On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fullerton
Fullerton FAQs say permits are generally required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADU conversions, many miscellaneous structures and site features (including decks, patios, fences over 6 feet, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping/path of travel), remodels and renovations, and new/expanded/replaced electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work. Work cannot start until the permit is issued.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
Masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet high, and other fences not over 6 feet high, excluding pool barriers
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with qualifying height/diameter ratio
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated above-ground Group R-3 pools under 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings in R-3 and U occupancies meeting projection/support limits
Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps or connecting approved portable equipment to existing receptacles
Portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment and small self-contained refrigeration systems within code limits
Plumbing leak stoppage/clearing and similar minor repairs that do not require replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet high, and other fences not over 6 feet high, excluding pool barriers
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with qualifying height/diameter ratio
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground Group R-3 pools under 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings in R-3 and U occupancies meeting projection/support limits
- Exempt Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps or connecting approved portable equipment to existing receptacles
- Exempt Portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment and small self-contained refrigeration systems within code limits
- Exempt Plumbing leak stoppage/clearing and similar minor repairs that do not require replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
Note: Exemptions do not authorize code violations or waive other laws/ordinances. Fullerton's local amendments keep some otherwise-exempt small structures subject to Wildland-Urban Interface requirements, and separate permits may still be required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, grading, zoning, or accessibility-related work depending on scope.
Required documents
- City permit application
- complete construction plans and supporting documents required by CBC Section 107
- commonly listed examples include site plan, floor plans, roof plans, elevations, sections, means-of-egress analysis, green building requirements, Title 24 energy calculations, site grading plans, structural plans/details/calculations. Additional city forms are posted for permit applications, owner-builder permits, final inspection certifications, permit extensions, solar, EV, and other specialty scopes.
- Building code
- The 2025 California Building Codes and City of Fullerton amendments are enforceable for residential and non-residential projects submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Projects submitted before January 1, 2026 were allowed to remain under the 2022 cycle if permitted before application expiration.
- Permit validity
- Under Fullerton's 2025 local amendments, a permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 12 months after issuance, or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days after commencement. The building official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each for justifiable cause. Plan review expires if no permit is issued within 180 days after final plan approval; one extension of up to 180 days may be granted.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may apply, but if they perform their own work they must sign the Owner-Builder Verification. The city also posts an Owner Builder authorization form, CSLB owner-builder warning, and contractor authorization form.
- Contractor requirements
- Property owners, licensed contractors, or authorized agents may apply. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance. The city also links to CSLB contractor license verification and states businesses conducting work in Fullerton must obtain a City business registration certificate before beginning business activity.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Over-the-counter review is available for smaller projects requiring no more than 30 minutes of review; the city does not publish a general turnaround for full plan review on the cited pages.
- 01 Confirm zoning and project scope first. Fullerton routes zoning questions through Planning & Zoning and posts the zoning ordinance and General Plan online.
- 02 Prepare a complete permit package. The city says most projects need detailed construction plans, and for most project types those plans must be prepared by a California licensed architect or engineer.
- 03 Submit the application. Fullerton accepts qualifying residential and commercial online permit applications through EasyDev, and the city also states building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire permit applications and plans can be emailed to `BuildingPermits@cityoffullerton.com`.
- 04 City staff reviews the plans for code compliance. Small projects eligible for over-the-counter review are typically reviewed in 30 minutes or less; larger or more complex projects go through standard plan review.
- 05 Pay fees after approval. The FAQ states no construction may start until the permit is issued; once plans are approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued.
- 06 Schedule required inspections during construction and obtain final approval before closing out the permit.
Typical processing time: Over-the-counter review is available for smaller projects requiring no more than 30 minutes of review; the city does not publish a general turnaround for full plan review on the cited pages.
Source: City of Fullerton Community and Economic Development Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fullerton building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building permit valuation table starts at $22.00 for $1.00-$500.00 valuation; separate issuance/use fees also apply: $42.00 when no plan check is required, or $63.00 when plan check is required, plus a $15.00 permit-system surcharge and $84.00 plan processing fee.
02
Plan check fee
Building plan review fee is 87% of the building permit fee, minimum $45.02; this covers the first three submittals. Each submittal after the third is $154.00. Energy plan check fee is 20% of the building permit fee. Standard repeated-plan projects may be charged 45% of the original plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Building permits use a valuation-based schedule in Table 1-A plus flat issuance/use fees and surcharges. Example ranges in FY 2025-26 schedule: $22 for valuation up to $500; $86 for first $2,000 plus $12 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; $623 for first $100,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000 above that.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee is $112.00 each. Additional plan review for changes/additions/revisions to approved plans is $216.00. Accelerated plan checks outside normal business hours are $282.00/hour plus the plan check fee. Permit extension fee is $63.00 flat.
The city fee schedule also lists a $3.00 credit card service fee per transaction and a $25.00 returned payment / NSF fee under General and Administrative Fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Fullerton directs applicants to schedule/cancel inspections and retrieve results through the Voice Permits IVR inspection line at (714) 738-6543. Main inspection page (online)
- (714) 738-6543 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Inspection scheduling is available 24 hours a day through the IVR system. The current inspection page states calls placed before midnight are put on the following working day's schedule. The city does not publish fixed inspector arrival windows on the cited webpage.
Typical sequence: Schedule inspections before covering work. The published inspection code list shows typical sequence points such as foundation/location, underground plumbing/electrical/mechanical, rough framing/MEP, insulation, lath/drywall, specialty inspections (pool, grading, solar, sign), and `999 Permit Final`.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fullerton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fullerton, CA? ▸
Fullerton FAQs say permits are generally required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADU conversions, many miscellaneous structures and site features (including decks, patios, fences over 6 feet, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping/path of travel), remodels and renovations, and new/expanded/replaced electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work. Work cannot start until the permit is issued.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fullerton, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Fullerton, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Building permit valuation table starts at $22.00 for $1.00-$500.00 valuation; separate issuance/use fees also apply: $42.00 when no plan check is required, or $63.00 when plan check is required, plus a $15.00 permit-system surcharge and $84.00 plan processing fee.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Building permits use a valuation-based schedule in Table 1-A plus flat issuance/use fees and surcharges. Example ranges in FY 2025-26 schedule: $22 for valuation up to $500; $86 for first $2,000 plus $12 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; $623 for first $100,000 plus $4 per additional $1,000 above that.. Plan check fee: Building plan review fee is 87% of the building permit fee, minimum $45.02; this covers the first three submittals. Each submittal after the third is $154.00. Energy plan check fee is 20% of the building permit fee. Standard repeated-plan projects may be charged 45% of the original plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fullerton, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fullerton, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and project scope first. Fullerton routes zoning questions through Planning & Zoning and posts the zoning ordinance and General Plan online. 2. Prepare a complete permit package. The city says most projects need detailed construction plans, and for most project types those plans must be prepared by a California licensed architect or engineer. 3. Submit the application. Fullerton accepts qualifying residential and commercial online permit applications through EasyDev, and the city also states building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire permit applications and plans can be emailed to `BuildingPermits@cityoffullerton.com`. 4. City staff reviews the plans for code compliance. Small projects eligible for over-the-counter review are typically reviewed in 30 minutes or less; larger or more complex projects go through standard plan review. 5. Pay fees after approval. The FAQ states no construction may start until the permit is issued; once plans are approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued. 6. Schedule required inspections during construction and obtain final approval before closing out the permit.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fullerton, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fullerton, CA typically run Over-the-counter review is available for smaller projects requiring no more than 30 minutes of review; the city does not publish a general turnaround for full plan review on the cited pages.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fullerton, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fullerton, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet high, and other fences not over 6 feet high, excluding pool barriers; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons with qualifying height/diameter ratio; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground Group R-3 pools under 24 inches deep and up to 5,000 gallons; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings in R-3 and U occupancies meeting projection/support limits; Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps or connecting approved portable equipment to existing receptacles; Portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment and small self-contained refrigeration systems within code limits; Plumbing leak stoppage/clearing and similar minor repairs that do not require replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures. Note: Exemptions do not authorize code violations or waive other laws/ordinances. Fullerton's local amendments keep some otherwise-exempt small structures subject to Wildland-Urban Interface requirements, and separate permits may still be required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, grading, zoning, or accessibility-related work depending on scope. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fullerton, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fullerton, CA via: Fullerton directs applicants to schedule/cancel inspections and retrieve results through the Voice Permits IVR inspection line at (714) 738-6543. Main inspection page, (714) 738-6543.
last verified April 2026
source City of Fullerton Community and Economic Development Department, Building and Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/orange/fullerton
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fullerton Community and Economic Development Department, Building and Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.