What Do You Need to Obtain a Building Permit in California?
If you’re planning a home addition, ADU, remodel, or new construction project in California, one of the first questions you’ll face is: what do I need to get a building permit? The answer depends on your city or county, the scope of your project, features of the property and the type of structure involved. However, there are common requirements that apply across most jurisdictions in Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Why You Need a Building Permit
A building permit is the official approval from your local building department that authorizes you to begin construction. Permits exist to protect homeowners, future buyers, and the public by ensuring that all work meets California Building Code (CBC) standards and safety. A Building Permit involves review by the Building and Safety Department to ensure that the design meets CBC requirements, and once the Building Permit is obtained, inspections are performed by building officials and the design professionals involved as a form of quality control during the construction phase. Unpermitted work can create serious problems when you sell your home, file an insurance claim, or try to refinance.
Common Documents Required for a Building Permit in California
While requirements vary by jurisdiction, most California building departments will ask for the following:
1. Completed Permit Application
Every city and county has its own permit application form. This typically includes the property address, owner information, contractor license number, project description, and estimated construction cost.
2. Site Plan
A site plan shows the property boundaries, existing structures, setbacks, and the location of the proposed work. It must be drawn to scale and accurately reflect the current conditions of the property.
3. Architectural Plans
Architectural drawings show the layout, dimensions, and design of the proposed structure. These include floor plans, elevations, and sections. For residential projects, these are often prepared by a Licensed Architect or designer.
4. Structural Engineering Drawings
For most construction projects; including additions, ADUs, new homes, retaining walls, and remodels involving structural changes; stamped structural drawings prepared by a Licensed Structural or Civil Engineer are required. These drawings show how the structure is designed to safely carry all loads, including gravity, wind, and seismic forces.
5. Structural Calculations
In addition to drawings, building departments typically require a set of structural calculations that demonstrate the engineering analysis behind the design. These must be signed and stamped by a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
6. Energy Compliance Documentation (Title 24)
California has strict energy efficiency requirements under Title 24. Most projects require a Title 24 energy compliance report prepared by a certified energy consultant. This is typically an analysis of the square footage of the house and square footage of openings like doors and windows, which ultimately determine the required size of the air conditioning units to effectively cool or heat the building.
7. Soils Report (Geotechnical Report)
For new construction or projects involving foundations in certain areas, a soils report prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer may be required. This is especially common in hillside areas and regions with expansive or unstable soils.
8. Contractor Information
If you’re hiring a general contractor, their California contractor’s license number and insurance information will typically be required as part of the permit application.
The Building Permit Process in Los Angeles and Ventura County
Once you submit your application and documents, the building department will conduct a plan check, which is a review of your drawings and calculations to confirm they comply with applicable codes. Plan check can take anywhere from a few days (for over-the-counter simple projects) to several months for complex projects or those requiring multiple department approvals.
Once approved and your permit is issued, construction can begin. Inspections are scheduled at key milestones throughout construction (foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and final).
How a Structural Engineer Can Help
A licensed structural engineer plays a critical role in the permit process. At German Engineering Design and Consulting Services, Inc., we prepare and stamp structural drawings and calculations that the building department requires. We are familiar with the plan check process in cities and counties throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County, including:
• Los Angeles Building and Safety (LADBS)
• Ventura County Building and Safety
• City of Thousand Oaks
• City of Simi Valley
• City of Burbank
• City of Pasadena
• And many more
We work directly with homeowners, Architects, Contractors and developers to deliver high quality Structural packages that minimize plan check comments and keep your project moving.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning a project and need Structural Engineering designs, drawings and calculations for your building permit, contact us today for a consultation.
📞 (888) 999-1022
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