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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tustin
Tustin requires building permits for projects that are altered, enlarged, modified, or remodeled; for accessory buildings; commercial or residential buildings; interior or exterior alterations; and room additions. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for alterations, new installations, modifications, replacements, or change-outs of those systems. Grading permits are required if more than 50 cubic yards of earth is moved, one foot of fill is used, or a cut slope exceeds 5 feet vertically.
Construction of planter boxes less than 24 inches high.
Fences, block/brick walls, wood, or iron walls not exceeding 3 feet in height.
Open or unroofed concrete patio slabs, driveways, and wood decks if platforms and walks are not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
Painting, papering, and similar finish work.
Repair of plumbing leaks.
Replacement of faucets.
Replacement of lighting fixtures or outlets.
Low-voltage yard lighting.
- Exempt Construction of planter boxes less than 24 inches high.
- Exempt Fences, block/brick walls, wood, or iron walls not exceeding 3 feet in height.
- Exempt Open or unroofed concrete patio slabs, driveways, and wood decks if platforms and walks are not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Repair of plumbing leaks.
- Exempt Replacement of faucets.
- Exempt Replacement of lighting fixtures or outlets.
- Exempt Low-voltage yard lighting.
Note: Tustin states separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items. Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates code, zoning, setback, or other city requirements.
Required documents
- At minimum, permit application and plans. Tustin guidance for typical residential additions/alterations calls for project information, owner/applicant/contractor details, workers' compensation information, owner-builder declaration if applicable, four identical plan sets, and when required structural calculations, soils reports, energy calculations, specifications, site plan, floor plans, framing plans, elevations, and other technical details. Other approvals may also be required, including Planning review, school district clearance for some additions, HOA approval, and fire/public works review depending on the project.
- Building code
- Tustin enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Codes effective January 1, 2023, including the 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building Standards, and Referenced Standards Codes, plus local amendments under Ordinance No. 1529. The City has also published a 2025 code update indicating new code adoption effective January 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- City sources state a permit is valid for 180 days if work is active and progressing, but the FAQ also states building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits become null and void if work is not commenced within 360 days from permit issuance. Renewals/extensions may be granted depending on permit status and completed inspections.
- Owner-builder
- Tustin provides an owner-builder package and disclosures. The City will not issue an owner-builder permit until the property owner completes the required acknowledgment form. Owner-builders are legally and financially responsible for the project, may need to carry workers' compensation if hiring workers, and cannot use the owner-builder exemption to build single-family structures for sale except within the limits stated in California law.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors are required by law to be licensed and bonded in California, and to list license numbers on permits and contracts. If the permit is not issued to a licensed contractor, the application must be handled as an owner-builder project.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Prepare plans, permit application, and supporting documents. The City says many projects require plans prepared by a licensed design professional, and zoning or other approvals may be needed before permit issuance.
- 02 Submit the application package through the CSS portal. The Building Division also still references email submittals to `PlanPermitSubmittals@tustinca.org` for building projects and `PVSubmittals@tustinca.org` for PV solar, and hard-copy appointments remain available at City Hall by appointment.
- 03 City staff reviews for zoning, grading, building code, fire/life safety, accessibility, and other applicable requirements. Standard first plan check is approximately 10 working days, with resubmittals typically returned within 5 working days, unless special approvals are required.
- 04 After approval, pay required fees and obtain the permit before starting work.
- 05 Request inspections during construction through the CSS portal. Requests submitted by 3:00 p.m. are performed the following workday.
- 06 Complete all required inspections and final inspection before occupancy/use where applicable.
- 07 Processing time estimate if available: approximately 10 working days for first plan check and 5 working days for resubmittals; minor-project plan check by appointment is also available.
- 08 Source URL: https://www.tustinca.org/409/Permits-Process ; https://www.tustinca.org/406/Inspection-Requests ; https://www.tustinca.org/faq
Source: City of Tustin Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Tustin building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building permit issuance base fee is $40.00; some valuation-based tenant improvement permits show a $182.60 minimum.
02
Plan check fee
Additional plan check for changes, additions, or revisions to approved plans is $163.00 per hour. Fast-track/out-of-hours plan check is 1.5 times the hourly rate. The fee schedule also states MEPS plan check fees are 35% of the building plan check fee or 75% of the MEP plan check fee where applicable.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Tustin uses a $40 permit issuance base fee plus project-type flat fees for many common permit categories, while some permits are valuation-based or square-foot/unit based. Examples in the FY 2025 fee schedule include tenant improvements valued by project valuation, residential solar/PV permits fixed at $413.00, and various electrical/plumbing/mechanical unit fees.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection is $145.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Work performed without a permit is charged the permit fee plus a penalty equal to two times the permit fee, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Reinspection is $145.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Work performed without a permit is charged the permit fee plus a penalty equal to two times the permit fee, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum.
Online credit card convenience fee is charged at actual cost. Returned check/ACH reject fees follow state-code amounts listed in the fee schedule.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Primary method is online through the CSS portal via https (online)
- 714-573-3141 (phone)
- 714-573-3130 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests can be submitted through CSS 24 hours a day. Requests received by 3:00 p.m. are performed the following workday. To obtain the inspection time window, the City instructs applicants to call the assigned inspector between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the inspection day.
Typical sequence: Tustin's residential addition/alteration guide lists the basic sequence as foundation, frame, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roof sheathing, insulation, exterior finishes, drywall, and final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tustin permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tustin, CA? ▸
Tustin requires building permits for projects that are altered, enlarged, modified, or remodeled; for accessory buildings; commercial or residential buildings; interior or exterior alterations; and room additions. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for alterations, new installations, modifications, replacements, or change-outs of those systems. Grading permits are required if more than 50 cubic yards of earth is moved, one foot of fill is used, or a cut slope exceeds 5 feet vertically.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tustin, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Tustin, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Building permit issuance base fee is $40.00; some valuation-based tenant improvement permits show a $182.60 minimum.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Tustin uses a $40 permit issuance base fee plus project-type flat fees for many common permit categories, while some permits are valuation-based or square-foot/unit based. Examples in the FY 2025 fee schedule include tenant improvements valued by project valuation, residential solar/PV permits fixed at $413.00, and various electrical/plumbing/mechanical unit fees.. Plan check fee: Additional plan check for changes, additions, or revisions to approved plans is $163.00 per hour. Fast-track/out-of-hours plan check is 1.5 times the hourly rate. The fee schedule also states MEPS plan check fees are 35% of the building plan check fee or 75% of the MEP plan check fee where applicable..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tustin, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Tustin, CA, follow these steps: 1. Prepare plans, permit application, and supporting documents. The City says many projects require plans prepared by a licensed design professional, and zoning or other approvals may be needed before permit issuance. 2. Submit the application package through the CSS portal. The Building Division also still references email submittals to `PlanPermitSubmittals@tustinca.org` for building projects and `PVSubmittals@tustinca.org` for PV solar, and hard-copy appointments remain available at City Hall by appointment. 3. City staff reviews for zoning, grading, building code, fire/life safety, accessibility, and other applicable requirements. Standard first plan check is approximately 10 working days, with resubmittals typically returned within 5 working days, unless special approvals are required. 4. After approval, pay required fees and obtain the permit before starting work. 5. Request inspections during construction through the CSS portal. Requests submitted by 3:00 p.m. are performed the following workday. 6. Complete all required inspections and final inspection before occupancy/use where applicable. 7. Processing time estimate if available: approximately 10 working days for first plan check and 5 working days for resubmittals; minor-project plan check by appointment is also available. 8. Source URL: https://www.tustinca.org/409/Permits-Process ; https://www.tustinca.org/406/Inspection-Requests ; https://www.tustinca.org/faq
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Tustin, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Tustin, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Construction of planter boxes less than 24 inches high.; Fences, block/brick walls, wood, or iron walls not exceeding 3 feet in height.; Open or unroofed concrete patio slabs, driveways, and wood decks if platforms and walks are not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.; Painting, papering, and similar finish work.; Repair of plumbing leaks.; Replacement of faucets.; Replacement of lighting fixtures or outlets.; Low-voltage yard lighting.. Note: Tustin states separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items. Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates code, zoning, setback, or other city requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tustin, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Tustin, CA via: Primary method is online through the CSS portal via https, 714-573-3141, 714-573-3130.
last verified April 2026
source City of Tustin Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/orange/tustin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Tustin Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.