City of Placentia

A permit is generally required for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work unless specifically exempted. The city separately lists exempt work and notes separate trade permits may still be required even when a building permit is not.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses when floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
• Exempt Non-retaining fences under 3 feet high, unless on the property line or within a 20-foot setback area
• Exempt Oil derricks
• Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain 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 Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
• Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Exempt Certain window awnings on Group R, Division 3 and Group U occupancies when projection is not more than 54 inches
• Exempt Certain prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R, Division 3 occupancy when entirely above adjacent grade and capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons

Note: Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items. Exemption does not authorize work that violates the code or other applicable laws. The city also imposes additional siting rules for small storage sheds and playhouses.

Building code

As of January 1, 2026, plans accepted into review on or after that date must comply with the 2025 California Building Code. City Ordinance No. O-2025-11 adopts the California Building Code 2025 Edition by reference as the Placentia Building Code.

Permit validity

The sample city permit states the permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 365 days, if work is suspended for more than 365 days, or if work proceeds in violation of city ordinances or state law.

Owner-builder

The city requires an Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification Form before issuing an owner-builder permit. The form warns of employer, liability, and resale restrictions and requires owner signature verification.

Contractor requirements

Permit applicants acting as contractors must provide a State Contractor's identification card, and the city advises being prepared to show workers' compensation insurance verification unless working alone. Fire plan submittals also require contractor license and contact information.

1. 01
   Confirm any needed planning and zoning clearance before building permit submittal.
2. 02
   Prepare the application under the name of the property owner, California licensed contractor, or authorized agent for the owner.
3. 03
   Gather issuance documents: government ID, contractor license card, workers' compensation verification if applicable, Placentia business license number, and any notarized authorization letter required for agents, HOAs, apartment complexes, or similar ownership situations.
4. 04
   Submit plans if the project requires plan check. The city lists plan-submittal examples including solar, room additions, extensive remodels, commercial or industrial tenant improvements, permanent signs, and pools or spas.
5. 05
   For projects requiring full plan check, provide the minimum plan package listed by the city, including three plan sets, structural calculations when required, and Title 24 energy calculations.
6. 06
   If fire review is required, submit the separate fire plan check package by email to `FireCRR@placentia.org`, then pay the fire plan check fee in person before review starts.
7. 07
   Track status and pay permit fees through the SmartGov portal where available, but confirm current submission steps with Development Services because the portal remains in beta.
8. 08
   After approval, obtain permit issuance, complete inspections, and keep the permit active by starting work and avoiding long suspensions.

Typical processing time: No standard citywide building permit turnaround is posted on the main permit pages. A City of Placentia application checklist states building plan check takes approximately two weeks, but applicants should confirm current timing with Building and Safety.

Source: City of Placentia Development Services Department, Building and Safety Division ↗

The city states permits can be paid online through the SmartGov portal. For fire plan review, the plan check fee must be paid before review begins, and payment is accepted in person at City Hall.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (714) 993-8124 (phone)

Inspection hours

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For a 2-hour arrival window, applicants call after 8:30 AM on the day of inspection.

Typical sequence: The city does not publish a universal sequence on the main page; sequence depends on project scope and permit type. Applicants must provide the project address, permit number, inspection type, contact information, and gate code if applicable when scheduling.