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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Upland
Upland's Section 105 handout states a permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure, and for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/SECTION%20105-Permits.pdf
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement/story below and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground
Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and certain other minor mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing repair items listed in the City's Section 105 handout
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and 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 swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and certain other minor mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing repair items listed in the City's Section 105 handout
Note: Upland's Section 105 handout states permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws/ordinances. The City's separate exemptions handout appears to use some older thresholds in places, so the current Section 105 permit handout should be treated as the stronger city-specific source unless Building and Safety instructs otherwise. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/SECTION%20105-Permits.pdf ; https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/ftp/city_departments/development_services/building_and_safety/building_and_safety_forms_fees_applications/pdfs/Building%20-%20CA%20Code%20Permit%20Exemptions.pdf
Required documents
- The City requires uploaded construction plans through CSS. Its residential room-addition checklist requires a complete digital plan set and lists items such as a plot/site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, roof plan, exterior elevations, sections, finish/material specifications, Title 24 energy documentation, HVAC/manufacturer specifications as applicable, and engineering/truss calculations when required. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/Minimum%20Requirements%20for%20Submittal%20of%20Residential.pdf
- Building code
- The City's Codes in Effect page states Upland has adopted the 2025 California Building Code as its building construction standards. Ordinance No. 2004 also adopts by reference the 2025 California Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Energy, Green Building, Existing Building, Historical, Wildland-Urban Interface, and related Title 24 codes, with the fire code adopted as amended by the San Bernardino County Fire District. Sources: https://www.uplandca.gov/codes-in-effect ; https://ecode360.com/UP5026/laws/LF2540298.pdf
- Permit validity
- Upland provides a Permit Extension Request form, but the public pages reviewed do not separately summarize expiration rules. Because Upland has adopted the 2025 California Building Code/Administrative Code by reference, permit application and lapse rules generally follow those adopted codes unless locally amended. Confirm current expiration timing with Building and Safety when the permit is issued. Sources: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/Forms,%20Fees%20%26%20Applications/Permit%20Extension%20Request%20Form.pdf ; https://www.uplandca.gov/codes-in-effect ; https://ecode360.com/UP5026/laws/LF2540298.pdf
- Owner-builder
- The City's permit application includes an Owner-Builder Declaration and an Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Information Form. It states the permit may be issued in the name of the licensed contractor or the property owner as permit holder of record, and owner-builders must sign the required declarations and verification materials. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/Construction%20Permit%20Application%20(NEW).pdf
- Contractor requirements
- The City's permit application requires licensed-contractor declaration information, including contractor name, license class, and license number. The Building Permits page also states all California licensed general or specific trade contractors performing work in the City of Upland must have a current Upland business license. Sources: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/Construction%20Permit%20Application%20(NEW).pdf ; https://www.uplandca.gov/building-permits/1000
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No public processing-time estimate was identified in the City sources reviewed.
- 01 Confirm that the project requires a permit. Upland states that any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or to install/alter regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first apply for and obtain the required permit.
- 02 Create a CSS portal account. The City states new users must register for an account to apply for permits, view updates, make payments, or schedule inspections.
- 03 Complete the online permit application through CSS. Upland states the Building and Safety Division only accepts building permit requests online.
- 04 Upload the construction plans and supporting documents. The City states any permit issued through CSS requires uploaded construction plans, and its residential submittal checklist calls for a complete digital set of plans through the CSS portal.
- 05 Pay applicable fees. The Building Permits page says payment for the construction permit is by credit card only.
- 06 Respond to plan-review comments if revisions are required and resubmit corrected documents.
- 07 After approvals, permit issuance, and any required outside clearances, keep the approved permit plans and permit card/job card available on site for inspection.
- 08 Request inspections at the required stages and obtain final approval before occupancy/use as applicable.
Typical processing time: No public processing-time estimate was identified in the City sources reviewed.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Upland building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
The 2026 Building fee schedule shows an $80 building permit issuance fee for many permit categories and other flat-fee permit types; trade-permit supplemental issuance fees can be lower.
02
Plan check fee
The published building plan check fee is $200 minimum. Additional plan review due to revisions is $200 minimum, and tract-repeat plan review is 25% of the plan check fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. The schedule uses valuation-based pricing for at least some full building permits (for example, single-family dwelling attached or detached full permit fee is listed as valuation-based) and flat fees for many specific permit types.
04
Trade permit fee
The 2026 Building fee schedule shows an $80 building permit issuance fee for many permit categories and other flat-fee permit types; trade-permit supplemental issuance fees can be lower.
05
Reinspection fee
Building reinspection fee is listed at $220. Penalty for not obtaining a permit is listed at 150% of the permit fee. Reinstatement of an expired permit is listed at $280 each plus original permit fee or as modified.
The Building Permits page says construction permit payment is by credit card only. The City's Credit/Debit Card Service Fee FAQ says EnerGov processing fees for Development Services online processing for Building and Safety and Planning permits are 3.75%, effective January 5, 2026.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- https://www.uplandca.gov/schedule-inspection (online)
- https://cityofuplandca-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice (online)
- (909) 931-4129 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be received by 4:00 p.m. for next-business-day inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are scheduled Monday-Thursday.
- Time windows
- Applicants may request a.m. or p.m. inspection windows.
Typical sequence: The City pages reviewed do not publish a single universal inspection sequence. In practice, inspections are requested by stage based on the permitted scope, and final approval is required at completion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Upland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Upland, CA? ▸
Upland's Section 105 handout states a permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure, and for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/SECTION%20105-Permits.pdf
02 How much does a building permit cost in Upland, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Upland, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is The 2026 Building fee schedule shows an $80 building permit issuance fee for many permit categories and other flat-fee permit types; trade-permit supplemental issuance fees can be lower.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. The schedule uses valuation-based pricing for at least some full building permits (for example, single-family dwelling attached or detached full permit fee is listed as valuation-based) and flat fees for many specific permit types.. Plan check fee: The published building plan check fee is $200 minimum. Additional plan review due to revisions is $200 minimum, and tract-repeat plan review is 25% of the plan check fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Upland, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Upland, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm that the project requires a permit. Upland states that any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or to install/alter regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, must first apply for and obtain the required permit. 2. Create a CSS portal account. The City states new users must register for an account to apply for permits, view updates, make payments, or schedule inspections. 3. Complete the online permit application through CSS. Upland states the Building and Safety Division only accepts building permit requests online. 4. Upload the construction plans and supporting documents. The City states any permit issued through CSS requires uploaded construction plans, and its residential submittal checklist calls for a complete digital set of plans through the CSS portal. 5. Pay applicable fees. The Building Permits page says payment for the construction permit is by credit card only. 6. Respond to plan-review comments if revisions are required and resubmit corrected documents. 7. After approvals, permit issuance, and any required outside clearances, keep the approved permit plans and permit card/job card available on site for inspection. 8. Request inspections at the required stages and obtain final approval before occupancy/use as applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Upland, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Upland, CA typically run No public processing-time estimate was identified in the City sources reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Upland, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Upland, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, if floor area does not exceed 120 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding specified liquids; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement/story below and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground; Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and certain other minor mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing repair items listed in the City's Section 105 handout. Note: Upland's Section 105 handout states permit exemptions do not authorize work that violates the code or other laws/ordinances. The City's separate exemptions handout appears to use some older thresholds in places, so the current Section 105 permit handout should be treated as the stronger city-specific source unless Building and Safety instructs otherwise. Source: https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Building/SECTION%20105-Permits.pdf ; https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/ftp/city_departments/development_services/building_and_safety/building_and_safety_forms_fees_applications/pdfs/Building%20-%20CA%20Code%20Permit%20Exemptions.pdf When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Upland, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Upland, CA via: https://www.uplandca.gov/schedule-inspection, https://cityofuplandca-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice, (909) 931-4129. Requests must be received by 4:00 p.m. for next-business-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
source City of Upland Building and Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/san-bernardino/upland
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Upland Building and Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.