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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Los Alamitos
The City says most major projects require a permit. Common permit types listed by the City are building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and block wall permits.
Construction of block wall less than 30 inches high
Construction of decks and platforms less than 30 inches high, open walkways, and driveways on grade
Replacement of up to 400 square feet of roofing on an existing building in any 12-month period
Installation of ceramic tile on floors and countertops, and on walls not more than 48 inches high
Replacement of existing broken or damaged ceramic tiles
Plaster patching not in excess of 10 square yards
Construction of pools not over 2 feet in depth, without electrical or plumbing fixtures
Construction of cases, counters, and partitions less than 5 feet high
Construction of retaining walls and planter boxes under 30 inches high measured from bottom of footings
- Exempt Construction of block wall less than 30 inches high
- Exempt Construction of decks and platforms less than 30 inches high, open walkways, and driveways on grade
- Exempt Replacement of up to 400 square feet of roofing on an existing building in any 12-month period
- Exempt Installation of ceramic tile on floors and countertops, and on walls not more than 48 inches high
- Exempt Replacement of existing broken or damaged ceramic tiles
- Exempt Plaster patching not in excess of 10 square yards
- Exempt Construction of pools not over 2 feet in depth, without electrical or plumbing fixtures
- Exempt Construction of cases, counters, and partitions less than 5 feet high
- Exempt Construction of retaining walls and planter boxes under 30 inches high measured from bottom of footings
Note: The City attributes these exceptions to California Building Code section 105.2 and frames them as common exceptions only. Other permits or approvals may still apply depending on scope, location, utilities, fire/life-safety impacts, or zoning. The same FAQ notes residential projects over $1,000 trigger smoke and carbon monoxide detector certification requirements.
Required documents
- Permit application
- plans
- supporting documents
- and, depending on project type, structural calculations, Title 24 energy calculations, owner-builder forms, property owner authorization letters for tenant improvements or agents, smoke and carbon monoxide detector affidavit, and trade-specific documentation. Contractors and subcontractors must maintain a completed subcontractor list form at the job site.
- Building code
- The current Building & Safety page states Los Alamitos has enforced the 2022 California Building Standards Code, with local amendments, since January 1, 2023. Note: an older City FAQ page still lists 2019 code editions, so the newer Building & Safety page appears to be the current authority.
- Permit validity
- A City expedited EVCS checklist states permits expire 1 year after issuance or 180 days after the last inspection passed, whichever is later.
- Owner-builder
- The City publishes an owner-builder information handout explaining owner-as-worker, owner-as-contractor, and owner-as-employer roles and risks. City FAQ also says permits may be issued to an owner for work on a single-family or duplex property if the owner lives in one unit, and to certain non-resident owners on limited-value projects.
- Contractor requirements
- Permits may be issued to licensed contractors. Contractors working in Los Alamitos must hold a City business license. If they have employees, a workers' compensation certificate must be on file; contractors working alone may waive that requirement but must show a pocket copy of their California contractor license. Subcontractors also need City business licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: City FAQ says first plan check review is generally 10 business days and second review 5 business days. The City's solar PV page says standard solar permits not approved over the counter should be reviewed in about 1 week.
- 01 Create a Permit Center account and start a new application, or use the walk-in counter during posted counter hours if your project is suitable for in-person submittal.
- 02 Complete the permit application and upload PDF plans and supporting documents through the Permit Center. City FAQs also state traditional submittals use 3 plan sets, 2 sets of structural calculations, and 2 sets of Title 24 energy calculations.
- 03 City staff reviews the application for completeness and assesses plan check fees. The City states someone from City Hall will contact the applicant with the plan check fee, which can be paid by phone or credit card through the Permit Center workflow.
- 04 Respond to plan check comments and submit revisions if required.
- 05 After approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain the issued permit.
- 06 Request inspections through the Permit Center; the City also provides an inspection run list online. For Solar PV permits, requests submitted before 5:00 p.m. are typically scheduled for the next business day.
Typical processing time: City FAQ says first plan check review is generally 10 business days and second review 5 business days. The City's solar PV page says standard solar permits not approved over the counter should be reviewed in about 1 week.
Source: Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Los Alamitos building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building valuation-based fees start at $224.77 for projects valued at $1-$500, plus a $56.51 building permit issuance fee and applicable surcharges. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits each show a $56.51 issuance fee before unit fees.
02
Plan check fee
City FAQ says building plan check is 65% of the building permit fee, mechanical 25% of the mechanical permit fee, electrical 50% of the electrical permit fee, and plumbing 65% of the plumbing permit fee. The fee schedule also includes hourly plan check items for some permit classes.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based. Trade permits use issuance fees plus unit-based fees. Some permit categories use flat fees, including residential solar.
04
Reinspection fee
Fee schedule lists reinspection fees including BL 88 at $113.03, mechanical BL 115 at $224.77 per inspection, and plumbing BL 143 at $224.77 per hour. Additional plan review for revisions is also charged in several permit classes.
The Permit Center supports credit card payments. The City states staff will contact applicants with plan check fee amounts and those fees can be paid over the phone or by credit card through the Permit Center workflow.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Request inspections through the Permit Center at https (online)
- Request inspections through the Permit Center at https (online)
- (562) 431-3538 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building & Safety lists A.M. inspections from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and P.M. inspections from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. FAQ states inspections are performed Monday through Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Typical sequence: Sequence depends on scope. The City requires inspection after permitted work is installed and before final approval. Project-specific city materials indicate inspectors may require additional inspections depending on scope, and permit holders must have the permit card, approved job copy of plans, and manufacturer instructions available when applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Los Alamitos permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
The City says most major projects require a permit. Common permit types listed by the City are building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and block wall permits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Los Alamitos, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Building valuation-based fees start at $224.77 for projects valued at $1-$500, plus a $56.51 building permit issuance fee and applicable surcharges. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits each show a $56.51 issuance fee before unit fees.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based. Trade permits use issuance fees plus unit-based fees. Some permit categories use flat fees, including residential solar.. Plan check fee: City FAQ says building plan check is 65% of the building permit fee, mechanical 25% of the mechanical permit fee, electrical 50% of the electrical permit fee, and plumbing 65% of the plumbing permit fee. The fee schedule also includes hourly plan check items for some permit classes..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Los Alamitos, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create a Permit Center account and start a new application, or use the walk-in counter during posted counter hours if your project is suitable for in-person submittal. 2. Complete the permit application and upload PDF plans and supporting documents through the Permit Center. City FAQs also state traditional submittals use 3 plan sets, 2 sets of structural calculations, and 2 sets of Title 24 energy calculations. 3. City staff reviews the application for completeness and assesses plan check fees. The City states someone from City Hall will contact the applicant with the plan check fee, which can be paid by phone or credit card through the Permit Center workflow. 4. Respond to plan check comments and submit revisions if required. 5. After approval, pay remaining permit fees and obtain the issued permit. 6. Request inspections through the Permit Center; the City also provides an inspection run list online. For Solar PV permits, requests submitted before 5:00 p.m. are typically scheduled for the next business day.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Los Alamitos, CA typically run City FAQ says first plan check review is generally 10 business days and second review 5 business days. The City's solar PV page says standard solar permits not approved over the counter should be reviewed in about 1 week.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Los Alamitos, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Construction of block wall less than 30 inches high; Construction of decks and platforms less than 30 inches high, open walkways, and driveways on grade; Replacement of up to 400 square feet of roofing on an existing building in any 12-month period; Installation of ceramic tile on floors and countertops, and on walls not more than 48 inches high; Replacement of existing broken or damaged ceramic tiles; Plaster patching not in excess of 10 square yards; Construction of pools not over 2 feet in depth, without electrical or plumbing fixtures; Construction of cases, counters, and partitions less than 5 feet high; Construction of retaining walls and planter boxes under 30 inches high measured from bottom of footings. Note: The City attributes these exceptions to California Building Code section 105.2 and frames them as common exceptions only. Other permits or approvals may still apply depending on scope, location, utilities, fire/life-safety impacts, or zoning. The same FAQ notes residential projects over $1,000 trigger smoke and carbon monoxide detector certification requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Los Alamitos, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Los Alamitos, CA via: Request inspections through the Permit Center at https, Request inspections through the Permit Center at https, (562) 431-3538.
last verified April 2026
source Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/orange/los-alamitos
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services Department, Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.