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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fountain Valley
Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/397/Building-Permits
One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses if not over 120 square feet and not over 7 feet ceiling height; check Planning for setback requirements.
Fences not over 6 feet high and block walls not over 3 feet high.
Oil derricks.
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
Window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies if projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses if not over 120 square feet and not over 7 feet ceiling height; check Planning for setback requirements.
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high and block walls not over 3 feet high.
- Exempt Oil derricks.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
- Exempt Window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies if projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support.
- Exempt Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.
Note: The city states separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items, and exemption does not authorize work that violates any code or ordinance. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/397/Building-Permits
Required documents
- The city publishes a permit application, owner-builder form, plan check submittal checklist, sub-contractors form, waste management plan, BMP agreement, and project-specific handouts. For online plan check, the city specifically calls for PDF plan documents that may include plan review checklist, MEP/structural sheets, structural calculations, Title 24 documents, geotechnical report, soils report, and HOA approval documents when applicable. Source URLs: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/402/Permits-Handouts and https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- Building code
- Fountain Valley adopted the 2022 California Building Code with local amendments in Chapter 18.04 and the 2022 California Residential Code with local amendments in Chapter 18.12. The city's permit materials also note the 2022 California building codes are in effect. Source URLs: https://ecode360.com/42935901, https://ecode360.com/42936065, and https://www.fountainvalley.gov/402/Permits-Handouts
- Permit validity
- Fountain Valley's fee schedule includes plan check renewal and building permit renewal fees, but the city pages reviewed do not publish the lapse period. Based on the city's adoption of the 2022 California Building Code without a local expiration amendment identified in Chapter 18.04, the default CBC expiration rules may apply; confirm the exact lapse/extension deadline with the Building Division before relying on it. Source URLs: https://ecode360.com/42935901 and https://www.fountainvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21090/Fee-Schedule-FY24-25-Final-v4
- Owner-builder
- The city requires a signed Owner-Builder Disclosure Form before permit issuance. The form states the permit will not be issued until the owner reads, initials, signs, and returns the form, and that an owner's original driver's license, notarization, or other acceptable verification is required. The form also states owner-builders are legally and financially responsible, may be treated as employers if non-licensed workers are hired for work valued at $500 or more, and cannot have an agent execute the notice without prior permitting-authority approval. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/467
- Contractor requirements
- The city owner-builder form states contractors are required by California law to be licensed and bonded and to list their license numbers on permits and contracts. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/467
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No general processing-time estimate was posted on the city pages reviewed. The city does identify an expedited permit track for standard scopes such as reroofs, water heaters, repipes, panel upgrades, rewires, residential EV chargers, standard block walls, standard furnace and A/C change-outs, and standard patio covers. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- 01 Create an account at the city's permit portal, verify your email, and log back in. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- 02 Complete the permit application and upload PDF plans. The city says uploaded plan documents should include the plan review checklist, MEP and structural sheets, structural calculations, Title 24 documents, and geotechnical/soils/HOA documents when applicable. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- 03 Pay the plan check fee online by Visa or MasterCard. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- 04 Resubmit corrected documents through the Permit Center if plan check comments are issued, then download returned approved documents when review is complete. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
- 05 After permit issuance, request inspections through the same portal using the email address associated with the permit. Requests must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. for Monday-Thursday inspections. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/396/Building-Inspections
- 06 If the project needs Fire Department review, the city states paper plans must be submitted separately. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
Typical processing time: No general processing-time estimate was posted on the city pages reviewed. The city does identify an expedited permit track for standard scopes such as reroofs, water heaters, repipes, panel upgrades, rewires, residential EV chargers, standard block walls, standard furnace and A/C change-outs, and standard patio covers. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
Source: City of Fountain Valley Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fountain Valley building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
For valuation-based building permits, the published lowest total fee is $167.06 for projects up to $3,000 valuation, consisting of $89.13 inspection fee, $57.93 plan check fee, and $20 permit issuance fee.
02
Plan check fee
For valuation-based building permits, plan check is 65% of the inspection fee. The fee schedule also lists plan check renewal at 100% of the original plan check fee and repetitive plan check at 25% of the plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Many building permits are valuation-based using the city's Building Valuation Fee Table and ICC Building Valuation Table; others are flat-rate permits for scopes such as reroofing, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical items.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Work started before permit issuance is subject to double permit fees under FMC Chapter 18.04. The fee schedule also lists after-the-fact building permits at 2 times the calculated building permit fee, off-hours inspection requests at $125 per hour with a 2-hour minimum, and special building investigation inspection at $125 after-hours with a 3-hour minimum. Source URLs: https://ecode360.com/42935901 and https://www.fountainvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21090/Fee-Schedule-FY24-25-Final-v4
The Permit Center page says plan check fees are paid online by Visa or MasterCard. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online through the Permit Center at https (online)
- Online through the Permit Center at https (online)
- 714-593-4429 (phone)
- 714-593-4541 (phone)
- 714-593-4432 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. for Monday-Thursday inspections. The posted daily inspector contact window is 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Building counter hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed Friday. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/396/Building-Inspections
Typical sequence: The city instructs permit holders to locate the project in the portal and use "Schedule an Inspection" for the applicable stage. The daily inspection schedule is posted both on the city website and in the portal account. Stage order is project-specific and tied to the approved permit and scope. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/396/Building-Inspections
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fountain Valley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/397/Building-Permits
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Fountain Valley, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is For valuation-based building permits, the published lowest total fee is $167.06 for projects up to $3,000 valuation, consisting of $89.13 inspection fee, $57.93 plan check fee, and $20 permit issuance fee.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Many building permits are valuation-based using the city's Building Valuation Fee Table and ICC Building Valuation Table; others are flat-rate permits for scopes such as reroofing, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical items.. Plan check fee: For valuation-based building permits, plan check is 65% of the inspection fee. The fee schedule also lists plan check renewal at 100% of the original plan check fee and repetitive plan check at 25% of the plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fountain Valley, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account at the city's permit portal, verify your email, and log back in. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center 2. Complete the permit application and upload PDF plans. The city says uploaded plan documents should include the plan review checklist, MEP and structural sheets, structural calculations, Title 24 documents, and geotechnical/soils/HOA documents when applicable. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center 3. Pay the plan check fee online by Visa or MasterCard. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center 4. Resubmit corrected documents through the Permit Center if plan check comments are issued, then download returned approved documents when review is complete. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center 5. After permit issuance, request inspections through the same portal using the email address associated with the permit. Requests must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. for Monday-Thursday inspections. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/396/Building-Inspections 6. If the project needs Fire Department review, the city states paper plans must be submitted separately. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fountain Valley, CA typically run No general processing-time estimate was posted on the city pages reviewed. The city does identify an expedited permit track for standard scopes such as reroofs, water heaters, repipes, panel upgrades, rewires, residential EV chargers, standard block walls, standard furnace and A/C change-outs, and standard patio covers. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/398/Plan-Check-Center. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fountain Valley, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses if not over 120 square feet and not over 7 feet ceiling height; check Planning for setback requirements.; Fences not over 6 feet high and block walls not over 3 feet high.; Oil derricks.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2:1.; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems.; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.; Window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies if projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support.; Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high.. Note: The city states separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items, and exemption does not authorize work that violates any code or ordinance. Source URL: https://www.fountainvalley.gov/397/Building-Permits When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fountain Valley, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fountain Valley, CA via: Online through the Permit Center at https, Online through the Permit Center at https, 714-593-4429, 714-593-4541, 714-593-4432.
last verified April 2026
source City of Fountain Valley Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/orange/fountain-valley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fountain Valley Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.