Manhattan Beach, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building and Safety handles private-property building permits within City of Manhattan Beach limits. Work affecting the sidewalk, alley, street, or other public right-of-way may also require Traffic Engineering and/or Public Works permits.

Department

City of Manhattan Beach Community Development Department, Building and Safety Division

Address

1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Phone

(310) 802-5544

Email

cdadmin@manhattanbeach.gov , permits@manhattanbeach.gov

Website

https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/community-development/building-and-safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create or log into a CSS account.
2. In CSS, choose Apply, select the permit type, and add the project address.
3. Enter the project description and any required job details such as square footage and valuation.
4. Add contacts if needed.
5. Complete the permit-specific questions and upload the required PDF plans and supporting documents.
6. Review and submit the application in CSS.
7. City staff follows up on next steps; if plan corrections are required, resubmittals are handled by email to plancheck@citymb.info or directly with the assigned reviewer.
8. After approval and issuance, inspections are requested through CSS.

Typical processing time: No general citywide turnaround is published on the cited pages.

Source: City of Manhattan Beach Community Development Department, Building and Safety Division

General Requirements

The City says permits are required for construction improvement, repair, remodel, alteration, construction, or demolition projects, including patio covers, decks, pools/spas, sandblasting, most excavation, temporary power poles, re-roofing, window retrofit work, and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical system improvements.

Required Documents

• Required uploads depend on permit type, but the City's forms/handouts page identifies plan check submittal requirements for single-family and multi-residential/commercial projects plus common supporting items such as Contractor Declaration, structural observations, smoke/carbon-monoxide self-certification, waste management plan, energy forms, soils reports, and other trade-specific handouts/forms.

Permit validity

Plan checks expire if no permit is issued within 12 months of application. Issued permits become invalid unless work is commenced within 12 months after issuance. The City provides online extension/reinstatement request forms.

Building code

The Building and Safety current-codes page says Manhattan Beach is using the 2025 California Building Standards Codes as of January 1, 2026, with local amendments in Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Title 9 and Ordinances 25-0009 and 25-0010.

Owner-builder

City homeowner guidance says a property owner of a single-family home or duplex may obtain a permit for work performed on private property.

Contractor requirements

City-published guidance says contractors must be licensed by the State of California and have a City of Manhattan Beach business license. The Finance Department also states all contractors and subcontractors working on a project in the City must have a valid City of Manhattan Beach business license for the dates they work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

For combination building permits, the current schedule starts at $922 for projects up to 500 square feet. Separate state surcharges also apply in some cases.

Plan check fee

Project-specific; for example, the schedule includes separate plan-check components for combination permits, $43 for building/trades plan check extension, $92 for plan check reinstatement, and extra plan checks beyond the standard number of reviews as additional charged services.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. The City's schedule uses flat fees, square-foot tiers, hourly/time-and-materials charges, actual-cost charges, and valuation-based state surcharges depending on permit type. The fee study notes plan-check and permit fees are calculated in relation to California Building Code requirements.

Reinspection fee

The City warns a reinspection fee may be assessed if work is not ready, approved plans are missing, access is unavailable, or work deviates from approved plans. The fee schedule also lists Building/Trades Extra Plan Check and Re-Inspection/Extra Inspection charges.

Payment note

CSS is the City's primary system for permit applications and invoice handling. The Community Development page notes CSS is used to apply for permits/plans and pay invoices; separate water/sewer connection fee/process questions must be directed to Utilities.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• The City does not publish a standalone general building-permit exemption list on the pages above.
• Because Manhattan Beach has adopted the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes, common code-based exemptions generally include small detached accessory structures under the code threshold, some low fences, certain finish work such as painting/papering/cabinetry, and minor repair work that does not affect structural, life-safety, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or electrical systems.

Important: This is an inference from the City's adoption of the California codes, not a standalone Manhattan Beach exemption handout. Even if work is otherwise permit-exempt, separate zoning, coastal, right-of-way, tree, utility, waste-management, or HOA requirements may still apply. Confirm with Building and Safety before relying on an exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Request inspections through CSS at (online)
• (310) 802-5542 (phone)
• (310) 802-5533 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be made by 3:00 PM on the business day before the desired inspection date.

Inspection hours

Requests must be made by 3:00 PM on the business day before the desired inspection date. Estimated inspection windows are posted on the Daily Inspection Schedule after 5:30 PM on the prior business day.

Time windows

Requests must be made by 3:00 PM on the business day before the desired inspection date. Estimated inspection windows are posted on the Daily Inspection Schedule after 5:30 PM on the prior business day.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project. The City's residential inspection guide runs from pre-demo items through shoring, foundations, rough trade inspections, and finals. Stamped approved plans must be on site for inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The Building and Safety current-codes page says Manhattan Beach is using the 2025 California Building Standards Codes as of January 1, 2026, with local amendments in Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Title 9 and Ordinances 25-0009 and 25-0010.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/community-development/building-and-safety/permits-handouts-and-forms
• https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/community-development/contact-us
• https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/community-development/traffic-engineering-and-parking/right-of-way-permits
• https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/finance/business-license
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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