On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Santa Fe Springs
Permits are required for all new construction and for many repairs, replacements, additions, alterations, and system changes. The city specifically lists structural changes, attached structures, detached structures over 120 square feet, reroofing, block walls over 24 inches high, new windows, new patio covers or carports, swimming pools, drywall, interior modifications, and changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.
Wallpapering, painting, carpeting, and similar finish work
Fences 6 feet high or lower
Platforms, decks, and walks 30 inches high or less above grade or not over a basement
Structures under 120 square feet in size, though an electrical permit may still be required if applicable
Normal replacement or repair of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical fixtures such as changing water faucets or replacing switches
- Exempt Wallpapering, painting, carpeting, and similar finish work
- Exempt Fences 6 feet high or lower
- Exempt Platforms, decks, and walks 30 inches high or less above grade or not over a basement
- Exempt Structures under 120 square feet in size, though an electrical permit may still be required if applicable
- Exempt Normal replacement or repair of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical fixtures such as changing water faucets or replacing switches
Note: Other agency reviews may still be required. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does require a permit, and applicants should call the city to confirm whether a specific scope is exempt.
Required documents
- Typically a permit worksheet and plans. Depending on the project, the city may require a plot plan, construction plans, product or kit documentation, licensed contractor declaration, owner-builder declaration, workers' compensation documentation, and a Construction Waste Management Plan.
- Building code
- The city Building page states Santa Fe Springs currently uses the 2025 California Building Standards Code, 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, and 2025 California Existing Building Code, and the division enforces the city's adopted Los Angeles County building codes.
- Permit validity
- Permits generally expire after 180 days if no inspections have been made. A project is not legally complete until final inspection passes.
- Owner-builder
- A homeowner may obtain a permit and do the work, but if hiring workers may need workers' compensation insurance. If not hiring anyone, the owner must sign an Owner-Builder Statement.
- Contractor requirements
- Any contractor licensed by the State of California can obtain a permit. The city directs applicants to the California Contractors State License Board for license verification.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The city says issuance varies by project. Some permits can be issued over the counter, while others require plans to be left for additional review. No standard turnaround time is posted.
- 01 Confirm whether your scope requires a permit by checking the city Building FAQ/process guide or calling Building & Safety at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7560.
- 02 Prepare a permit worksheet and any required plans, plot plan, product information, and supporting declarations. The city posts a permit worksheet, owner-builder declaration, licensed contractor declaration, and other forms on its Building Forms page.
- 03 For simple permits, visit the Building & Safety Permit Counter Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; City Hall is closed every Friday.
- 04 For plan check projects, upload plans and the permit worksheet through the city's Plan Submittal Portal. Building & Safety forwards submittals to Planning for zoning clearance where applicable.
- 05 If Planning discretionary review is required, contact Planning before submitting for plan check. The city notes plan check invoices are issued through the portal.
- 06 Complete any required Construction Waste Management Plan approval before permit issuance.
- 07 After plan approval and fee payment, obtain the permit and build exactly to the approved plans.
- 08 Request inspections as work progresses by phone or through the online inspection request form, and obtain final inspection approval to close the permit.
Typical processing time: The city says issuance varies by project. Some permits can be issued over the counter, while others require plans to be left for additional review. No standard turnaround time is posted.
Source: City of Santa Fe Springs Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Santa Fe Springs building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Permit issuance fee is $44.97; building permit fees are then calculated under Table 1A, which starts at $71.09 for valuation from $0 to $700
02
Plan check fee
Building plan check fees are 85% of the required building permit fee per Building Code Section 107.2
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1A, with stepped rates plus code surcharges. There is also a 2% plan maintenance fee on the building permit fee, with a $16.12 minimum and $686.32 maximum.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee for work without a required permit is equal to the permit fee but not less than $548.65.
For portal submittals, the city states the permit counter processes the plan check application and sends the plan check invoice through the portal. The published fee schedule also states fees are adjusted annually based on CPI-U beginning July 1.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- online request form at (online)
- daily inspection schedule link at (online)
- (562) 868-0511 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- The city says inspections are done 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- The city says inspections are done 24 hours in advance. The permit counter is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; City Hall is closed Fridays. A daily inspection schedule is posted separately, but the city does not publish a standard inspection arrival window on the main Building page.
- Time windows
- The city says inspections are done 24 hours in advance. The permit counter is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; City Hall is closed Fridays. A daily inspection schedule is posted separately, but the city does not publish a standard inspection arrival window on the main Building page.
Typical sequence: The city says inspections occur at specific points depending on the work being performed and that final inspection is required to complete the project. Its permit guide gives retaining wall examples including footing inspection, inspection after block and steel placement before grouting, inspection after backfill, and final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Santa Fe Springs permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
Permits are required for all new construction and for many repairs, replacements, additions, alterations, and system changes. The city specifically lists structural changes, attached structures, detached structures over 120 square feet, reroofing, block walls over 24 inches high, new windows, new patio covers or carports, swimming pools, drywall, interior modifications, and changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Santa Fe Springs, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Permit issuance fee is $44.97; building permit fees are then calculated under Table 1A, which starts at $71.09 for valuation from $0 to $700. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1A, with stepped rates plus code surcharges. There is also a 2% plan maintenance fee on the building permit fee, with a $16.12 minimum and $686.32 maximum.. Plan check fee: Building plan check fees are 85% of the required building permit fee per Building Code Section 107.2.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Santa Fe Springs, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether your scope requires a permit by checking the city Building FAQ/process guide or calling Building & Safety at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7560. 2. Prepare a permit worksheet and any required plans, plot plan, product information, and supporting declarations. The city posts a permit worksheet, owner-builder declaration, licensed contractor declaration, and other forms on its Building Forms page. 3. For simple permits, visit the Building & Safety Permit Counter Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; City Hall is closed every Friday. 4. For plan check projects, upload plans and the permit worksheet through the city's Plan Submittal Portal. Building & Safety forwards submittals to Planning for zoning clearance where applicable. 5. If Planning discretionary review is required, contact Planning before submitting for plan check. The city notes plan check invoices are issued through the portal. 6. Complete any required Construction Waste Management Plan approval before permit issuance. 7. After plan approval and fee payment, obtain the permit and build exactly to the approved plans. 8. Request inspections as work progresses by phone or through the online inspection request form, and obtain final inspection approval to close the permit.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Santa Fe Springs, CA typically run The city says issuance varies by project. Some permits can be issued over the counter, while others require plans to be left for additional review. No standard turnaround time is posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Wallpapering, painting, carpeting, and similar finish work; Fences 6 feet high or lower; Platforms, decks, and walks 30 inches high or less above grade or not over a basement; Structures under 120 square feet in size, though an electrical permit may still be required if applicable; Normal replacement or repair of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical fixtures such as changing water faucets or replacing switches. Note: Other agency reviews may still be required. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does require a permit, and applicants should call the city to confirm whether a specific scope is exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Santa Fe Springs, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Santa Fe Springs, CA via: online request form at, daily inspection schedule link at, (562) 868-0511. The city says inspections are done 24 hours in advance..
last verified April 2026
source City of Santa Fe Springs Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/santa-fe-springs
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Santa Fe Springs Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.