Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 18.04 Permits

A. Building permits. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remodel, move, remove, improve, convert or demolish any building or part of a building or structure, or change the character or occupancy or use of any building or structure, or part of a building or structure, in the City without first obtaining a permit covering such work from the Building Official.

B. Grading permits. No person, firm or corporation shall commence or perform any grading, and no person shall import or export any earth materials to or from any grading site, without first having obtained a permit therefore from the Building Official. Any grading project involving more than one hundred (100) cubic yards of excavation and involving an excavation in excess of five (5) feet in vertical depth at its deepest point measured from the original ground surface shall be done by a State of California licensed contractor who is licensed to perform the work described herein. A separate permit shall be required for each grading site. One (1) permit may include the entire grading operation at that site, however.

C. Electrical permits. No new electrical installation shall be made nor any alteration or addition performed to any existing wiring, nor shall any wiring for the placing or installation of any electric light, power or heating device, or any apparatus which generates, transmits, transforms or utilizes electricity operating at a voltage exceeding twenty-five (25) volts between conductors or capable of supplying more than fifty (50) watts, be made without first obtaining an electrical permit. A separate permit shall be obtained for the electrical wiring or installation in each separate building or structure.

D. Plumbing permits. No person, firm or corporation shall construct, install or alter any plumbing, water piping, gas piping, water heater, water heater vents, water treating equipment, or any appliance or device regulated by this title without obtaining a plumbing permit approving the proposed quality and character of workmanship and materials. Where a building is demolished or removed from its site, a permit and inspection is required to verify that the building sewer, water and gas service is properly capped to the satisfaction of the Building Official. A separate permit shall be obtained for the plumbing installation in each separate building or structure.

E. Mechanical permits. No person, firm or corporation shall install, alter, reconstruct or repair any heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment unless a permit therefore has been obtained from the Building Official except as otherwise provided in this title. A permit shall be obtained for all heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment, moved with, or installed in, any relocated building. A separate permit shall be obtained for the equipment installed in each separate building or structure.

F. Combination permits. A single combined permit may be issued for the construction of any one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building and structure, or additions or alterations thereto, which includes all building, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning work.

G. Sign permits. No person, firm or corporation shall construct any signs and billboards without first obtaining a permit covering such work from the Building Official.

No person, firm or corporation shall hang, suspend or otherwise affix any sign, street banner, pole banner, flag, pennant or street decoration on any street light pole, traffic signal pole or over and above any street unless a permit to do so is first obtained from the City Manager. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16.55 of Title 16, the City's policy on City sponsorship, corporate recognition and advertising, as adopted on July 23, 1996, as amended from time to time, and any guidelines that may from time to time be approved by the City Council.

EXCEPTION: The above provisions shall not apply to any sign or advertising matter lettered upon the surface of any awning, provided the awning is securely attached to a building and is not less than seven (7) feet above the sidewalk level immediately below.

H. Temporary permits. Before commencing the construction of any work for temporary structures or uses including, but not limited to, reviewing stands, bleachers, tents, sheds, canopies or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work, and other miscellaneous structures, a temporary permit authorizing such work shall be obtained therefore from the Building Official. Temporary permit may be restricted in the following conditions:

1. Application for permit. Except for canopies or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work, application for permit shall be filed with and approved by the Building Official prior to the construction, erection or operation of any device, structure, or any work regulated by this title for temporary structure or use.

2. Time limit. Such construction shall be occupied or used only for the period set forth in Subsection 18.04.060.A.

3. Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this title as necessary to ensure public health, safety and general welfare. Such temporary structures and temporary uses need not comply with the type of construction or fire-resistive time periods required by this title.

4. Temporary power. The Building Official is authorized to give permission to temporarily supply and use power in part of an electric installation before such installation has been fully completed and the final certificate of completion has been issued. The part covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements specified for temporary lighting, heat or power in the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42.

5. Inspection. Notwithstanding Chapter 18.07 to the contrary, request for inspection must be received at least five (5) days prior to public use or occupancy.

6. Removal after expiration. All temporary construction or installations shall be demolished or removed within five (5) days after the expiration of the permit.

7. Termination of approval. The Building Official is authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued.

I. Other permits.

1. Other permits must be obtained as required pursuant to any other provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

2. No person, firm or corporation shall commence moving of buildings or structures in the City without first complying with the provisions in Chapter 18.60 and obtaining a moving permit covering such work from the Building Official.

3. No person, firm or corporation shall commence drilling or redrilling for and the production of petroleum, abandonment of wells and the removal of all equipment related to the well, or maintain and operate any wells for petroleum operation without first complying with the provision in Title 12 and obtaining a permit covering such work from the Building Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

Exemption from the permit requirements of this title shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. Except for work undertaken to correct conditions determined to be substandard, nonconforming, dangerous or a nuisance under the provisions of Chapter 18.20, permits are not required for the following:

A. Permits not required. Neither building, grading, subtrade or temporary permits of this title are required for the following:

1. Buildings, structures, or utilities placed in public streets, alleys, sidewalks, and other public right of ways as defined in Section 14.08.010 and regulated in Chapter 14.48.

2. Buildings, structures, or utilities under the auspices of and owned or controlled by the federal government, the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, or by a public school district.

3. Work done by employees of the City on City-owned or leased buildings, structures, or utilities when justifiable cause is demonstrated and approved by the Building Official.

4. A temporary shed or other structure incidental to and for work authorized by a valid building, grading or subtrade permit. Such buildings and structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of work covered by the permit.

B. Building permits not required. Building permits are not required for any of the following, provided the work is not in violation of the Zoning Regulations:

1. Where the work regulated by this title is valued at one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or less, unless it affects the fire life-safety, structural stability or required accessible route of a building or structure, or public safety, or is done to make a building conform to the requirements of this title for a change in occupancy or use.

2. One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, children's playhouses and similar uses, provided that the building or structure is accessory to a dwelling unit; it does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area; and complies with maximum height requirements of the zoning regulations. A permit shall be obtained for any work related to the installation of plumbing, electrical, or mechanical items.

3. Isolated buildings or structures not larger in area than sixteen (16) square feet in size, including roof projections, and not more than eight (8) feet in height, if separated by a distance of twenty (20) feet or more.

4. Fences constructed of materials other than concrete, masonry, brick, heavy timber or other similar materials that are not over seven (7) feet in height above grade. Fences constructed partially or in whole of concrete, masonry, brick, heavy timber or other similar materials that are not over four (4) feet in height above grade. Fences constructed without a building permit per this subsection shall also comply with the height limits of Section 21.46.020.

5. Retaining walls or planter boxes that are not over four (4) feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or sloping earth, or impounding flammable liquids. This exemption shall not apply to retaining walls of any height built on slopes steeper than one (1) unit vertical in five (5) units horizontal (20% slope).

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty (30) inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of a required accessible route.

7. Application of hot or cold paint on a roof of a building or structure.

8. Repair of roofing not in excess of one hundred (100) square feet on an existing building or structure within any twelve (12) month period.

9. Painting, papering, carpeting and similar finish work that are not required to comply with accessibility regulations.

10. Installation of ceramic tile on floor, countertops and walls less than forty-eight (48) inches in height.

11. Replacement of broken or damaged ceramic tile in an existing installation.

12. Plaster repairing not in excess of one hundred (100) square feet of interior or exterior plaster.

13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five (5) feet nine (9) inches in height.

14. Exhibits, booths, partitions and display counters for temporary use not exceeding thirty (30) days in conjunction with an exhibit or show and not exceeding twelve (12) feet in height above the floor.

15. Window awnings in one- or two-family dwellings and related accessory building or structure supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than fifty-four (54) inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

16. Swimming, bathing and wading pools not over eighteen (18) inches in depth, provide a distance from the pool to the property lines and buildings or structures not less than the depth of the pool, and not having a surface area exceeding two hundred fifty (250) square feet; there is no electrical or plumbing installation.

17. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than eighteen (18) inches deep, do not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons and are installed entirely above ground; it contains no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations regulated by this title.

18. Veneer less than four (4) feet in height.

19. Waterproof pointing of joints in masonry or veneer, also cleaning with detergents which are not injurious to clothing or skin of persons and are not removed by liquid washing, provided work is done from safely enclosed scaffolding which will collect any dust, debris or dropped tools and materials in use.

20. Prefabricated outdoor tents or canopy structures for temporary use not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days, provided such tents or canopies are accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling on the site; and is not in violation of Title 9 Public Peace, Morals and Welfare, Section 9.65.050 Prohibited Canopy Structure, or the California Fire Code adopted in Chapter 18.48.

21. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service system.

22. Decks not exceeding two hundred (200) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door.

C. Grading permits not required. Grading permits are not required for any of the following:

1. An excavation which: (a) is less than two (2) feet in depth, or (b) which does not create a cut slope greater than five (5) feet in height and steeper than one (1) unit vertical in two (2) units horizontal (50% slope). This exception shall not apply to cut which exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards or which changes the existing drainage pattern.

2. A fill less than one (1) foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than one (1) unit vertical in ten (10) units horizontal (10% slope). This exception shall not apply when the fill exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards or when the fill changes the existing drainage pattern.

3. Excavations for caissons or piles under buildings or structures authorized by valid building permits.

4. Excavations for basements, footings, caissons, piles, swimming pools or underground structures that are authorized by valid building permits.

5. Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities, which do not provide vertical or lateral support for buildings, or adversely impact the safety or stability of private or public properties.

6. Excavation in an isolated, self-contained area if the Building Official finds that by reason of such isolation and self-containment no danger to private or public property can now or thereafter result from grading operations.

7. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations of local, State or federal departments or agencies.

8. Cemetery graves.

9. Exploratory excavation performed under the direction of a registered design professional.

10. Mining, quarrying, excavation, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations of local, State or federal departments or agencies, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.

D. Electrical permits not required. Electrical permits are not required for any of the following:

1. Electric wiring expressly declared to be exempt from the provisions of this title by any other section thereof.

2. Wiring for temporary theater sets on the theater stages or temporary motion picture or television sets on any property belonging to or under the control of the City, privately owned studios, theaters, or similar locations designed for that usage.

3. Installation of any portable motor or other portable appliance energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end, when that cord or cable is permitted by this title.

4. Festive temporary decorative lighting in dwelling occupancies only, for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days.

5. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or marquees, except for the retrofitting of lighting and exit fixtures that are part of a required emergency lighting system.

6. The following installation and electrical wiring:

a. Non-required signaling circuits supplied by an approved Class 2 limited power source, capable of supplying not more than thirty (30) volts and one hundred (100) volt-amperes.

b. Non-required communication circuits which have the power limited in accordance with Article 725 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42.

c. Non-required amplifier output circuits which are permitted by Article 640 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42 to employ Class 2 or Class 3 wiring.

d. Reinstallation of attachment wall plug receptacles or wall switches but not the outlet therefore.

e. Repair or replacement of current carrying parts or any switch, contactor or control device.

Provided the wiring for any of the above items is not located in any of the following locations or conditions:

i. Area classified as "hazardous" under Article 500 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42.

ii. Appurtenant to a required fire alarm system as classified under Article 760 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42.

iii. Penetrating any fire-resistive wall or floor system.

iv. In a plenum, duct or other space used for environmental air including access floors.

7. Any similar minor repair or replacement determined by the Building Official not to involve any hazard to life or property.

8. Repair of incandescent lighting fixtures in one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building and structure.

9. Any electric wiring, except wiring located in an area classified as "hazardous" under Article 500 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42 after the branch circuit distribution panelboards used exclusively to supply or interconnect equipment installed, owned, operated or maintained by a communication public utility and used exclusively for communication purposes, in the exercise of its communication public utility functions within the communication public utility controlled areas.

10. The replacement of defective smoke detectors in a one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building and structure when the work is performed by a contractor with a valid contractor license issued by the State and a valid business license issued by the City.

11. The installation by Southern California Edison Company of radio-controlled relays on privately owned air conditioning equipment in the company's program of energy conservation through electrical load management, entitled "Air Conditioner Cycling Program", provided that:

a. The relays shall be tested and labeled by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.,

b. The Building Official shall approve of specifications for the installation of relays, and

c. The relays shall be installed and maintained by Southern California Edison Company or its contractors.

12. Repair or replacement of cords or cables allowed by other sections of this title.

The provisions of the foregoing exceptions shall not apply to any repairs or replacements of electrical devices, apparatus, or appliances which were originally installed without a permit when such permit is required for the original installation, or when energized by, or which is a part of any hazardous or illegal wiring system.

E. Plumbing permits not required. Plumbing permits are not required for any of the following:

1. The stopping of leaks or the repair of defects in any plumbing, provided no new materials are used.

2. The repair of a water heater other than its vents, provided the water heater is not disconnected.

3. The replacement of exposed traps serving fixtures, provided approved traps are used and are properly installed.

4. The replacement of defective or unapproved ball cocks in water tanks, provided anti-siphon ball cocks are used and properly installed.

5. The repair of defective or unapproved faucets serving sinks, lavatories and bathtubs, provided approved type faucets are used and are properly installed.

6. Any gas piping not more than six (6) feet in length between an approved gas outlet and any gas-fired appliance, provided that any such gas-fired appliance is in the same room as the gas outlet.

7. Any sewer located entirely in the public right-of-way and under the authority of the Department of Public Works or Department of Water.

8. A plumbing system, or part thereof, set up for exhibition purposes and has no connection with a water or drainage system; and is not in violation of any rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Water.

F. Mechanical permits not required. Mechanical permits are not required for any of the following:

1. Any portable heating appliance.

2. Any portable ventilating equipment.

3. Any portable cooling unit.

4. Any steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this title.

5. Replacement or repair of any component part or assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this title.

6. Any portable evaporative cooler.

7. Any refrigerating equipment that is a part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this title.

8. Any unit refrigerating system.

G. Sign permits not required. Sign permits are not required if exempt under the provision of Section 21.44.500 of the Zoning Regulations.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Application for permit. To obtain a permit as required in Section 18.04.010, the applicant shall first file an application therefore in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose and at the time of making the application for such a permit, pay the required fee as set forth in Chapter 18.06. One complete application for each permit shall be filed. A separate permit shall be obtained for each building or structure, except where a combination permit is allowed pursuant to Subsection 18.04.010.F. Every such application shall, when applicable:

1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.

2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.

3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.

4. Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required in Chapter 18.05.

5. State the valuation of the proposed work.

6. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.

7. Give such other data and information as required by the Building Official.

8. State the estimated quantities of excavation and fill, when applicable.

B. Action on application. The Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State, the Building Official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the Building Official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto, the Building Official shall issue a permit pursuant to Section 18.04.040.

C. Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith and plans examination have not expired pursuant to Section 18.05.060 or a permit has been issued and have not expired pursuant to Section 18.04.060.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Issuance. When the Building Official determines that the proposed work conforms to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto, including receiving approval from other departments or agencies in the City that regulate such proposed work, and that the fees and charges as set forth Chapter 18.06 and other liens, costs, and/or fees due to the City have been paid, the Building Official shall issue a permit therefore to the permittee meeting the requirement of Section 18.04.070.

EXCEPTIONS: The Building Official shall have the authority to withhold the issuance of permits under the following circumstances:

1. Harbor District. No permit shall be issued for the construction, extension, alteration, improvement, erection, remodeling or repair of any pier, slip, basin, wharf, dock or other harbor structure of any building or structure within the Harbor District, unless the Board of Harbor Commissioners has first granted permission authorizing such work to be done as provided in the charter of the City.

2. Marinas. No permit shall be issued for the construction, extension, alteration, improvement, erection, remodeling or repair of any pier, slip, basin, wharf, dock or other marina structure or any building or structure within the Alamitos Bay Marina, Downtown Shoreline Marina or Shoreline Harbor Marina unless the Marine Bureau has first granted permission authorizing such work to be done.

3. Model homes. No permit shall be issued for model homes unless the property owner has complied with all of the requirements of Subsection 20.08.160 of Title 20 and the Director of Public Works has granted permission authorizing such work to be done.

4. Excavation or improvements adjacent to public rights-of-way. No permit shall be issued for projects that make any excavation or improvements in, on, or under the surface of private property adjacent to any right-of-way, where lateral support to such right-of-way or improvements or property within such right-of-way is affected by such excavation pursuant to Subsection 14.08.020.A Item 3 unless such excavation complies with the additional requirements specified in Article IV of Chapter 14.08 and the Director of Public Works has granted permission authorizing such work to be done.

B. Phased approval. The Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure have been approved, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this title. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.

C. Placement of permit. The permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-23-0052 § 1, 2023; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Limit of authorization.

1. The issuance or granting of a permit is not an approval or an authorization of the work specified therein. A permit is merely an application for inspection, the issuance of which entitles the permittee to inspection of the work that is described therein.

2. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data.

3. Permits issued under the requirements of this title shall not relieve the owner of responsibility for securing required permits for work to be done which is regulated by any other title, code or other ordinances of the City or laws and statues of the State.

4. If the work described by a valid permit is prohibited by a change in the municipal code, then such work may be completed only if the Building Official determines that both substantial liabilities have been incurred, and substantial work has been performed on site, in accordance with the terms of that permit. Work performed and liabilities incurred pursuant to a demolition or moving permit shall not be considered in determining whether an owner may complete a building or structure for which a permit has been issued.

B. Validity of other laws. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City or law and statutes of the State shall not be valid. The Building Official is authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure pursuant to Section 18.03.020 where in violation of the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

C. Official grades. The permittee shall decide the correctness of proposed structure elevations and locations with respect to the official grades of public streets and to the policy of the Department of Public Works relative to the location and length of curb depressions for driveways.

D. Easements. Before the issuance or granting of a permit, the Building Official shall require a declaration, under penalty of perjury, from the owner or agent having the property owner's consent stating that: "The proposed work will not destroy or unreasonably interfere with any access or utility easement belonging to others and located on my property, but in the event such work does destroy or unreasonably interfere with such easement, a substitute easement(s) satisfactory to the holder(s) of the easement will be provided."

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Expiration. Every permit issued shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of its issuance; provided however that every permit issued shall expire on the ninetieth (90th) day after its issuance if the work on the site authorized by such permit has not commenced or has not been inspected as required by Chapter 18.07; or shall expire whenever the Building Official determines the work authorized by such permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned or has not been inspected as required by Chapter 18.07 for a continuous period of ninety (90) days after the time the work has commenced.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. If the holder of any permit issued by the Building and Safety Bureau presents satisfactory evidence that unusual construction difficulties have prevented work from being started or continued without being suspended, discontinued or abandoned or the work has not been inspected within the ninetieth (90th) day time period, the Building Official shall have the authority to grant extensions of time as reasonably necessary, each not to exceed ninety (90) days and not to extend beyond the period of validity. The extension shall be requested in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose with the justifiable cause demonstrated pursuant to Section 18.03.050. Requests for additional extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Building Official, however, additional requirements dependent on the circumstances may apply.

2. If the holder of any permit issued by the Building and Safety Bureau presents satisfactory evidence that unusual construction difficulties have prevented work from being completed within the two (2) year period of validity, the Building Official shall have the authority to grant a maximum of two (2) extensions each not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days. The extension shall be requested in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose with the justifiable cause demonstrated pursuant to Section 18.03.050. Requests for additional extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Building Official, however, additional requirements dependent on the circumstances may apply.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection to the contrary, the time limit of a permit may be further restricted under the following conditions:

1. In the case of a building or structure that has been ordered repaired, rehabilitated, vacated or demolished in accordance with this title; ordered to correct a violation of this title in accordance with Chapters 18.03 and 18.20; or in the case of a responsible person that has been ordered to correct a violation or unsafe condition of a building or structure pursuant to Chapters 8.76, 9.37, or 9.65, such time limits as specified therein shall apply.

2. The Building Official may, because of unusual circumstances or conditions such as, but not limited to, the repair, rehabilitation, vacation or demolition of an imminently hazardous, substandard, or dangerous building or structure, or a grading operation that may be subject to flooding during the rainy season between October 1st to April 15th, impose restrictions upon the time limits for expiration of any permit.

3. Permit issued for temporary structures or uses shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted for more than one hundred eighty (180) days within the last twelve (12) months.

4. Permit issued for moving buildings and structures pursuant to Chapter 18.60 shall be limited as specified in Section 18.60.190.

5. Permit issued to complete the required work pursuant to Subsection 18.04.060.B shall be limited to thirty (30) days or such time limits as determined by the Building Official from the date of the permit issuance.

B. Unfinished buildings or structures. Whenever the Building Official determines by inspection that work on any building or structure for which a permit has been issued and the work started thereon has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of ninety (90) days or more or the permit expired after the two-year period of validity, the owner of the property upon which such building or structure is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the Building Official to do so, shall, within thirty (30) days or such time limits as specified therein from the date of such written notice, obtain a new permit to complete the required work, pay the fee of one-half (½) the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original approved construction documents for such work, and diligently pursue the work to completion and provided, further, that such suspension, discontinuance or abandonment has not exceeded one hundred eighty (180) days; or shall remove or demolish the building or structure within ninety (90) days or such time limits as specified therein from the date of the written notice.

C. Restore to original condition. Permits that have expired shall have the site, building or project restored to the condition that existed immediately prior to the commencement of work described by such permit.

D. Suspension or revocation. The Building Official shall have the authority to, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this title whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information supplied, or in violation of any provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

E. Transfer of permit. Active permits required by this title may be transferred to a qualified person meeting the requirement of Section 18.04.070 for a fee as set forth in Section 18.06.170.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Permittee. Permits as required by this chapter shall be issued only to the following individuals:

1. A duly licensed contractor acting in compliance with the provisions of Sections 7000 through 7199 of the California Business and Professions Code and the Business License Regulations set forth in Title 5 of the municipal code, provided a written and signed statement from the duly licensed contractor stating that he or she is licensed, the number of the license and that it is in full force and effect as required by Section 7031.5 of the California Business and Professions Code.

2. An owner of a one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure acting in compliance with the provisions of Section 7044 of the California Business and Professions Code; provided however that the improvements of the property are not intended or offered for sale, the owner occupies or intends to occupy one (1) of the units where such permit is to be obtained for the twelve (12) months prior to the completion of the work, and the owner has not performed work on more than two (2) buildings or structures during any three-year period.

3. An owner-builder acting in compliance with the provisions of Section 7044 of the California Business and Professions Code; provided however that the owner-builder does the work himself or herself or through his or her own employees, with wages as their sole compensation, and the structure(s) is/are not intended for sale; or the owner-builder contracts with properly licensed subcontractors for the construction of a single-family residential structure and limits the number of structures intended or offered for sale to four (4) or fewer in a calendar year.

4. A responsible person not acting in violation of Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code and the Business License Regulations set forth in Title 5 of the municipal code; provided a written and signed statement by the responsible person giving the basis for the alleged exemption from licensure under the Contractors' State License Law.

B. Workers' compensation insurance verification. The Building Official is required by Section 3800(a) of the California Labor Code to verify workers' compensation insurance prior to issuing a permit. The permittee shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury verifying Workers' Compensation Coverage or exemption from coverage as required by Section 19825 of the California Health and Safety Code.

C. Responsibility. Permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provision that the permittee, the permittee's agent, employees, contractors or subcontractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved construction documents and with all provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto, whether specified or not. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto.

D. Required contractor and subcontractor documentation for large construction projects. The permittee shall document all contractors and subcontractors as follows:

1. A person applying for a permit under this Code to perform work on large construction projects, including, residential projects consisting of fifty (50) or more dwelling units, or commercial projects consisting of fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or more of new construction, shall submit the following additional information at the time of permit issuance:

a. A list of all contractors, subcontractors, and verification of each subcontractor's workers' compensation insurance policy number and expiration date; state contractor's license number, classification and expiration date; and City business license number and expiration date. No person shall contract or subcontract construction work without a valid contractor's license pursuant to applicable provisions of the state business and professions code.

b. A disclosure of any pending or previous enforcement actions, penalties paid for state or federal labor code violations, and the penalties for non-compliance, including the issuance of a Stop Work Notice, related to the provisions of the California Labor Code within the previous five (5) years for all subcontractors.

c. A disclosure of any allocations of healthcare expenditures made to or on behalf of each construction worker and for their contractors and subcontractors.

2. In the event that the applicant cannot provide a list of valid contractors or subcontractors, and the information required above at the time of permit issuance, the applicant shall provide this information to the City, within a reasonable period of time after issuance of each permit not to exceed 90 days or as agreed upon by the Building Official, but prior to commencement of any work pursuant to said permit. Failure to provide valid and current contractor and subcontractor information prior to commencing work shall result in one or more of the following:

a. Issuance of a Stop Work Order; and

b. Revocation of any permit issued by the City; and

c. The permittee paying a penalty for default to the City in an amount equal to the original permit fee for each violation in order to defray City costs of enforcement of this section prior to the issuance of any new permit.

3. The information required by section 1 shall be submitted when any new contractor or subcontractor is added to the permit.

4. Any work performed prior to satisfying the requirements of this section may be deemed as construction without required permits.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-24-0018, § 1, 2024; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)