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1. Do I need a permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, remodeling, expansion, addition or repair to a structure. Work requiring a permit includes (but is not limited to) additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, trellises, carports, sheds, skylights, covered patios, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, termite repairs, solar panels, accessory structures and most interior and exterior remodeling work.

Construction undertaken without a permit may be subject to a penalty on all required permits and may involve dismantling or uncovering completed work to provide access for inspection. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, contact us prior to commencement of the work.

2. Who may apply for a permit?

Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or sub-permit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work will be required to sign an "Owner-Builder Declaration" stating that they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from the requirement of having Workers' Compensation Insurance, or they will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

3. How do I apply for a permit?

The first step is to fill out a building permit application form. This form must be submitted for all construction and must be completely filled out and signed. If the applicant is lacking any information asked for on the form, this should be brought to the attention of the staff member accepting the application so that he or she can assist the applicant in completing the form.

• Click here for more detailed information about applying for a permit. 

Construction work must start within 365 days of the issuance of the permit. If work has not been started and no inspections have been called for in this period, the permit will be declared null and void. The permit may be renewed for one-half the original permit fee if no change in the plans are made, but the renewal process may only be used up to one year after issuance. Beyond that time a new application and full fee will be required.

The Building Official may extend an unexpired permit once for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing reason(s) for not commencing the construction. Visit our

Forms, Publications, and Codes page.

4. How much will it cost?

Building permit fees are based on a proportion of the total construction cost, including all materials and labor involved in the proposed work. A building plan checking fee is assessed at 65% of the building permit fee. Plan check fees must be paid upon submittal of the plans and application.

5. Are construction plans required?

If you asked the question, they probably are. In order to approve your building permit application the plan checker or building inspector needs to have a clear picture of your project. You must always assume that someone other than yourself is going to do the construction. Very minor work, such as dry rot repair, usually does not require plans. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, removal or addition of walls, exterior changes, additions, will all require plans

6. What kind of plans are required?

All plans must include the name, address, stamp and signature of the architect, engineer, designer or other person preparing the plans. No marked-over or altered plans will be accepted. If major revisions are necessary or additional information is required, the original drawings must be corrected and resubmitted.

Completeness and clarity of the drawings is essential. Remember that the plan checker can only review your plans to the level of the information you supply. Your plans would be considered complete if you could give them to a total stranger and he/she could understand how the building will be constructed and what the finished project will look like. Incomplete and unclear plans can delay issuance of your permit.

7. How many copies of the plans do I need?

Hard copies are no longer required. We are accepting electronic submittals only. Please send permit applications, plan sets, structural calculations or any other file that is part of your submittal to building@hmbcity.com or bcorrales@hmbcity.com 

8. When is a Building Permit not required?

From the 2022 California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5, Section R105.2

 Work exempt from permit.

Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

1. Building:
   1. 1.Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m²). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
   2. 2.Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
   3. 3.Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
   4. 4.Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
   5. 5.Sidewalks and driveways.
   6. 6.Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
   7. 7.Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
   8. 8.Swings and other playground equipment.
   9. 9.Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
   10. 10.Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m²) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.
2. Electrical:
   1. 1.Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
   2. 2.Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets therefor.
   3. 3.Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
   4. 4.Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
   5. 5.Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
3. Gas:
   1. 1.Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
   2. 2.Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
   3. 3.Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
4. Mechanical:
   1. 1.Portable heating appliances.
   2. 2.Portable ventilation appliances.
   3. 3.Portable cooling units.
   4. 4.Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
   5. 5.Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
   6. 6.Portable evaporative coolers.
   7. 7.Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
   8. 8.Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
5. Plumbing:
   1. 1.The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
   2. 2.The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

 R105.2.1Emergency repairs.

Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.

 R105.2.2Repairs.

Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

 R105.2.3Public service agencies.

A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.

9. What do I need to submit for a bathroom or kitchen remodel?

To submit for a bathroom or kitchen remodel permit, provide a digital set of plan of the kitchen or bathroom on 11 inch x17 inch minimum paper. Provide an existing and proposed floor plan of the room, and identify on the plan all fixtures (e.g. lights, outlets, water closet, lavatory, kitchen sink, etc) on the plan. 

Bath And Kitchen Remodel Permits Brochure (PDF).

10. Do I need a permit for a fence?

A building permit is not required for fences seven feet or less. However, this does not exempt the requirements specified by the Planning Department. Please contact the Planning Department prior to the construction of a fence.

11. How high can I build my fence?

The maximum height of the fence, wall, and hedge is dependent upon the location on the property. Front Yard Setback or within the sight distance area - 3 feet maximum. Rear Yard Setback (unless this area is within the sight distance area) - 6 foot inch maximum.

12. Do I need a permit for a shed?

Yes, a building permit is required for a shed over 120 square feet and over 8ft high. Setbacks for sheds 120 square feet and under are 5ft rear yard setback and 3ft side yard setback. Any shed larger than 120 square feet and over 8ft in height require Plan review and the setbacks become 10ft rear yard setback and 5ft side yard setback. 

13. When am I required to pay school fees for my project?

School fees are required when a project includes the construction of 500 square feet or more habitable space to a structure. Fees are required to be paid prior to the issuance of a permit.

14. Do I need an Architect or Engineer?

Please refer to our Architect or Engineer page.

15. What information is required on drawings?

Please refer to our (under revision -  please email the Permit Technician if you require more information bcorrales@hmbcity.com) 

Information Required on Drawings page.