Tustin, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to building permits within the City of Tustin city limits; zoning/planning review may also be required through the City Planning Division before permit issuance.

Department

City of Tustin Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780

Phone

714-573-3130

Email

tustinbuilding@tustinca.org , planpermitsubmittals@tustinca.org , buildingtech@tustinca.org

Website

https://www.tustinca.org/153/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Prepare plans, permit application, and supporting documents. The City says many projects require plans prepared by a licensed design professional, and zoning or other approvals may be needed before permit issuance.
2. Submit the application package through the CSS portal. The Building Division also still references email submittals to `PlanPermitSubmittals@tustinca.org` for building projects and `PVSubmittals@tustinca.org` for PV solar, and hard-copy appointments remain available at City Hall by appointment.
3. City staff reviews for zoning, grading, building code, fire/life safety, accessibility, and other applicable requirements. Standard first plan check is approximately 10 working days, with resubmittals typically returned within 5 working days, unless special approvals are required.
4. After approval, pay required fees and obtain the permit before starting work.
5. Request inspections during construction through the CSS portal. Requests submitted by 3:00 p.m. are performed the following workday.
6. Complete all required inspections and final inspection before occupancy/use where applicable.
7. Processing time estimate if available: approximately 10 working days for first plan check and 5 working days for resubmittals; minor-project plan check by appointment is also available.
8. Source URL: https://www.tustinca.org/409/Permits-Process ; https://www.tustinca.org/406/Inspection-Requests ; https://www.tustinca.org/faq

Source: City of Tustin Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Tustin requires building permits for projects that are altered, enlarged, modified, or remodeled; for accessory buildings; commercial or residential buildings; interior or exterior alterations; and room additions. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for alterations, new installations, modifications, replacements, or change-outs of those systems. Grading permits are required if more than 50 cubic yards of earth is moved, one foot of fill is used, or a cut slope exceeds 5 feet vertically.

Required Documents

• At minimum, permit application and plans. Tustin guidance for typical residential additions/alterations calls for project information, owner/applicant/contractor details, workers' compensation information, owner-builder declaration if applicable, four identical plan sets, and when required structural calculations, soils reports, energy calculations, specifications, site plan, floor plans, framing plans, elevations, and other technical details. Other approvals may also be required, including Planning review, school district clearance for some additions, HOA approval, and fire/public works review depending on the project.

Permit validity

City sources state a permit is valid for 180 days if work is active and progressing, but the FAQ also states building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits become null and void if work is not commenced within 360 days from permit issuance. Renewals/extensions may be granted depending on permit status and completed inspections.

Building code

Tustin enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Codes effective January 1, 2023, including the 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building Standards, and Referenced Standards Codes, plus local amendments under Ordinance No. 1529. The City has also published a 2025 code update indicating new code adoption effective January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Tustin provides an owner-builder package and disclosures. The City will not issue an owner-builder permit until the property owner completes the required acknowledgment form. Owner-builders are legally and financially responsible for the project, may need to carry workers' compensation if hiring workers, and cannot use the owner-builder exemption to build single-family structures for sale except within the limits stated in California law.

Contractor requirements

Contractors are required by law to be licensed and bonded in California, and to list license numbers on permits and contracts. If the permit is not issued to a licensed contractor, the application must be handled as an owner-builder project.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit issuance base fee is $40.00; some valuation-based tenant improvement permits show a $182.60 minimum.

Plan check fee

Additional plan check for changes, additions, or revisions to approved plans is $163.00 per hour. Fast-track/out-of-hours plan check is 1.5 times the hourly rate. The fee schedule also states MEPS plan check fees are 35% of the building plan check fee or 75% of the MEP plan check fee where applicable.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Tustin uses a $40 permit issuance base fee plus project-type flat fees for many common permit categories, while some permits are valuation-based or square-foot/unit based. Examples in the FY 2025 fee schedule include tenant improvements valued by project valuation, residential solar/PV permits fixed at $413.00, and various electrical/plumbing/mechanical unit fees.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection is $145.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Work performed without a permit is charged the permit fee plus a penalty equal to two times the permit fee, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum.

Penalty (no permit)

Reinspection is $145.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Work performed without a permit is charged the permit fee plus a penalty equal to two times the permit fee, with a $300 minimum and $3,000 maximum.

Payment note

Online credit card convenience fee is charged at actual cost. Returned check/ACH reject fees follow state-code amounts listed in the fee schedule.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Construction of planter boxes less than 24 inches high.
• Fences, block/brick walls, wood, or iron walls not exceeding 3 feet in height.
• Open or unroofed concrete patio slabs, driveways, and wood decks if platforms and walks are not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work.
• Repair of plumbing leaks.
• Replacement of faucets.
• Replacement of lighting fixtures or outlets.
• Low-voltage yard lighting.

Important: Tustin states separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for otherwise exempt items. Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates code, zoning, setback, or other city requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Primary method is online through the CSS portal via https (online)
• 714-573-3141 (phone)
• 714-573-3130 (phone)

Inspection hours

Inspection requests can be submitted through CSS 24 hours a day. Requests received by 3:00 p.m. are performed the following workday. To obtain the inspection time window, the City instructs applicants to call the assigned inspector between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the inspection day.

Typical inspection sequence: Tustin's residential addition/alteration guide lists the basic sequence as foundation, frame, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roof sheathing, insulation, exterior finishes, drywall, and final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Tustin enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Codes effective January 1, 2023, including the 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building Standards, and Referenced Standards Codes, plus local amendments under Ordinance No. 1529. The City has also published a 2025 code update indicating new code adoption effective January 1, 2026.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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