City of Imperial Beach

If you intend to construct, alter, repair, demolish, change occupancy, or work on regulated electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing systems, you must first apply for a permit and obtain approval from the building official. Source: https://www.imperialbeachca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/291/Permit-Requirements-and-Exemptions-Handout-PDF

• Exempt Work often exempt from permit requirement (subject to limits/caveats): Accessory sheds/playhouses ≤120 sf with setbacks Fences ≤6 ft Retaining walls ≤4 ft (unless supporting certain surcharge/impoundment cases) Certain minor electrical/mechanical/plumbing work (e.g., plug-in appliances, minor repairs/replacements in limited contexts) Small roof repair work under narrow thresholds

Note: Exemptions are narrow and condition-based. Exempt status does **not** mean code/other-law compliance is waived. Emergency repair work still requires prompt permit filing (next working business day). Source URL: https://www.imperialbeachca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/291/Permit-Requirements-and-Exemptions-Handout-PDF

Building code

The city references the 2022 California Building Code (as amended by IBMC Chapter 15.06) and applies City amendments; verify current municipal code for latest referenced editions.

Permit validity

City materials reference permit extension/plan-check extension requests; expiration policy and extension terms are governed by CBC/municipal code and should be confirmed at permit intake.

Owner-builder

Property owner may be required to sign owner-builder acknowledgment; permitted only under strict conditions; liability and risk responsibilities are explained to owner; owner may instead have permit in licensed contractor name.

Contractor requirements

California-licensed and bonded contractors are required for contract work; license numbers must be listed on permits/contracts.

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Imperial Beach ↗

1. 01
   Register/login in the Citizen Self-Service portal.
2. 02
   Select **Apply -> Permits** and choose the permit category that matches your scope of work.
3. 03
   Follow on-screen steps and submit permit application + plans.
4. 04
   Upload required plans/forms (including supplemental docs listed below where applicable).
5. 05
   For minor permits not requiring plans, minor permit intake is stated as 2 business days after complete submission.
6. 06
   Inspection/permit updates can be requested on the same CSS portal after application submission.

Typical processing time: Minor permits without plans = 2 business days (if complete).

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Imperial Beach ↗

credit card/service fees are billed at actual third-party cost, and city service fees apply where listed; many permits require plan check + inspections + state items (see schedule table).

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

• Phone: (619) 628-1360 Portal: Email contact observed on final-inspection handout: ibinspections@imperialbeachca.gov (online)
• (619) 628-1360 (phone)
• ibinspections@imperialbeachca.gov (email)

Source: Building Division, Community Development Department, City of Imperial Beach ↗