Claremont, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers building permits within the City of Claremont. The City directs applicants to check with Planning and Engineering before submittal to confirm whether separate approvals are also required.

Department

City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

207 Harvard Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711

Phone

(909) 399-5471

Email

buildingapplications@claremontca.gov

Website

https://www.claremontca.gov/Business-Development/Building-and-Construction/Building-Permits-and-Plan-Checks

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Check with the Planning and Engineering divisions first to determine whether the project also needs planning or engineering approvals.
2. Complete the Building Permit Worksheet/Application and, if applicable, the contractor declaration/workers' compensation form.
3. For projects with plan sets, submit the worksheet/application, plans, and supporting documents electronically to buildingapplications@claremontca.gov. For permits without plans, Claremont says they may still be processed over the counter.
4. If applying online, complete the worksheet/application first, then upload the permit application and related plans through the City's OpenForms permit application form.
5. Respond to any plan check comments or revision requests. Claremont performs plan review to confirm compliance with state and local building codes before issuance.
6. Pay fees at permit issuance and obtain the permit.

Source: City of Claremont Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Claremont states permits are required when constructing, remodeling, or enlarging a building or structure, and for other property improvements. The City's examples include accessory structures, demolition, additions, garage conversions, remodels involving wall/window/door changes, window and door installation, decks and balconies, electrical panel/circuit work, plumbing, water heater work, water or sewer line replacement, HVAC installation or replacement, reroofing, and pools/spas.

Required Documents

• Building Permit Worksheet/Application
• contractor declaration/workers' compensation declaration
• plan sets and supporting documents for projects requiring plan check
• and project-specific checklists such as the demolition checklist where applicable.

Permit validity

The application form states the permit/plan review becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days of permit issuance, if the permit is not obtained within 180 days of plan submittal, or if work is suspended, abandoned, or shows no progressive work verified by a City inspector for 180 consecutive days.

Building code

Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 currently adopts the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, with local amendments. Title 15 also contains local adoptions for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire prevention, and green building standards.

Owner-builder

The owner-builder declaration states an owner may self-perform with employees or personal effort if the structure is not intended or offered for sale, or may act as owner-builder by contracting exclusively with licensed contractors. If the improvement is sold within one year of completion, the owner-builder bears the burden of proving it was not built for sale. The form also states that, except for the owner's personal residence occupied for at least one year before completion, an owner-builder cannot legally sell a structure they built unless it was constructed entirely by licensed contractors.

Contractor requirements

The contractor declaration requires the applicant to affirm that the contractor is licensed under Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code and that the license is in full force and effect. The permit worksheet requests contractor name, state license number, license type, expiration date, and workers' compensation expiration date.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Published permit issuance fee is $59.60 per permit; total permit cost is typically higher because valuation-based and other add-on fees apply.

Plan check fee

80% of the building permit fee where valuation exceeds $1,000; incomplete plan checking revisions are billed at $119.55 per hour.

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees are valuation-based for residential and non-residential occupancies, plus fixed issuance fees and percentage add-ons. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees also include unit/item-based components.

Trade permit fee

Building permit fees are valuation-based for residential and non-residential occupancies, plus fixed issuance fees and percentage add-ons. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees also include unit/item-based components.

Penalty (no permit)

Additional inspection fee $71.55 each; reinspection fee $120.55 each; investigation fee for work without a permit is equal to the permit fee but not less than $534.95, with an owner-builder exception floor of $248.40 when approved by the Building Official.

Payment note

Claremont Municipal Code Section 15.04.020 states permit fees are paid at the time of permit issuance. The City pages reviewed do not publish separate online payment instructions for standard building permits.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic work such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and interior trim.
• Repairing electrical fixtures on existing wiring and replacing switches, plugs, and light ballasts.
• Pumping out contents of a septic system.
• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, when the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the building is designed as portable, can be easily disassembled or removed without demolition, and contains no utilities.
• Fences or walls not over 36 inches high.

Important: Claremont says its exemption list is not all-inclusive and should be used only as a guideline. Even exempt work must still comply with applicable setbacks, fire-resistive standards, and other City code requirements. The City has locally deleted some otherwise broader CBC/CRC permit exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online inspection request form (online)
• inspection status lookup (online)
• buildingapplications@claremontca.gov (email)
• (909) 399-5471 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice.

Inspection hours

Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice. General inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The inspection request page says AM requests are scheduled within 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and PM requests within 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to schedule availability. Daily route information with estimated 3-hour windows is posted after 6:00 p.m. on the Building Inspections page.

Time windows

Claremont requires 24 hours advance notice. General inspection hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The inspection request page says AM requests are scheduled within 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and PM requests within 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to schedule availability. Daily route information with estimated 3-hour windows is posted after 6:00 p.m. on the Building Inspections page.

Typical inspection sequence: The City states inspections occur at various stages of construction for compliance with approved plans and California codes. Exact stages depend on project scope, but final inspection is required; for new buildings, structures, and remodeling work, the application form states a certificate of occupancy must be obtained before use and occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 currently adopts the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, with local amendments. Title 15 also contains local adoptions for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire prevention, and green building standards.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building permits and plan checks
• Inspections
• Municipal Code Title 15
• Planning permits
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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