On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pomona
Pomona enforces the 2025 California Building Codes beginning January 1, 2026. Permits are generally required for construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, demolition, relocation, grading, reroofing, and regulated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work unless the work is specifically exempt under the adopted California codes.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet, provided they do not create a floor area used for sleeping, are not part of required egress, and do not contain plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work.
Fences not over 7 feet high.
Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain fluids.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2 to 1.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.
Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings.
Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet, provided they do not create a floor area used for sleeping, are not part of required egress, and do not contain plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain fluids.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.
- Exempt Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings.
- Exempt Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support.
- Exempt Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
Note: These are standard California code exemptions and do not waive compliance with zoning, fire, floodplain, right-of-way, utility, or trade-permit requirements. Exempt work can still require separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fire approvals depending on scope.
Required documents
- Common submittal items listed by Pomona include a permit application, plans, supporting documents as needed, licensed contractor declaration, owner-builder authorization when applicable, construction waste management plan for applicable projects, and project-specific forms or handouts.
- Building code
- Pomona's Building and Safety Division began enforcing the 2025 California Building Codes on January 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- California Health and Safety Code section 18938.6 provides that a permit remains valid if work is commenced within 12 months after issuance, unless the work is abandoned; Pomona also provides a Permit Extension Request form and charges a plan check and permit extension review fee.
- Owner-builder
- Pomona publishes an Owner Builder Authorization form and a Helpful Tips for the Owner-Builder handout. The handout states most inspections require someone over 18 to be present, and approved plans and the permit/job card should be on site when inspections occur.
- Contractor requirements
- Pomona requires a Licensed Contractors Declaration. The form requires the contractor to affirm California contractor licensure and workers' compensation compliance, or to certify non-employment if applicable.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No citywide turnaround estimate was posted on the cited Pomona pages reviewed.
- 01 Confirm permit type and download the applicable City of Pomona forms from the Building Application & Forms page, including the permit application and any project-specific handouts or checklists.
- 02 Prepare the submittal package. Pomona's commercial electronic submittal instructions call for an application, first submittal plans, and supporting PDFs as needed such as structural calculations, soils reports, and Title 24 documents.
- 03 Submit electronically through Pomona's EnerGov Self Service portal or, for commercial electronic plan submittals, by email to Building@pomonaca.gov as directed by the Building and Safety Division.
- 04 Pay the invoice. Pomona's commercial submittal instructions state the invoice is sent by email and payment is made in person with the cashier at 505 S. Garey Ave.
- 05 After payment, provide the required hard-copy plan set if requested. Pomona's commercial instructions require one hard set of plans after payment.
- 06 The City routes plans to the applicable reviewing divisions. The commercial submittal instructions list Building and Safety, Planning, Public Works, Water, and direct applicant submission to Los Angeles County Fire when fire review is required.
- 07 Once the permit is issued, keep the permit/job card and approved plans on site and schedule inspections before covering work.
Typical processing time: No citywide turnaround estimate was posted on the cited Pomona pages reviewed.
Source: City of Pomona Development Services Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Pomona building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$132.15 under the FY 2025-26 proposed Master Fee Schedule
02
Plan check fee
Building plan check is 75% of the building permit fee, with a minimum of $132.15; additional review is $132.15 per hour.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based. FY 2025-26 schedule shows $52.60 for valuation up to and including $700, then escalating bracket formulas; Pomona uses ICC Building Valuation Data to evaluate valuation.
04
Reinspection fee
Building reinspection is $132.15 per request.
Pomona's commercial electronic submittal instructions say the invoice is sent by email and payment must be made in person with the cashier at City Hall.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online inspection request page (online)
- Daily inspections list (online)
- 909-620-2422 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests for next-business-day inspection must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. After-hours inspections must be requested at the Building and Safety counter 48 hours in advance and extra fees apply.
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Requests for next-business-day inspection must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. Requests submitted after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled in 2 business days. For Monday inspections, requests must be submitted by Thursday at 4:00 p.m. After-hours inspections must be requested at the Building and Safety counter 48 hours in advance and extra fees apply.
- Time windows
- Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Requests for next-business-day inspection must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. Requests submitted after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled in 2 business days. For Monday inspections, requests must be submitted by Thursday at 4:00 p.m. After-hours inspections must be requested at the Building and Safety counter 48 hours in advance and extra fees apply.
Typical sequence: Typical sequencing is footing/foundation, rough framing and rough trade inspections as applicable, then insulation or lath where required, and final inspection. Exact sequencing varies by project type and approved plans.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pomona permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Pomona, CA? ▸
Pomona enforces the 2025 California Building Codes beginning January 1, 2026. Permits are generally required for construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, demolition, relocation, grading, reroofing, and regulated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work unless the work is specifically exempt under the adopted California codes.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pomona, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Pomona, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $132.15 under the FY 2025-26 proposed Master Fee Schedule. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based. FY 2025-26 schedule shows $52.60 for valuation up to and including $700, then escalating bracket formulas; Pomona uses ICC Building Valuation Data to evaluate valuation.. Plan check fee: Building plan check is 75% of the building permit fee, with a minimum of $132.15; additional review is $132.15 per hour..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pomona, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pomona, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm permit type and download the applicable City of Pomona forms from the Building Application & Forms page, including the permit application and any project-specific handouts or checklists. 2. Prepare the submittal package. Pomona's commercial electronic submittal instructions call for an application, first submittal plans, and supporting PDFs as needed such as structural calculations, soils reports, and Title 24 documents. 3. Submit electronically through Pomona's EnerGov Self Service portal or, for commercial electronic plan submittals, by email to Building@pomonaca.gov as directed by the Building and Safety Division. 4. Pay the invoice. Pomona's commercial submittal instructions state the invoice is sent by email and payment is made in person with the cashier at 505 S. Garey Ave. 5. After payment, provide the required hard-copy plan set if requested. Pomona's commercial instructions require one hard set of plans after payment. 6. The City routes plans to the applicable reviewing divisions. The commercial submittal instructions list Building and Safety, Planning, Public Works, Water, and direct applicant submission to Los Angeles County Fire when fire review is required. 7. Once the permit is issued, keep the permit/job card and approved plans on site and schedule inspections before covering work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pomona, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pomona, CA typically run No citywide turnaround estimate was posted on the cited Pomona pages reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pomona, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Pomona, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet, provided they do not create a floor area used for sleeping, are not part of required egress, and do not contain plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work.; Fences not over 7 feet high.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain fluids.; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2 to 1.; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.; Playground equipment for detached one- and two-family dwellings.; Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support.; Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.. Note: These are standard California code exemptions and do not waive compliance with zoning, fire, floodplain, right-of-way, utility, or trade-permit requirements. Exempt work can still require separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fire approvals depending on scope. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pomona, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pomona, CA via: Online inspection request page, Daily inspections list, 909-620-2422. Requests for next-business-day inspection must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. After-hours inspections must be requested at the Building and Safety counter 48 hours in advance and extra fees apply..
last verified April 2026
source City of Pomona Development Services Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/pomona
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Pomona Development Services Department, Building and Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.