fee.
05
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee $406.
06
Penalty (no permit)
Work without a permit is charged at the required permit fee, capped at $1,400.
Once a permit number has been assigned, the City directs applicants to use the iWorQ permit portal to pay fees. The City also accepts in-person counter submittals.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online through (online)
- (562) 220-2036 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests submitted before 4:00 PM are scheduled the next available day; after 4:00 PM, two business days later.
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests submitted before 4:00 PM are scheduled the next available day; after 4:00 PM, two business days later. Inspectors are available at City Hall Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; by phone Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. For SolarAPP+ projects, the City says field inspections are performed between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Time windows
- Inspection requests submitted before 4:00 PM are scheduled the next available day; after 4:00 PM, two business days later. Inspectors are available at City Hall Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; by phone Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. For SolarAPP+ projects, the City says field inspections are performed between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Inference from the city permit portal inspection list: soils/setbacks as applicable, foundation or trench, slab or underfloor work, framing and shear/roof diaphragm stages, insulation, lath or drywall, trade rough and final inspections, and final building inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Paramount permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Paramount, CA? ▸
Paramount's Building and Safety Division reviews and issues permits for construction, alteration, demolition, and relocation of buildings and structures. Under the California Building Standards Code, permits are generally required before a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Paramount, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Paramount, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is The master fee schedule states a permit issuance fee of $57 is added to all permit fees. In the building valuation table, the smallest published building permit amount is $60.34 for very low valuation work, before the separate $57 issuance fee and applicable surcharges.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit and plan check fees are valuation-based when plans are required. For valuation over $190,000, the schedule adds $8.45 per additional $1,000 to the building permit fee and $7.18 per additional $1,000 to the plan check fee. Trade permits also use flat and unit-based charges. The schedule separately applies state surcharges and a 7.5% technology fee.. Plan check fee: Valuation-based when plans are required. The table starts at $108.94, and for valuation above $190,000 the City adds $7.18 per additional $1,000. Expedited plan review is 125% of the plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Paramount, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Paramount, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether Planning approval is required for the project. The online application asks whether Planning Department approval has been obtained. 2. Submit the permit application online through the iWorQ form or submit plans in person at the Planning and Building and Safety counter. 3. Provide the required project and applicant information, including property information, contractor selection, applicant email, work description, project address, valuation, and permit/work type. 4. Upload supporting documents as needed, including plans, contractor license information, authorization letters, and a current Paramount business license. Owners pulling permits should be prepared to show ID, and recently acquired owners may need a recorded or certified deed. 5. City staff performs plan check. Typical first review is about 10 business days; resubmittals or revisions are typically 5 to 7 business days. 6. After the City assigns the permit number, use the permit portal to pay fees, monitor plan check status, and request inspections. 7. Schedule inspections online or by phone. Requests made before 4:00 PM are scheduled for the next available day; requests after 4:00 PM are scheduled two business days later.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Paramount, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Paramount, CA typically run First submittals about 10 business days; resubmittals/revisions about 5 to 7 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Paramount, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Paramount, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Paramount relies on the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code section 105.2, as locally adopted and amended.; Paramount specifically exempts prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies when they are installed entirely above ground, are less than 18 inches deep, and do not exceed 5,000 gallons.; Paramount specifically exempts detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.. Note: Permit exemption does not waive zoning, fire, utility, environmental, health, or other code requirements. If there is any question about whether state section 105.2 exemptions apply, applicants should confirm with Paramount Building and Safety before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Paramount, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Paramount, CA via: Online through, (562) 220-2036. Inspection requests submitted before 4:00 PM are scheduled the next available day; after 4:00 PM, two business days later..
last verified April 2026
source City of Paramount Planning and Building Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/paramount
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Paramount Planning and Building Department, Building and Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.