Building Division

Main: (714) 536-5241
Fax: (714) 374-1647

Walk-in Hours:
Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

*Email [email protected] for requests outside of walk-in hours

News & Highlights

Notice of New Codes:

The following new codes will go into effect on January 1, 2020:

2019 California Building Code

2019 California Residential Code

2019 California Mechanical Code

2019 California Plumbing Code

2019 California Electrical Code

2018 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

2018 Uniform Solar Energy and Hydroponics Code

For further information, you may contact the Building Division at (714) 536-5241.

Notice of Fee Schedule Update on January 2, 2017

posted on November 10, 2016

On November 7, 2016 City Council Approved Resolution No. 2016-59:

“A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Establishing a Consolidated Comprehensive Citywide Master Fee and Charges Schedule”

Pursuant to Resolution 2016-59, the Building Division Permit Fee Schedule will be updated to reflect these fees and will go into effect on January 6, 2017.

For further information, you may contact the Building Division at (714) 536-5241.

AB 2188 Solar Initiative Adopted by City of Huntington Beach

posted on September 10, 2015

Effective September 21, 2015, the City of Huntington Beach Department of Community Development will implement the CA State AB 2188 guidelines for photovoltaic solar and solar water heating installations. Pursuant to AB 2188, qualifying installations will be expedited for plan review (within 3 business days) and inspections (within 5 business days).

Additionally, all photovoltaic solar and solar water heating permits will now incur a fee of $384 (+automation fee).. This fee covers the cost of plan review, inspection, and processing fees. Please see the links below for related documents. For further information on the guidelines, please contact the Building Division at (714) 536-5241.

Submittal Requirements - Photovoltaic Solar

Eligibility Checklist - Photovoltaic Solar

Standard Plan (Central/String Inverter Systems) - Photovoltaic Solar

Standard Plan (Microinverter & ACM Systems) - Photovoltaic Solar

Structural Criteria - Photovoltaic Solar

Inspection Guide - Photovoltaic Solar

Submittal Requirements - Solar Domestic Water Heating

Eligibility Checklist - Solar Domestic Water Heating

Standard Plan - Solar Domestic Water Heating

Structural Criteria - Photovoltaic Solar

Inspection Guide - Photovoltaic Solar

Submittal Requirements - Solar Pool Heating

Eligibility Checklist - Solar Pool Heating

Standard Plan - Solar Pool Heating

Structural Criteria - Photovoltaic Solar

Inspection Guide - Photovoltaic Solar

Fillable Permit Applications Now Available!

posted on September 24, 2013

Permit applications are now available in a fillable format on the Building Division website. Applicants can now download a permit application, type in the information on their computer, and then save and/or print the application. These time-saving applications can be found on the Forms and Applications section of the Building Division website, or through the link below. If you have questions or comments, please contact the Building Division at (714) 536-5241.

Fillable Forms & Applications

Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm Requirements

posted on January 29, 2013

The 2010 Senate Bill No. 183 amended the Health & Safety Code Section 17926, to require property owners for all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy to install a carbon monoxide device on or before July 1, 2011. The same requirements will apply to all other existing dwelling units (condos or apartments) on or before January 1, 2013. The adopted 2010 California Residential Code (Effective: January 1, 2011) also requires carbon monoxide devices to be installed when a building permit is issued for work exceeding $1,000. For more information regarding carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms, please read the Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarm Requirements for Residential Dwellings form or contact a Building Inspector at (714) 536-5241.

Use Our Pre-Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Program (Building Code Compliance Report) to avoid unexpected costs

posted on August 1, 2012

Applying for a Building Code Compliance Report is a proactive approach to identify and correct any possible deficiencies before a new owner or tenant is involved. Cost for this service coincides with the Certificate of Occupancy fees (based on the type of occupancy) as shown in the Fee Schedule. This process eliminates unexpected costs for code corrections.

We will research the approved plans and permit history for a specific address, perform an inspection and give the applicant a detailed report on the inspection findings. By using this process it can be determined if significant alterations have occurred without permits. Examples of common problems are:

Non permitted mezzanines in manufacturing or warehouses
Non permitted tenant improvement work within buildings (addition of additional office space)
Expired building and/or associated permits where the work was installed
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work that requires permits and listings.
Exiting out of buildings per occupancy classification.
Adjacent buildings or units use and/or occupancy type.
Non-permitted electrical changes to the service or sub-panels and distribution.
Changes in Occupancy Classifications

For more information on Code Compliance Reports or Certificates of Occupancy, please click on these links about New Businesses and Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy Inspections.

OCFCA Photovoltaic Solar Panel Guidelines

posted on February 2, 2011

Please see the attached link for information on the Orange County Fire Chief's Association guidelines for photovoltaic solar panels. These guidelines pertain to the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on residential and commercial properties. OCFCA Photovoltaic Guidelines

Counter Closure for Lunch - Effective October 1, 2010

posted on October 1, 2010

Effective October 1st, 2010 the Planning counter and Building counter will be closed for lunch, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. If you will be at the counter in the morning, please allow yourself enough time to complete your transaction before noon. Thank you for your assistance.