A building permit is required for any construction, repair, improvement, modification, or demolition of a structure, including plumbing, mechanical and eletrical items. The purpose of the building code is to protect the health and safety of the community.

Click here to download Application Forms for Building Permits

The Building Division maintains a staff of engineers who are qualified to review all aspects of any project including architectural, structural, disabled access, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and Title 24 energy conservation. The plan check process normally begins by obtaining zoning clearance from the Planning/Zoning counter. Plans may then be submitted to the Building Division for a plan check. As part of the plan check process, the Building Division will route plans to the Fire, Public Works, and Planning Departments. Depending on the complexity and the size of the project, the plan check process may occur over the counter or take up to four weeks to complete. Plan check fees also vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

The Building Division offers a pre-arranged conference between the design professional, or design team, and a Building Division plan review engineer to exchange information about a project early on in the design/development phase. Building Division staff may invite staff from the other departments to address the project adequately. Plan review engineers will be available for preliminary design conferences between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please call 714-765-5153 to schedule an appointment.

The design and construction of all structures shall be in full compliance with the City of Anaheim Municipal Code, which has adopted, but is not limited to the following codes:

California Building Code, 2001 Edition
California Mechanical Code, 2001 Edition
California Plumbing Code, 2001 Edition
California Electrical Code, 2001 Edition
International Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, published by ICBO
California Housing Code, 1997 Edition, published by IAPMO
International Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, 1997 Edition, published by IAPMO

For more information, Anaheim Municipal Code Title 15.02 is available at http://www.anaheim.net

Building inspection is the way the City ensures that new and remodeled buildings are constructed in accordance with the plans approved by the plan check section. The Building Division actively inspects in-progress and completed construction in order to ensure that buildings meet all health and safety regulations. The Inspection Job Card will indicate which inspection is required for a job. An inspection request can be made by calling the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system at (714) 765-4626 the day before the inspection is desired.

A homeowner can obtain a permit and proceed with construction, alteration or repair on his/her house and accessory buildings or facilities thereto if the owner resides or will reside in the dwelling. An owner may also hire a contractor to perform the work on his/her home. The contractor must be licensed and maintain the proper insurance and business licenses. State law requires worker's compensation insurance be provided for all workers. The owner may check the contractor's license status on the California State License Board website, at www.cslb.ca.gov

A Certificate of Occupancy may be issued pursuant to a building permit for new construction, additions, and changes of occupancy after all the necessary construction has been approved by the inspector. When the Building Division has determined that the construction has been completed according to the requirements of all applicable codes for the type of occupancy, a certificate may be issued.

The Building Division maintains building permits for original construction, remodels, and additions of buildings. These records may be researched and copied for a minimal fee at the public counter. Permit records are filed under the site address. In addition, plans for most large construction projects are imaged and stored for later viewing at the public counter. However, by State law, Building Division staff cannot make copies of plans or reports without the written permission of the owner and the person who prepared the plans. We advise you to contact the original, engineer or designer to obtain approval to copy plans.

The automated information line provides customers with general information. You may access our address, hours of operation or be connected with any Planning Department Division. Call 714 765-5100 and listen to the prompts for connection.

You may also view information on our website at www.anaheim.net.

A request for temporary utilities provides for the release of gas or electrical utilities for the purpose of equipment testing on projects prior to finalization of related trade permits. A fee will be assessed in order to process an application. It will then be routed to the building inspectors assigned to the project for approval. If granted, the approval for temporary utilities is valid for 30 calendar days. If necessary, an additional 30 day extension may be requested. There will be an additional charge for this and approvals from all applicable building inspectors will still be required.

The 24 hour automated voice response system provides customers with a variety of services over the telephone. By calling the IVR at 714 765-4626, customers may schedule, cancel or obtain results of inspections, retrieve plan check status or have permit applications faxed. You will be prompted through the entire process with the following information needed: Permit type, Permit number and the type of inspection or inspection code number. Inspections scheduled by 5 p.m. will be conducted the next business day. Inspections requested after 5 p.m. will be scheduled in two business days.