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1. What requires a permit?

Businesses must obtain building permits for construction and interior improvements. Additions, demolitions, alterations including new interior walls, drop ceilings, new plumbing lines and fixtures, new electrical wiring or lighting fixtures, replacing or installing HVAC equipment require building permits. Finish work that does not require a permit includes: carpeting, non-structural flooring (tile, laminate, and hardwood), wallpapering and painting.

2. What should I do before obtaining a building permit?

Before applying for a building permit, it is important to check with the Planning Division to ensure that your proposed business is permitted at your desired location and if a Conditional Use Permit is required. The Planning Division can be contacted at 562-383-4100.

3. What are the costs associated with the issuance of a permit and inspections?

Fees are based on the extent of the construction project, such as the size of the modified area and amount of plumbing, electrical and mechanical work and if a Conditional Use Permit is needed. An estimate of the costs can be provided subject to sufficient details of the project being submitted by you. For an estimate on fees, please contact the Building and Safety Division at 562-383-4116.

4. How do I apply for a building permit?

To obtain your building permit(s), you, your contractor or designer must submit plans for plan review to the City's Building and Safety Division. The type of plans required and the level of detail will depend upon the scope of work proposed. When plans are required, it is advisable to have an experienced design professional assist you. Plans for non-structural alterations, such as door and window replacements, can be drawn by the contractor, but projects that may seem simple on the surface may involve detailing and specification requiring special training and expertise. For projects involving structural modifications, plans and calculations must be submitted for plan review. A plan check fee will be collected. The first plan check review takes two weeks. You or your contractor/designer will be provided a list of corrections to be made to the plans. After the plans are revised, please have them resubmitted for verification that the revisions have been made. We offer appointments to assist and expedite the second review of the plans. For non-structural modifications, an over the counter permit can sometimes be obtained by the licensed contractor or by the lessee.

5. Will I need Fire Department approval?

Certain construction projects require Fire Department plan review and inspections. These include: tenant improvements to buildings equipped with fire sprinklers, new or alterations to kitchen hood fire protection systems, spray and powder coating booths, removal and installation of underground flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks and related piping and detection systems, and photovoltaic systems that cover 50 % or more of the roof. The City of La Habra contracts with Los Angeles County Fire Department to provide fire prevention and suppression services. Should you need their services or have questions, Please contact Jeff Lee, Fire Inspector, at 562-691-9369. He is located at 850 W La Habra Blvd. For new construction or major tenant improvements, please contact the Los Angeles County Fire Prevention Headquarters at 323-890-4125. If you are not sure who to contact at L.A. County Fire Department, let us help you.

6. Will I need any other permits?

These are instances where you must get other approvals before applying for a building permit. These include:

1) Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for businesses that are limited due to zoning regulations. Please contact the Planning Department at 562-383-4100 to determine if your business will require a Conditional Use Permit.

2) Orange County Health Care Agency for businesses preparing or serving food or drinks. You can contact the OC Health Care Agency at 714-433-6000 or visit their website at http://ochealthinfo.com.

3) Alcoholic Beverage Control License (ABC) for any business that sells alcoholic beverages. You can contact the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 714-558-4101 or visit their website at http://www.abc.ca.gov.

4) South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for the demolition of structures larger than one hundred square feet requires that you file a Notice of Demolition and an asbestos survey with AQMD. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. Please contact AQMD at 909-396-2000 or visit their website at http://www.aqmd.gov.

5) Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) must be submitted for review and approval prior to the issuance of a building permit if your project requires a discretionary review. To understand the type of WQMP to prepare for your project, please contact Melissa You with the Engineering Division at 562-383-4151.

CalGOLD is a very helpful State website to find out what kinds of permits your business requires and who to contact. Their website is http://www.calgold.ca.gov.

7. Must I make accessibility upgrades to an existing building?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits the exclusion of people with disabilities from everyday activities, such as buying an item at the store, watching a movie in a theater, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, exercising at the local health club or having the car services at a local garage. Private businesses that provide goods or services to the public are called public accommodations in the ADA. The ADA establishes requirements for twelve categories of public accommodations including: stores and shops, restaurants and bars, service establishments, theaters, hotels, recreation facilities, private museums and schools and others. Nearly all types of private businesses that serve the public are included in a category regardless of size. If you own, operate, lease, or lease to a business that serves the public, then you must comply with ADA regulations and have an obligation to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In addition, all new building features are required to meet current architectural accessibility requirements, including: parking stalls, loading lanes, curb, ramps, and path of travel, sales counter height, door hardware, and restroom layout. The California Building Code accessibility laws require that a minimum of 20% of tenant improvement construction costs, exclusive of accessibility upgrades, be used to upgrade existing building features to make them more accessible. For information on having your business evaluated consider consulting with a design professional with specific expertise, such as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), which is regulated by the State of California's Division of the State Architect. Should you have further questions regarding this subject, please contact us at 562-373-4116.

8. How do I know if my driveway, sidewalks, or utilities are adequate or need improving?

The best way of determining the appropriateness of street, driveway entrances, utilities, and their locations is to contact the Engineering Division at City Hall by calling Jack Miller at 562-383-4151.

9. Will a grease interceptor be required for my restaurant?

Food preparation and processing must comply with the Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) program which is managed by the City’s Public Works Department. Depending on the amount of FOG, a grease interceptor or a grease trap is generally required. For more information, please contact Brian Jones at 562-383-4170.

10. If I hire a contractor, how do I make sure they are licensed?

Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, please visit the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) website or call 800-321-2752. Look up a contractor license to verify information, including complaint disclosure, and learn how to hire the right type of licensed contractor for your job. Contractors State License Board Website

11. Are inspections required?

The City will require periodic inspections to ensure that the work being done conforms to the approved plans and the building code standards. The building inspector acts on your behalf and that of the City to ensure the safety of your business and your building. Before covering over any work, please call the inspection request line at 562-383-4122. Inspection requests must be made one business day in advance, and they must be made by 4:00 p.m. It is advised that final contract payment to your contractor not be made until the City has conducted and signed off on the building permit. The contractor should provide you with the original signed off inspection card or contact the Building & Safety Division for verification of such act at 562-383-4116.