On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Montclair
Montclair regulates construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and other improvements to real property through its adopted Title 24 codes. In practice, most structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, reroof, solar, tenant improvement, addition, and new-construction work requires permit review. Exterior changes may also require Planning review.
Work that falls under the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code as adopted by Montclair generally does not require a building permit
Typical state-code exemptions include small detached accessory structures below the code size threshold, certain low fences, certain window awnings, movable cases/counters/partitions below the code thresholds, some finish work, and limited minor repair work
Certain minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs may also be exempt where the adopted California codes classify them as ordinary repairs
- Exempt Work that falls under the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code as adopted by Montclair generally does not require a building permit
- Exempt Typical state-code exemptions include small detached accessory structures below the code size threshold, certain low fences, certain window awnings, movable cases/counters/partitions below the code thresholds, some finish work, and limited minor repair work
- Exempt Certain minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs may also be exempt where the adopted California codes classify them as ordinary repairs
Note: Even when a building permit is exempt under the adopted state codes, separate Planning, zoning, fire, grading, encroachment, or homeowner association approvals may still apply. Exemptions are narrow and depend on scope, dimensions, location, and whether structural, life-safety, accessibility, energy, or fire-protection systems are affected. Applicants should confirm exemptions directly with the Building Division before starting work.
Required documents
- Permit application
- project plans sized and detailed for the scope
- plot/site plan
- floor plans
- elevations
- framing/electrical/mechanical/plumbing details
- energy compliance forms where applicable
- soils report and structural calculations for new structures
- grading plans/soils report for projects involving grading
- and fire sprinkler plans when required
- Building code
- Ordinance No. 25-1016 adopted the 2025 California Administrative, Building, Electrical, Fire, Green Building Standards, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Residential Codes, plus the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, effective January 14, 2026.
- Permit validity
- Montclair adopted the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes effective January 14, 2026. Those state codes generally provide that permits expire if work is not started within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, unless extended by the building official.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may obtain an owner-builder permit if they are the owners and are doing the work themselves, and they must sign a workers' compensation exemption form.
- Contractor requirements
- Permits issued to contractors require a valid contractor pocket license copy and proof of workers' compensation insurance. If the license holder does not appear in person, an authorized agent must present the license copy, a signed authorization letter on company letterhead, and workers' compensation information.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No general building plan review turnaround is posted on the City website. Permit issuance can be over the counter for qualifying permits; inspection requests made before 5:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
- 01 Confirm zoning and project requirements with the Planning Division if the project changes site use, exterior configuration, setbacks, parking, signage, or other land-use conditions.
- 02 Prepare the permit application and plan set. The City's permit issuance handout says room additions and tenant improvements require three sets of detailed plans; new structures require five complete plan sets plus two sets of soils reports and structural calculations. Grading plans go to Public Works/Engineering, and fire sprinkler plans go to the Fire Department.
- 03 Submit the application and plans at the Community Development counter during posted walk-in hours. Most permits are issued in person over the counter at City Hall.
- 04 Pay the required plan check deposit and permit fees. The City accepts cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard for permit-related counter payments.
- 05 Respond to plan check comments from Building, Planning, Engineering, and Fire as applicable, then obtain permit issuance once approvals are complete.
- 06 Call the inspection hotline at (909) 625-9448 before required inspections. Requests made before 5:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
Typical processing time: No general building plan review turnaround is posted on the City website. Permit issuance can be over the counter for qualifying permits; inspection requests made before 5:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
Source: City of Montclair Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Montclair building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
No single universal minimum building permit fee was clearly posted. Many permit categories are flat-fee or table-based; examples include reroof permits starting at $100 and residential photovoltaic permits at $450 for 15 kW or less.
02
Plan check fee
The permit issuance handout states a plan check deposit is required on all submittals. The Master User Fee Schedule separately lists supplemental plan check at $99 for the first hour and $99 for each additional hour; Engineering plan check fees are also listed for grading, street, sewer, storm drain, and related work.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Montclair uses flat fees for many common permit types and table-based inspection fees by occupancy/use and size for new construction, tenant improvements, signs, reroofing, solar, and other miscellaneous permits.
04
Reinspection fee
Compliance inspections, re-inspections, and pre-inspections are listed at $198. The 2025 building code ordinance also states the adopted codes include local fees and penalties, but the City page reviewed did not provide a consolidated penalty table.
The City states applicable permit fees are paid in person at City Hall by check, cash, or credit card. Accepted cards listed are Visa and MasterCard.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- https://www.cityofmontclair.org/inspection-hotline-inspection-procedures/ (online)
- (909) 625-9448 (phone)
- (909) 625-9449 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be called in before 5:00 p.m. for next-business-day inspection.
- Inspection hours
- The City is closed every Friday, so Thursday requests are scheduled for Monday. Community Development counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence includes foundation/concrete inspection, any required deputy or special inspections, rough framing after rough MEP approvals, and final inspection. Approved plans and the inspection card must remain on site.
Source: City of Montclair Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Montclair permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Montclair, CA? ▸
Montclair regulates construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and other improvements to real property through its adopted Title 24 codes. In practice, most structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, reroof, solar, tenant improvement, addition, and new-construction work requires permit review. Exterior changes may also require Planning review.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Montclair, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Montclair, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is No single universal minimum building permit fee was clearly posted. Many permit categories are flat-fee or table-based; examples include reroof permits starting at $100 and residential photovoltaic permits at $450 for 15 kW or less.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Montclair uses flat fees for many common permit types and table-based inspection fees by occupancy/use and size for new construction, tenant improvements, signs, reroofing, solar, and other miscellaneous permits.. Plan check fee: The permit issuance handout states a plan check deposit is required on all submittals. The Master User Fee Schedule separately lists supplemental plan check at $99 for the first hour and $99 for each additional hour; Engineering plan check fees are also listed for grading, street, sewer, storm drain, and related work..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Montclair, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Montclair, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and project requirements with the Planning Division if the project changes site use, exterior configuration, setbacks, parking, signage, or other land-use conditions. 2. Prepare the permit application and plan set. The City's permit issuance handout says room additions and tenant improvements require three sets of detailed plans; new structures require five complete plan sets plus two sets of soils reports and structural calculations. Grading plans go to Public Works/Engineering, and fire sprinkler plans go to the Fire Department. 3. Submit the application and plans at the Community Development counter during posted walk-in hours. Most permits are issued in person over the counter at City Hall. 4. Pay the required plan check deposit and permit fees. The City accepts cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard for permit-related counter payments. 5. Respond to plan check comments from Building, Planning, Engineering, and Fire as applicable, then obtain permit issuance once approvals are complete. 6. Call the inspection hotline at (909) 625-9448 before required inspections. Requests made before 5:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Montclair, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Montclair, CA typically run No general building plan review turnaround is posted on the City website. Permit issuance can be over the counter for qualifying permits; inspection requests made before 5:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Montclair, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Montclair, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Work that falls under the permit exemptions in the California Building Code and California Residential Code as adopted by Montclair generally does not require a building permit; Typical state-code exemptions include small detached accessory structures below the code size threshold, certain low fences, certain window awnings, movable cases/counters/partitions below the code thresholds, some finish work, and limited minor repair work; Certain minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs may also be exempt where the adopted California codes classify them as ordinary repairs. Note: Even when a building permit is exempt under the adopted state codes, separate Planning, zoning, fire, grading, encroachment, or homeowner association approvals may still apply. Exemptions are narrow and depend on scope, dimensions, location, and whether structural, life-safety, accessibility, energy, or fire-protection systems are affected. Applicants should confirm exemptions directly with the Building Division before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Montclair, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Montclair, CA via: https://www.cityofmontclair.org/inspection-hotline-inspection-procedures/, (909) 625-9448, (909) 625-9449. Requests must be called in before 5:00 p.m. for next-business-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
source City of Montclair Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/san-bernardino/montclair
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Montclair Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.